Software I Like To Use
Scrivener
By Literature and Latte
Of all the writing tools I have encountered in my travels, this one is the best. Period. Ever. Scrivener makes ordinary word processors like Microsoft Word look like primitive toys by comparison. Basically, what it does, is it breaks your long project (say, a thesis, or a novel) into many smaller projects, the size of which is up to you, and then lets you organize them however you want — into folders, document groups, selection sets, etc.; and it goes even further, representing each piece of your writing puzzle as an actual index card on a corkboard, to which you can also attach images, text, links, bookmarks, what have you. And it can organize those, too. It can do tables of contents; it can keep all your research together; it’s compatible with citation software; and, it’s only $49. Oh, and did I mention — you can import and export Word Documents, and PDFs? You can. And you can view your notecards on a sort of “role-based” timeline. And you can stitch your smaller documents together into larger ones in any order and in any way you want. Scrivener also separates the “writing” process from the “formatting” process; so you don’t have to worry about how something is going to look on the page until you’ve finished with the most important part — the writing itself. For $49 on the Mac App Store (the Windows version, as of this writing, is still one version behind the Mac version, but I understand that’s changing very soon), this is one hell of a deal. I’ve written four novels in Scrivener, and now only use Word to “touch up” my finished Scrivener output. It’s been a godsend for me, it really has . . . Maybe it can be one for you too.
Scrivener is a powerful writing tool designed to cater to the needs of writers who work on long-form projects, such as novels, screenplays, and research papers. Developed by Keith Blount in 2007, Scrivener has become a favorite among writers for its versatility and comprehensive set of features2. Here’s a thorough review of Scrivener, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.
Key Features
Organizational Tools: Scrivener offers a range of organizational tools, including a corkboard view for outlining, a binder for managing documents, and a research folder for keeping related materials handy. These features help writers keep their projects well-structured and easily navigable2.
Customizable Interface: The app allows users to customize their workspace, tailoring it to their specific workflow. This flexibility ensures that writers can create an environment that suits their preferences and enhances productivity2.
Templates: Scrivener comes with a variety of pre-set templates for different types of writing projects, such as novels, screenplays, and stage plays. These templates provide a solid starting point and help streamline the writing process.
Multi-Document Support: The software supports multiple documents within a single project, making it easy to switch between different sections or chapters without losing context.
Compile Function: One of Scrivener’s standout features is its compile function, which allows writers to export their work in various formats, including PDF, ePub, and Word. This is particularly useful for publishing and sharing content.
Pros
Comprehensive Toolset: Scrivener offers a wide range of tools and features that cater to different aspects of the writing process, from planning and drafting to editing and compiling.
User-Friendly: Despite its extensive capabilities, Scrivener is relatively easy to learn and use. The interface is intuitive, and there are plenty of tutorials and resources available to help new users get started.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Scrivener is available on macOS, Windows, and iOS, allowing users to work on their projects across different devices. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for writers who need to work on the go.
Generous Trial Period: Scrivener offers a 30-day free trial that includes all features, giving users ample time to explore the software and determine if it meets their needs.
Cons
Learning Curve: While Scrivener is user-friendly, it does have a learning curve, especially for those new to writing software. The multitude of features and customization options can be overwhelming at first.
Separate Licenses: Users need to purchase separate licenses for macOS and Windows if they want to use Scrivener on both platforms. While there is a discount for bundling the two, it can still be an additional expense.
No Web App: Scrivener does not have a web app, which means users cannot access their projects online. This can be a limitation for those who prefer cloud-based solutions.
Logic Pro X
Somewhere in the history of electronic music production, sequencers (programs that record and play back MIDI data; i.e., computer-controlled and/or generated musical note data) and digital audio software (programs that record, produce, and output actual audio, like a vocal or drum machine performance), came together and had beautiful children (well, I guess that depends on how you define “beautiful”). And the most beautiful of them all is Logic Pro X. These programs are called DAWS — “Digital Audio Workstations.” There’s a lot of them out there — from Ableton Live, to Cubase Pro, to Cakewalk, to Pro Tools . . . The list goes on, and so does the competition between companies to create the best DAW . But like the McCloud said: “There can be only one.” And that “one” is Logic Pro X, made and sold by Apple, and which, unfortunately for all you Windows users out there, only runs on Macs. It’s got every feature you can possibly think of, and more. Its virtual instrument and “plugins” technology is what I used to produce the music you can listen to elsewhere on this site! It can handle an unlimited number of tracks, up to a thousand audio tracks at once; up to a thousand virtual instruments at once; 1024 auxiliary mixing channels; it has cool icons to stand for your different parts; it comes with a bundle of really kick-ass plugins — including a basic sampler and a pretty decent guitar amp — and did I mention it’s easy to use? Because it is. Very. You get used to the “Logic Paradigm” fairly quickly, and once you do, all other sequencers will look like children’s toys by comparison. Logic Pro 11 is Apple's flagship digital audio workstation (DAW), and it has long been a favorite among musicians and composers for its powerful features and user-friendly interface. Here’s a thorough review from a musician's perspective:
Key Features
Session Players: Logic Pro 11 introduces AI-powered session players for piano and bass, joining the existing session drummer. These virtual musicians can follow your lead, making it easier to create full arrangements without needing additional live players3.
Studio Bass and Studio Piano: These new plugins provide high-quality sounds for the session players and can be used independently as well. They are designed to offer realistic and expressive performances, enhancing the overall production quality3.
Stem Splitter: This new feature uses AI to quickly and conveniently extract individual stems (drums, bass, vocals, etc.) from a mixed audio track. This is particularly useful for remixing and mastering3.
ChromaGlow: This feature adds a warm, analog-like coloration to your audio, giving it a more polished and professional sound.
Customizable Interface: Logic Pro 11 retains its customizable interface, allowing users to tailor the workspace to their specific needs and workflow.
Pros
Powerful and Versatile: Logic Pro 11 is packed with a vast array of sounds, virtual instruments, and effects, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres and styles. It supports multitrack recording, film scoring, sound design, and postproduction1.
Affordable: At $199.99, Logic Pro 11 is relatively affordable compared to other professional DAWs, offering excellent value for its extensive features.
User-Friendly: Despite its complexity, Logic Pro 11 is designed to be user-friendly, with a logical and intuitive interface. The extensive tutorials and resources available make it accessible even for beginners.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Logic Pro 11 is available on macOS and iOS, allowing users to work on their projects across different devices. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for musicians who need to work on the go.
No Copy Protection: Unlike many competitors, Logic Pro 11 does not require hardware or software copy protection, making it easy to install and use.
Cons
Complexity: While Logic Pro 11 is user-friendly, its extensive features and customization options can be overwhelming for new users. There is a learning curve involved, especially for those unfamiliar with DAWs.
UI Customization: Some users may find the interface customization options limited, preferring more flexibility in arranging their workspace.
Subscription Model for iPad: Logic Pro for iPad is available only through a subscription model, which may not be ideal for all users.