Yes, Scrivener is a one-time purchase, not a subscription
You pay once and own the software forever. There is no monthly or yearly fee, no subscription renewal, and no features that lock behind a paywall after your initial purchase. Scrivener 3 (the current version for Windows and Mac) costs $49.99 as a one-time payment. Scrivener for iOS costs $19.99 as a one-time purchase. Once you buy it, you keep it.
The catch is version-specific: if you own Scrivener 2 and want to upgrade to Scrivener 3, you pay an upgrade fee (usually around $25) rather than the full price. But you are never forced to upgrade. Scrivener 2 still works on older systems, and many writers continue using it without paying anything more.
Key Takeaways
- Scrivener 3 costs $49.99 one time for Windows or Mac, with no recurring charges ever.
- The iOS version is a separate $19.99 one-time purchase and does not sync automatically with the desktop version.
- Upgrading from Scrivener 2 to Scrivener 3 costs less than a full purchase, but you are not required to upgrade.
- You can use Scrivener on multiple computers if you own a license, but you need a separate license for each operating system (one for Windows, one for Mac).
How the one-time payment works across devices
When you purchase Scrivener, you receive a license code tied to your account on the Literature & Latte website (the company that makes Scrivener). You can install the software on multiple computers, but the license is personal to you—you cannot share it with another person or use it on a shared family account.
If you own both a Mac and a Windows machine, you need two separate licenses: one for each operating system. The Mac version and Windows version are sold separately and do not cross over. The iOS app is also separate, so if you want Scrivener on your iPhone or iPad, you pay the $19.99 iOS price in addition to whatever desktop version you own.
There is no cloud sync between versions. If you write in Scrivener on your Mac and want to work on the same project on your iPad, you have to manually export the project file and move it between devices yourself. This is different from subscription software like Microsoft 365, which syncs across devices automatically.
What happens if Literature & Latte shuts down or stops supporting your version
Because Scrivener is a one-time purchase, you own a perpetual license to use the version you bought. If the company stops updating Scrivener 3 tomorrow, you can still use Scrivener 3 forever on the computer it is installed on. You do not lose access because a subscription expired or a server went down.
That said, software does eventually stop working on newer operating systems. If you buy Scrivener 3 today and Apple releases macOS 15 in five years, there is no may provide Scrivener 3 will run on it without a paid upgrade to Scrivener 4. But that is a future decision you make only if and when it becomes necessary—not an automatic charge.
Comparing Scrivener to subscription writing software
Many writing tools now use subscription models. Ulysses charges $5.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Microsoft Word is $6.99 per month as part of Microsoft 365. Google Docs is free but stores your work in the cloud and depends on an internet connection. Scrivener's one-time model means you own the software outright and can use it offline indefinitely.
The trade-off is that Scrivener does not sync across devices the way subscription software does, and you are responsible for backing up your own files. If you lose your computer, your Scrivener projects are gone unless you have a separate backup. Subscription software often stores backups in the cloud automatically, which is a convenience you pay for each month.
How to purchase and activate Scrivener
You buy Scrivener directly from Literature & Latte's website (literatureandlatte.com). You choose your operating system, pay the one-time fee, and receive a license code by email. You then download the installer, install the software, and enter your license code to activate it. The entire process takes about ten minutes.
Literature & Latte also offers a 30-day free trial (not a limited version—the full software with all features). You can download it, use it for a month, and decide whether to buy. If you do not purchase within 30 days, the software stops opening projects, but you can restart the trial or buy a license at any time.
Refunds and what to do if you change your mind
Literature & Latte offers a 30-day money-back may provide from the date of purchase. If you buy Scrivener, use it for two weeks, and decide it is not for you, you can request a refund within that window. After 30 days, the purchase is final and non-refundable.
To request a refund, contact Literature & Latte's support team through their website. They will ask for your order number and license code. Refunds are processed back to your original payment method (credit card, PayPal, or other payment method you used) and typically appear within five to ten business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay again if I reinstall Scrivener on the same computer?
No. Once you own a license, you can reinstall it as many times as you want on the same machine. You just need your license code, which you can retrieve from your Literature & Latte account if you lose it.
Can I use my Scrivener license on my work computer and home computer?
Yes, as long as you are the only person using both machines. The license is personal to you, not to a specific computer. However, you cannot use the same license on two computers simultaneously—only one installation at a time.
What if I buy Scrivener and then my computer crashes?
Your license does not expire or disappear. When you get a new computer, download Scrivener again, and enter your license code. Literature & Latte keeps a record of your purchase, so you can retrieve your license code from your account on their website anytime.
Is there a student discount or educational pricing?
Literature & Latte occasionally runs sales and discounts, but there is no permanent student pricing. Check their website or sign up for their mailing list to hear about promotions. Some retailers also sell Scrivener at a discount during sales events.
If I buy Scrivener 3 now, will I have to pay for Scrivener 4?
Probably, but not immediately. When Scrivener 4 is released (which may be years away), you will have the option to upgrade at a reduced price or stick with Scrivener 3. You are never forced to upgrade, and your Scrivener 3 license remains valid as long as it works on your operating system.