Is Scrivener still forcing us to use RICH TEXT, or is there an option to use PLAIN TEXT in the editor?
And no, setting up RT to look like PT is not the same thing.
Yes. No.
Why does it matter?
Scrivener’s native format is rich text. This is unlikely to change.
Katherine
Scrivener separates writing from compiling (creating your output), and compiling fully supports a very robust plain text workflow.
Yes, Scrivener is forcing you to use rich text. Even when you’re using pen and paper. Get used to it; rich text is your life now. No more plain text for you, ever.
Seriously, if you need to access the files outside of Scrivener, using some plain text tools, then look into the Sync with External Folder feature, which has a plain text syncing option. It’s highly unlikely that Keith is going to abandon rich text, or create an alternative text editing system native to Scrivener’s editor–those chances are in line with the possibility of a Commodore 64 version of Scrivener.