How do I import an existing manuscript?
Import turns a Word, Scrivener, OpenDocument, EPUB, Markdown, HTML, RTF, plain-text or PDF file into a new PugWriter project, split into chapters. Your original file is never changed.
Before you start
- A copy of the document you want to bring in. Keep the original somewhere else, outside the new project.
- If it's a Word file, use real headings (Heading 1) for chapter titles so PugWriter can find where chapters start.
Steps
Choose File ▸ Import ▸ Import Project….
Under What are you importing?, click the kind of file you have, for example Word (.docx). The bars show how much of each format comes across directly.
Pick the format, then press Choose file… Press Choose file… and pick your copy in the window that opens. If your book is a folder of files, one per chapter, choose the Docs in folder card instead.
Check the preview. It shows the title, author, number of chapters and words, and under Detected structure a list of the chapters it found.
Detected structure lists each chapter before anything is created. If the chapters are split in the wrong places, change Split chapters at (Automatic, # Headings, ## Headings or Don't split — one chapter) and check the list again. Then press Next.
Under Where should the project live?, check the Project title, press Choose… to pick a Location, and choose a Project type. Then press Next.
Choose where the new project folder will be created. If you see Enhance with AI?, you can leave Run the AI enhancement pass after import unticked. The import itself never needs AI or a key. Press Import.
The AI pass is optional. Leave it off unless you want it. When it says Import complete, read the summary, then press Open project.
The summary says how many chapters came in. Your chapters are listed under Manuscript in the sidebar. Click one to read it.
The new project opens with each chapter in the sidebar.
Click a screenshot to see it larger, then use the arrow keys to step through them.
Check it worked
- Compare the chapter list in the sidebar with the chapters in your original. Each chapter should start in the same place.
- Open a few chapters and compare the text, bold, italics, lists and any images with the original.
- If your document had notes, comments, or world-building material (characters, places), look for them in the new project: notes in the Inspector, items in the Codex.
- Open your original document again to confirm it hasn't changed.
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