Scrivener For Dummies

Creating a Project

Scrivener files are called projects. A Scrivener project is a collection of documents, some of which contain the text of your manuscript; others hold reference materials, photos, notes, and so on. Think of a project like a virtual three-ring binder: You can break up your writing into multiple documents, as well as include supporting notes, documentation, images, and website content, all under the umbrella of a single project file.

In order to get started in Scrivener, you must first create a project, in part because the program saves while you write (two seconds after every pause, by default!). To save your work automatically, it must already know the name of the file and where the file is stored on your computer.

If you’ve never used Scrivener before, or you closed all open projects last time you used it, Scrivener brings up the Project Templates window when you open it. You can also open the Project Templates window by choosing File⇒New Project.

Choosing the right template

A template is kind of like a new house purchased from a builder. You and your neighbor might buy the same model, but then you add your own paint colors, window dressing, flooring, fixtures, and landscaping. The neighbors might prefer antique furnishings, but your house is full of glass and steel. They might choose white siding, where you choose brick. They have garden gnomes, and you have a gazing ball. They . . . well, you get the idea.

Same template, different results.

The same is true ...