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Microsoft Reader vs Scrivener

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Microsoft Reader icon
Microsoft Reader
Scrivener icon
Scrivener

Microsoft Reader vs Scrivener: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Microsoft Reader: Microsoft Reader is an e-book reader software developed by Microsoft. It allowed users to read e-books in .lit format which supported highlighting and taking notes. It was discontinued in 2012.

Scrivener: Scrivener is professional writing software used by authors to plan, organize and write long documents like novels and screenplays. It has features like corkboard, outliner, annotations, and split screen to help write drafts and revisions.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Microsoft Reader Scrivener
Sugggest Score — —
Category News & Books Office & Productivity

Product Overview

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader

Description: Microsoft Reader is an e-book reader software developed by Microsoft. It allowed users to read e-books in .lit format which supported highlighting and taking notes. It was discontinued in 2012.

Type: software

Scrivener
Scrivener

Description: Scrivener is professional writing software used by authors to plan, organize and write long documents like novels and screenplays. It has features like corkboard, outliner, annotations, and split screen to help write drafts and revisions.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader Features
  • Text-to-speech
  • Annotation and highlighting
  • Dictionary lookup
  • Adjustable text size and fonts
  • Compatibility with .lit ebook format
Scrivener
Scrivener Features
  • Corkboard view to visualize story structure
  • Outliner to organize scenes and chapters
  • Annotations and comments to provide feedback on drafts
  • Split screen to view multiple documents
  • Templates for common formats like novels and screenplays
  • Revision tracking to compare draft changes
  • Export to common formats like PDF and ePub

Pros & Cons Analysis

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader

Pros

  • Good text-to-speech
  • Easy annotation and highlighting
  • Built-in dictionary
  • Flexible text formatting

Cons

  • Only supported .lit format
  • Discontinued in 2012
  • Limited adoption and usage
Scrivener
Scrivener

Pros

  • Powerful tools for planning and organizing long documents
  • Flexible interface to suit different writing styles
  • Great for collaborating with editors and co-authors
  • Robust formatting and export options
  • Helpful for drafting and revising

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Overwhelming interface for new users
  • Limited cloud sync and collaboration features
  • Windows and Mac only, no Linux or mobile versions
  • Can be slow with very large documents

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Learn More About Each Product

Microsoft Reader
Microsoft Reader
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Scrivener
Scrivener
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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