Using Scrivener for book writing

Summary

Scrivener is a drafting and organization tool designed for books and other long-form writing. It helps you capture ideas, break work into sections, and reorder those sections until you’re happy with the overall structure and flow.

Environment

Operating System: Windows, macOS
Software: Scrivener

Directions

Get the software

Send your request for Scrivener to be installed to via our web form and include the name of your computer. This machine must be university owned.

Important notes

  • Using Scrivener with cloud storage tools (e.g., Dropbox/OneDrive): Use caution. Scrivener projects contain many internal files; syncing can cause conflicts if the project is open on more than one device at a time. It is better to sync and close a project on one device before opening it on another.
  • Using the same project on both Mac and Windows: Supported, but avoid opening the same project simultaneously on different computers.
  • Best practice: Work in one project per writing project, except in special workflows where multiple projects are intentionally used.

Take the tutorial

When Scrivener opens it will default to a screen like the one below.

The default landing page when opening Scrivener (Mac)
  1. Select Interactive Tutorial.
  2. Click Open.
  3. Scrivener will explain that it will create a tutorial project on your computer and how to repeat the tutorial later if needed.
Interactive Tutorial explanation window.

You’ll be prompted to name the tutorial project. The default name is typically Tutorial.scriv, and the default location is usually your Documents folder.​​​​​​

Note: On macOS, Scrivener may request permission prompts (for example, Contacts) depending on system settings and installed components. The tutorial takes about 1 hour to complete.

Learn key terms

  • Binder: The left panel that displays your project structure (like folders and files).
  • Editor: The main writing area where you draft and format text.
  • Project format (.scriv): A Scrivener project is a folder/package containing many files. Don’t edit the internal files directly. Use Scrivener’s export/compile features instead.
  • Backup: Use File > Back Up > Back Up Now (menu name may vary by version) to create a project backup. Scrivener autosaves, but manual backups are recommended at major milestones.
  • Scratch Pad / Clippings: Tools for collecting text snippets while you work. Configure in Preferences/Options (location depends on Windows vs. macOS).
  • Layouts: Use Window > Layouts to switch among workspace arrangements that match how you like to work.
  • Composition Mode: A full-screen, distraction-reduced writing mode.
  • Inspector: A panel for notes, annotations, metadata, and other project details you can search and use later.
  • Document view: View/edit a single document in the Editor.
  • Corkboard view: Visual “index cards” for documents within a folder/section.
  • Outliner view: A structured outline of documents within a folder/section.

Start a project

To start a new project, navigate to File > New Project.
 

Import ideas

Scrivener supports imports via the File > Import > Files menu for the following formats: RTFD, RTF, DOC, DOCX (Leopard and above only), ODT (Leopard and above only), TXT / plain text, PDF, Final Draft FDX, Final Draft FCF, HTML, HTM, WEBARCHIVE, most image files, any file supported by Quicktime (video and audio).
 

Organize your ideas

You may want to break up these imports into smaller parts for rearranging using the Split > At Selection and Split > Option.
 

Compile your work

When you have completed your organization and editing, you will likely want to compile your work to your final editor say word. See:

Expand your skills

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