Product Overview: yWriter
yWriter is a specialized word processing software designed specifically for novel writers, developed by Spacejock Software. It is tailored to help authors organize and manage their writing projects efficiently, allowing them to focus on the creative process.
Primary Function
yWriter breaks down a novel into manageable components such as chapters and scenes, making it easier for writers to keep track of their work. Unlike traditional word processors, yWriter does not perform creative tasks or suggest plot ideas; instead, it provides a structured environment to organize and write your novel.
Key Features
- Project Organization: yWriter allows you to create a project and add chapters, scenes, characters, items, and locations. This hierarchical structure helps in maintaining a clear overview of your work.
- Scene and Chapter Management: You can create multiple scenes within chapters and reorder them as needed. Each scene can include detailed information such as viewpoint character, goal, conflict, and outcome. The software also supports multiple characters per scene and automatic chapter renumbering.
- Backup and Version Control: One of the standout features of yWriter is its automatic backup system, which saves snapshots of your work at user-specified intervals. This allows you to roll back to previous versions of your scenes or chapters if needed.
- Word Count Tracking: yWriter displays the word count for every file in the project, along with a total word count. It also logs your daily progress, showing words written per file and the total, helping you stay on track with your writing goals.
- Storyboard View: The software offers a visual storyboard layout, providing a graphical representation of your chapters and scenes. This feature helps in planning and visualizing the structure of your novel.
- Character and Setting Management: yWriter includes sections for character and setting information, allowing you to add descriptions, biographies, pictures, and goals for each character. Locations and items can also be easily added and managed.
- Export Options: yWriter supports exporting selected chapters to RTF format for proofreading and grammar checks. Additionally, it includes beta features for exporting to Epub and Mobi formats.
- User-Friendly Interface: The software has a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it easy for writers of all experience levels to use. It includes basic editing features such as paragraph alignment, bold, underline, italic, color, indent, and spacing. yWriter also features a speech engine, allowing you to hear your written text.
Additional Functionality
- Drag and Drop: Chapters, scenes, characters, items, and locations can be easily rearranged using drag and drop functionality.
- Reference Sections: The software includes organized tabs for chapters, characters, scenes, locations, and notes, making it easy to access and manage all aspects of your project.
- Cross-Platform Availability: While the primary version is for Windows 7 and later, yWriter is also available for Android, and versions for MacOS and iOS are in development.
In summary, yWriter is a powerful and free writing tool that helps novelists organize, write, and track their projects with ease, making it an excellent alternative to more expensive writing software like Scrivener.