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How to Compile Your Manuscript in Scrivener
Edited 5 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
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Scrivener is an incredibly powerful tool for writers. It allows you to organize, edit, and compile your manuscript in one place. Compiling your manuscript in Scrivener is a crucial step before taking your project to a final format for publishing, sharing, or personal use. This guide will take you through the steps to compile your work, set up options, and create a finished document that suits your needs.
Understanding the basics of compilation in Scrivener
Compiling in Scrivener involves gathering all the parts of your manuscript and exporting it into a single file. This process is necessary to convert your work into a format that is easy to share or publish, such as PDF, Word Doc or ePub. It also allows for customization of fonts, formatting and additional document settings to ensure that your manuscript meets the required standards.
A step-by-step guide to compiling in Scrivener
Let's take a look at the detailed steps on how you can compile your manuscript in Scrivener. This guide assumes you've already written your draft and are ready to export your work.
Step 1: Access the compile function
To start the compilation process, you need to open your project in Scrivener. On the top menu, you will find the “File” option. Click on it, and a dropdown menu will appear. From this menu, select “Compile…”. This action will open the compilation window where you will set your compilation preferences.
Step 2: Choosing your output format
In the Compile window you'll first need to choose the output format you want. Scrivener supports a variety of formats, including:
- Paperback Print (PDF)
- Word document (.docx)
- EPUB Ebook
- Mobi (for Kindle)
- Plain text (.txt)
- Rich Text Format (.rtf)
Each format has its own advantages depending on your goals. For example, choosing PDF is ideal for physical printing, while ePub is great for digital bookstores. Choose the format that best suits your purpose.
Step 3: Set up your collection section layout
Under the "Layout" tab in the Compile window, you'll choose how to format each section of your manuscript. Scrivener defaults to certain styles, but you can customize each section type such as folders, text files, or individual chapters.
For example, you might want your chapter headings to be bold and centered, while the main text will be left-aligned with indentation. Adjust the settings until you are satisfied with each section format.
Step 4: Manage metadata
The Metadata tab allows you to fill in important information about your manuscript that will be included in the compiled document. This information may include:
- Author's Name
- Title of the work
- Publisher (if applicable)
- Date of publication
Ensuring this data is correct helps organize and identify your manuscript, especially in digital formats such as e-books.
Step 5: Adding a table of contents
If your document is long and has multiple sections such as a novel divided into chapters, consider adding a table of contents (TOC). This can be done manually by creating a page in Scrivener where you list chapter titles and corresponding page numbers (use placeholders during compilation for automatic updates).
In digital formats like ePub or Mobi, Scrivener can automatically generate a clickable TOC, making navigation much easier for your readers.
Step 6: Adjusting the page settings
Within the compilation settings, you'll find options to customize the appearance of your pages including adjusting margins, headers, footers, and more document-wide settings. Spend time making sure the overall layout complies with any specific guidelines you're presenting.
Step 7: Add or exclude content
Scrivener makes it easy to compile only the parts of your project that you need. Inside the compilation window, you have the chance to choose which documents or folders to include. If there are notes or drafts that you don't want in the final export, make sure they are unchecked.
Step 8: Customizing your export options
In the compilation window, you'll also find additional export settings like font size, line spacing, and text formatting. You can also click "Assign section layout..." to further customize how each section of your document is exported.
Pay attention to these settings to ensure that your compiled document looks as professional as possible.
Step 9: Save your compilation preset
If you plan to compile documents with the same settings in the future, save your current setup as a preset by clicking "Save Preset...". This will save time, as you won't have to manually re-apply each setting every time you compile.
Step 10: Compile your manuscript
Once you have completed the above steps and are satisfied with the preview of your compilation settings, click the "Compile" button below. You will be asked to choose a save location on your computer and possibly give the file a name.
After confirmation, Scrivener will process the file. Depending on the length and complexity of your manuscript, this process may take some time.
Finalizing your compiled manuscript
Once your manuscript is compiled, it is best practice to review the document in the new format. Check for any formatting issues, missing content, or alignment problems to ensure everything is cited correctly from Scrivener.
Remember to save the compiled version in a safe place, especially if it is ready for presentation or publication.
Troubleshooting common compilation issues
If you encounter problems such as incorrect formatting or missing sections during the compilation process, revisiting your compilation settings often resolves these issues. Make sure all documents in your Scrivener binder are properly tagged for the intended structure, and double-check your layout formats.
Scrivener's user manual and online forum are also excellent resources if you need additional help or advanced tips.
Conclusion
Compiling your manuscript in Scrivener is a powerful way to produce a polished, well-formatted document ready for the next steps of publishing or sharing. By carefully selecting options in the compilation window and thoroughly reviewing your output file, you can efficiently create a professional-quality manuscript.
Like any complex tool, Scrivener's compilation feature can seem intimidating at first glance, but with practice and customization, it becomes an invaluable part of your writing toolkit.
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