Top 10 Scrivener Tips
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- My top 10 Scrivener tips!
Scrivener has so many features it’s insane. No mortal can memorize them all.
In this video I give a rundown of my top tips to help you become a learn Scrivener and become power user in no time.
You probably know 7 of these tips. But the other 3 will blow your mind…guaranteed…
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What's your top Scrivener tip? Sound off below!
The place holder tip might help me. I've inserted images. They look good in Scrivener, but slide between lines when I export into Word or PDF. I'll try it and see... IF the feature exists in my Linux version. That's an older version that was converted years ago and hasn't been supported by Scrivener.
What I like about placeholders for images is you can also specify size, such as (120 points wide) or (55 points high). I use an icon (same icon) above each chapter title, and another for significant scene breaks.
You can also set a ginormous width, like 'w=600' for an image that you want to span the entire page's width, and there is an option in compile that will just take that and make it whatever width the page is, and that is, from what I've seen, followed properly by e-readers.
Omg dude. I don´t know if u read this comment because this video is from 2018, but the first tip (paste and match style) just saved my life after the probably most depressing 60 minutes of my life.
I cannot say thank you often enough.
These videos are pushing 6 years old and still the best videos around for learning the ins and outs of Scrivener. THANK YOU
This was very insightful! Thank you for making this! 6 years later and this video is still helping out writers
Not sure what is your secret but the video sounds so friendly and with great content!
Watching a few of your videos to understand the software before I get into it. I really like your delivery and appreciate your concise speaking manner. Millions of youtube tutorials could learn from you. Thanks man
Thanks so much!
This is one of the best tutorials on Scrivener I've ever watched, and I wish I had done 90% of this when I first got the app. It's an amazing tool for writing projects, but it can be hard to automate--the power tips you included here are super helpful!
My top tip? To watch your 20 minute explanation on how to use scrivener. You perfectly explained a software that takes weeks to learn. 👍🏼
I’ve posted on Literature and Latte’s forum twice about disappearing images between my iPad, Windows 10 laptop, and Windows 10 desktop and to this day (approximately two years from the first instance), aside from one vague mention about copy/pasting images maybe being part of the problem, no one has informed me as much in all that time as you did in the time it took you to describe tip number one.
That was one long sentence, but I mean it...I think you solved my problem. Too tired after a day at work but I’m going to experiment with that ASAP.
I originally watched your Scrivener iOS mobile overview video, and now stayed to watch your tips for using Scrivener and your writing tips as well. Thank you for such concise videos, they've been really helpful to me!
What you have! O.M.G. Millions will kill for it. 20 videos down the drain and i still did not understand shit. But just 10 tips from you and i feel like the best writer in the world. Amazing. Incredible. Spectacular. Indulging. Breathtaking. Please, i am a new writer, and Scrivener is giving me a terrible nightmare. Can you create a full tutorial on Scrivener for windows? Please!
Straight to the point! + an amazing voice!
Just got Scrivener, and feeling overwhelmed. I am so relieved to find this. Thank you!!
I am come back to "Win" again..!!
*Watching from Thailand
.. Thank you
Really glad I found your channel!
Hi, brilliant video. Can you please do a video on how to set up the very first page, ie margins and correct layout? Many thanks
No Scribner tip. I'm writing my first novel with scrivener and your vids have been unbelievably helpful. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this video! It was very helpful! I love your channel!
Wow. Your videos are so helpful!! Thank you!
Well, this video alone was quite helpful and at the end, I was thinking, "Yep. That's worth the sub.'
Thank you for the time in making this video and best of luck on all your writing endeavors. :)
Thank you for sharing the very practical ideas. You have saved me lots of time.
These are awesome tips! I would love to see a more details video how you break up your Scrivener into multiple books in one series using these collections. Can you only do this with documents, not folders? What if the documents go into a collection out of order? Can you show how to compile from a collection? I love your videos!
Excellent video. Very helpful. You have a new subscriber. :)
I'm working on a series converting from Word, Libra and Fadein and now have four stories up on Scrivener tabs so I can keep track of the characters and keep the stories flowing. The data collection tools freak me out, I blocked the program from reaching out past my firewall so no crash reports or anything else. Getting to 80000 words is so hard though! My stories range in the 25000 range. Well, 54000 now. Its difficult. Your tips helped me out so much. Thank you!
I think I’m most shocked about the last tip regarding image code 😮😮😮 Thank you so much 🙏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Your videos are awesome, Mike. Keep up the brilliant work.
Glad you like them!
You have a lovely way of presenting. Subscribed!
Thank you brother! 😊😊😊
@5:20. THANK YOU!!! I don't know how many videos and tutorials I searched through to find this information. I'm completely new to Scrivener and fiction writing (as in total N00b) and this was SUPER helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve been trying out scrivener for 10 days or something and the quality of pictures inserted has frustrated me a lot. Thank you so much for the tip No. 1.
My best scrivener tip (being very new to the system) would be to turn off 'include in compile' on your character sketch/setting sketch templates so that when you have dozens of them they don't inflate your word count.
Thank you for introducing me to this program, sir.
Nice!
Hi. Please would you consider making videos for people like me who only use iPhone and iPad? I don’t have a laptop or desktop. Many thanks. X
I am overwhelmed just THINKING about writing a book and HAVING to learn a new tool like yet ANOTHER college course in Scrivener - however, looks like YOU may? make this less stress for me? I am hopeful. Thank you so much. May you be blessed.
So pleased I stumbled upon this video. Informative and oh so useful. Subscribed. Going through your other clips now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I quit Scrivener because my pasted images were constantly disappearing and being replaced with a generic icon. I can't wait to try the image tag you mentioned. I'll consider going back to Scrivener now.
Awesome tipps. Thank you!
You are so welcome!
I have a Novel template based on the Writer's Journey... with some tweaks. It has only chapter names and a line explaining what each chapter does.
I start in notecard mode and put a few lines about what should happen in each chapter, or a scene I know I'll use and where it goes. When I"m done, there's a scattering of descriptions in some of the key plot point chapters.
As I get new ideas, I plug 'em in wherever they go, not in chrono order.
Eventually, I have enough verbiage in the whole document to go into text mode and start adding more details. Then I start at chapter one and write the rest. If something doesn't fit, I flag it or move it if I know where it should go. Splitting inserting or merging chapters is a cinch, too.
Thanks for sharing your workflow!
At 2:09 He has 4 copies open, and they are all the same size type or view 200%. How is then done?
Wonderful delivery. Thanks a lot.
Thank you, great tutorial! I'm new with the program and I want to now... how can I use a default image as the background of my project, like an old style page for a history book or something like that. Thank you again☺️
Thank you so much for all those tips but the last one does not appear in the Windows version.
Hi Author I love your videos. How do I change the background color of the page I am typing on? I cannot find the answer anywhere. I am in Scrivener 3 for Mac.
Great tips! I've been using Scrivener for many years but didn't know about a bunch of these. That situation with the tabs? So TRUE! I've spent hours wrangling my manuscript back into shape because I was unaware of Scrivener tab danger.
Thanks do you have updated video on thid 2021
What about using it for in an IPad? I don ‘t have a mouse or right click thanks
You recommend against using Scrivener lists functionality. What is a reasonable workaround? Thanks, Randall
There isn’t one really. It has gotten a little better lately but that’s not saying much.
This is so helpful! Thank you for making these amazing videos!
Thank you for these tips. Especially the last one, with pictures. I need some more details.
Another incredibly useful Scrivener video! Thank you - really well done.
Thank you!
Scrivener noob here, so glad to be done with MS Word! Question, though, if you don't use numbered lists, how would you create a numbered list - perhaps just typing each number? That has its own problems, when your list is long and you need to renumber. BTW, thanks for the tips!
Scrivener allows you to do numbered lists. You can either type the number or select the feature from the menu. It just doesn’t do them well, and they don’t render well when you export them to ebook. That’s why I say to avoid them.
#7 answered a question I had on another video/ channel.
Is the 0.25" indent auto formatting available for the iOS version? If so, how do i find it? Thanks.
Nov 12, 2022.
Your concise information helped me alot.
Thank you very much.
all great - one thing I notice that the live links for a TOC in a pdf generated in Windows do not appear in the pdf document. Seems this is a common problem - any fixes?
Hmm…not sure. You could try to put the ebook into Calibre and use its TOC function to fix the links, but that kind of defeats the purpose.
Excellent video!! Thank you so much!!
Hi, how to insert citation (in text) in Scrivener?
Hello everyone. I have a Final Draft project and I would like to learn to write a screenplay in Scrivener. The problem is that I can't find the scene headings so I can change between character, action and so on.
thank you for this!
Anyone has any tips on a family tree or relationship snapshot in scrivener?
thank you. wonderful delivery. write on
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Great tips - how do I remove the indent from the first paragraph and leave the rest?
💥 hellllp!!! Lol. Seriously though, what I'm about to ask you I found on another video but I can't find that video right now so I have to ask here ... I'm using the app on my iPad Air, the scrivener app, just purchased it and writing my first novel... You said something about setting the tabs it 025 or was it 0.25? Is that only on the desktop version because when I go to Indians it uses points... I need to know where to set the points in the app, I'm not using the desktop version.. can you please help me with that and also what should the points be for paragraphing, I guess it's called line spacing,
So there is
line spacing:
Spacing before:
Spacing after :
Indent :
I need to know what number I should set it to on those four things...
❤ Thank you in advance
Can I add custom fonts to scrivener? The one I want to use isn't listed.
Thank you!!
doesn't it indent(tab) automatically when you press enter?
Great video! Question: I've been looking everywhere and can't find how to organize a large number of separate Scrivener projects. IIf I organize them into folders, will Dropbox be able to locate them ok for backups??. 2. If I make folders, how can i see them? The only viewing option seems to be "Find all projects in spotlight" which shows them in a single layer and ignores the folders. Thanks Michael!
How does 'Church' translate to 'spaceship'? Is this a Scrivener feature? Just curious.
It's long, but it is a really good idea to read the whole Scrivener manual. There are some gems in there.
So glad I found you. Thanks for your tips!
Thank you! It's very helpful!
Can I use this software for a one act stage play?
Sure. :)
I just bought this program and i dont see alot of what your showing us... can you help with that
good info thx I am so new at this
these are banger tips; thank you... :)
thank you, very helpful video
Unfortunately, I could not find , in the menus.
Oh baby jeebus I'm gonna cry if I can't make lists. What's your workaround?
Awesome tips by the way. Thanks for all your efforts.
I use asterisks. They’re easy to control and don’t require any odd indentations. Check out the samples of my book How to Be a Writing Machine. I think you can see them there. Works like a dream. www.authorlevelup.com/beawritingmachine
@@AuthorLevelUp Oh good. Thanks, I'll check that out and try it. The tips abound!
Hi, Michael L Ronn from Author Level Up!,,, I wonder whether can we create index and index entry in Scrivener, and then if there is, could you please, illustrate one tutorial for that feature in Scrivener?
Thanks. Great video. I Subscribed.
Awesome! I love listening to you and your tips are brilliant!
Thanks Ron. RE the tab tip using the ruler. I understand that non-fiction, in my case memoir, paragraphs should NOT be indented. Is that correct? thanks
That’s the norm for ebooks in nonfiction. But there’s no right or wrong way.
I can't figure out the "format < make default for project" thing with the 0.25 indent
Is the copyholder feature you mentioned available on the Windows version?
Not yet. When Scrivener Windows gets it next update, it should be there.
Outstanding!
I cant get rid of the Snapshot window haha :( Nice video btw i Know im a noob with scrivener
Can you do this for the iOS version of scrivener for the ipad?
All versions of Scrivener are substantially the same. I don’t own an iPad, but from what I remember the big difference between Scrivener iOS and iPad is the split screen functionality on the iPad version. There may be other features, but nothing too earth shattering if I remember correctly.
Great tips, thank you!!
Michael, I'm not exactly sure if I'm following you with the image tag. I import the picture from file ... then I add an image tag ? Do I delete the image, then add the tag? Sorry, could you explain a little more. Thanks
Import the image into the binder. Then, in the manuscript, instead of inserting the image directly into the text (like you’d do in word), use the image tag instead. It’s cleaner and keeps your manuscript light.
@@AuthorLevelUp Thanks I've been playing around with it. And that sounds more clearer to me now, Michael. Thanks Again very much!
@@butchkliemann He is a champ. Best tutor ever
I love your nice review, ...
Oh my goodness, you're about to blow up, you are great! xD
Are you describing features from version 3, or are these common to 2 as well?
These are common to Scrivener 2 and 3. The exceptions are the custom metadata, which exists in 2 but is a bit more robust in Scrivener 3 and the copyholders, which builds upon the split screen feature in Scrivener 2. (Basically, you can do up to 4 splits instead of 2).
Can't find #1 (Place-holders) in my version of Scrivener 2). Maybe time for an upgrade.
If you're using Windows, I must stand corrected. I didn't realize this, but apparently placeholders aren't available until the windows update later this year. Upgrading will definitely be worth your money (you'll get Revision mode finally, too!)
Thanks. By the way, I use a Mac.
Hmmm...it should be there then. Assuming you're using Scrivener 2. Maybe try searching for it? I used placeholders in Scrivener 2 all the time. I got nothin' for you at this point. :(
Hi, I hope you're still paying attention to questions on this video. What font and font size works for a novel. I do NOT want a list or choices. Just give me a font and a font size that is generally acceptable.
Is Palatino, Regular, 12 point a generally acceptable font? YES OR NO! If that's not among generally acceptable choices TELL ME. Do not give a list of choices with plusses and minuses.
The problem with Scrivener is all the options. Just now I just want to know where to start.
12 points is typical, probably the most accepted font size by editors and publishers. Palatino is a fine font. I suggest a serif-ed font for fiction such as that. Non-serifs are harder to read over time, so long passages such as in a novel are a bit easier on the eyes when the font is serifed, bc the serifs give quick clues to what a particular letter will be (serifed alphabets have more distinctive indicators per different letter than non-serifed, like Helvitica, for instance). It's a tiny difference, but in a novel with a million characters, it's cumulative.
'Generally acceptable' is likely beside the point. What is best for the reading experience is not always best from a publisher's POV. They will likely tell you what they find acceptable and not acceptable. A publisher might have a hard-on for a particular font, and publish with only that. So that is a question best answered at the point you get published.
One thing I think is important is to have a license to whatever font you use. Often, you have to purchase that. My font of choice is Bookman Old Style. Sadly, it's not free for commercial use, but I found a similar font that is probably just as good or better, and settled on that.
Why do I like Bookman over Palatino? Bookman is a bit rounder, and even feels 'friendlier' to me. Palatino is a bit heavier and a bit squashed IMHO. Publishers like fonts to be squashed and no trailing points between paragraphs. Probably bc it keeps the costs down (smaller, more-squashed fonts and paragraphs take less paper). They will likely prefer a squashed font at a low point size for that very reason and may want to sacrifice aspects of what you have created and force your work of art to fit their marketing concepts (bastids!).
But if you publish digitally, pretty much any e-reader will strip whatever font you use and substitute whatever font the reader chooses, from a list of 5-7 fonts (which they do have a license for), such as Bookerly (Kindle) or Georgia (Apple 'Books'), which are similar to Bookman.
Are you using double-space? Is that standard?
No. For ebooks 1.5 tends to look the nicest in my opinion.
Great tips!
It annoys me to no end that you can't have folders inside other collections. If you try to do that, it just places all the individual files and folders in one single list. How does a program like this not just mimic the "tabbed browsing" feature in 2021?
Interesting about indenting. That is a bit baffling.
But will he say how to add page numbers? I doubt it.
Thanks for recording this. I think it's time to put word into the bin :)
Great video dude, thank you! Scrivner neewbie here.