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Dabble vs Scrivener

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Dabble
DabbleNovel Writing Software for Fiction Authors
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Scrivener
ScrivenerLong-form writing software for novels and books, combining drafting, outlining, and research tools.
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Overview
Description

Dabble is a novel writing software for fiction authors, offering a clean, distraction-free interface with plotting tools, character profiles, worldbuilding, daily word count goals, focus mode, editing features, and cloud sync across devices.

Scrivener is writing software built specifically for long-form projects like novels, screenplays, and non-fiction books, rather than general-purpose word processing. It organizes a manuscript using a "ring-binder" metaphor with a corkboard and outliner for structuring chapters and scenes, alongside a dedicated research pane for keeping reference material next to the draft.

Pricing
Free

Try Free for 14 Days

Paid (One-time)
Category
Writing & Blogging
Word Processors
Best for
Fiction authors, novelists, NaNoWriMo participants, and anyone writing a book who wants a simple, distraction-free writing tool with powerful plotting and editing features.
Novelists, screenwriters, and non-fiction authors writing long-form manuscripts
Specifications
Pricing
Starting at $19/month; 14-day free trial
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Platform
Web, desktop, tablet, mobile
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Free Trial
14-day free trial, no credit card required
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Key Features
Plot grid, character profiles, worldbuilding bible, drag-and-drop organization, plot labels, series/shared worlds, focus mode, daily word count goals, NaNoWriMo tracker, sticky notes, comments, text highlighting, advanced grammar/style checks, read-to-me, find and replace, co-authoring, dark theme, autosave cloud backup
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Export Options
Web, Word, Google Docs
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deployment
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Desktop App
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface designed specifically for novelists
  • All-in-one tool: writing, plotting, character profiles, worldbuilding, and editing in one place
  • Distraction-free focus mode and clean editor
  • Daily word count goals and built-in NaNoWriMo tracker
  • One-time purchase rather than a recurring subscription
  • Purpose-built structure (corkboard, outliner, research pane) suits book-length projects better than generic word processors
  • Exports to multiple formats including ePub and Final Draft for different publishing paths
  • Available on macOS, Windows, and iOS
Cons
  • Subscription-based pricing starting at $19/month may be expensive for some users
  • May have more features than a casual or beginner writer needs
  • No free tier mentioned, only a 14-day trial
  • Advanced features like co-authoring and premium workshops are locked behind paid plans
  • Steeper learning curve than a simple word processor due to its project-based structure
  • Not ideal for short documents like letters or one-off reports
  • No Android app, limiting mobile use to iOS only
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
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Ulysses
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Dabble
Dabble

Novel Writing Software for Fiction Authors

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Scrivener offers a one‑time purchase, offline‑focused, deep‑structuring tool for long‑form projects; Dabble provides a subscription, cloud‑synced, all‑in‑one novel‑writing suite with built‑in plotting and collaboration.

Key differences

  • •Pricing model: Scrivener is a one‑time purchase, Dabble requires a monthly subscription after a free trial.
  • •Platform & offline use: Scrivener runs on macOS, Windows, iOS with no cloud requirement; Dabble works via web, desktop, tablet, mobile with cloud sync.
  • •Plotting & worldbuilding tools: Scrivener uses corkboard/outliner; Dabble includes a dedicated plot grid, character profiles, and world‑building bible.
  • •Collaboration: Scrivener has no co‑authoring features; Dabble supports real‑time co‑authoring and shared worlds.
  • •Export options: Scrivener exports to Word, PDF, ePub, Final Draft; Dabble exports to web, Word, Google Docs only.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

Scrivener costs once, avoiding ongoing fees; Dabble starts at $19/month after a 14‑day trial.

Scrivener

Ease of use / learning curve

Dabble is described as intuitive and easy‑to‑use; Scrivener has a steeper learning curve due to its project structure.

Dabble

Features & depth

Both offer robust novel‑writing features; Scrivener excels at outlining, Dabble excels at built‑in plotting and worldbuilding.

Tie

Integrations & ecosystem

Dabble integrates with Word, Google Docs, and web publishing; Scrivener exports to more formats but lacks cloud ecosystem.

Dabble

Collaboration

Dabble includes co‑authoring and shared‑world support; Scrivener provides no collaboration features.

Dabble

Scalability / cloud sync

Dabble’s cloud backup enables multi‑device access and offline sync; Scrivener is desktop‑only with no cloud sync.

Dabble

Support

Support details not specified for either product.

Tie

Choose Dabble if…

Writers who want cloud sync, built‑in plotting/worldbuilding, and collaborative features, and accept a subscription.

Choose Scrivener if…

Authors who prefer a one‑time purchase, work offline, need deep outlining, and don't need collaboration.

Common questions

What is the total cost over two years?

Scrivener: one‑time purchase (price not listed). Dabble: $19 × 24 = $456 plus any future price changes.

Can I write on an Android device?

Scrivener has no Android app; Dabble offers mobile access on Android via its web/app platform.

Which tool supports co‑authoring?

Dabble includes co‑authoring and shared‑world features; Scrivener does not provide collaboration capabilities.