Writing
Chapters & Focus Mode
The chapter editor keeps your manuscript front and center. Draft with autosave, reorder chapters by drag-and-drop, and switch into Focus Mode when you want a clean, distraction-free screen.
- Autosave with visible save status at all times
- Drag-and-drop chapter reordering, with move up/down fallback
- Focus Mode — one chapter, full screen, no clutter
- Character chips for quick reference while writing
Characters
Character dossiers & relationship graph
Build detailed character cards with avatars, personality notes, and role in the story, then map how everyone connects — allies, rivals, secrets — in a visual relationship graph.
- Visual character cards with avatar and face-claim image
- Full dossier — backstory, personality, goals, secrets
- Relationship graph showing how everyone connects
- Character Quick Setup and templates for fast starts
World
Worldbuilding binder
Organize lore by category — locations, factions, cultures, maps, and custom entries — in a Worldbuilding Hub that stays linked to your story, plus a visual timeline for story events.
- Worldbuilding Hub with locations, factions, maps, timeline, and custom entries
- Visual timeline linked to chapters and characters
- Light map references for places that matter to the plot
- Materials Library for reference images and links
Plot
Story Structure
Give your plot a spine. Map word targets to each act, plant foreshadowing and mark it resolved when it pays off, and flag plot contradictions before they reach readers.
- Four acts — Opening, Middle, Climax, Ending — each with a word target
- Foreshadowing tracker: planted, pending, resolved, at-risk
- Plot contradiction flags with severity levels
- Story overview, mindmap view, and an exportable structure report
Ideas
Ideas Hub & Notes
Ideas Hub is where sparks land first — idea cards, quick notes, and an inspiration board that stay with your book. Capture freely, then promote anything into a chapter or note.
- Idea cards and an inspiration board in one place
- Organize by tags and sections per book
- Promote ideas into chapters or notes when ready
- Notes link back to characters, chapters, and world entries
Transfer
Import & export
Bring in an existing manuscript in the format you already have it, or export a portable backup whenever you want one. You choose where each piece lands.
- Import DOCX, TXT, PDF, Markdown, and ODT
- Import Author Notebook .anb project files and template packs
- Import or export a portable .anb project file
- Choose the destination for each imported file yourself
Progress
Writing progress & library
Word counts, daily goals, and streaks stay visible without turning writing into admin work, and a library keeps multiple books and series organized in one place.
- Word counts, daily goals, and writing streaks
- Chapter totals and per-project progress at a glance
- Manage multiple books and series in one library
- Story Lookup: local search across chapters, characters, and notes
Foundation
Local-first & optional AI
Your manuscript lives on your device by default and works offline. AI is available if you want it, but it is off by default and never required.
- Windows desktop app stores your project locally by default
- Works offline; cloud sync is optional and separate
- AI features are off by default and use your own API key
- Web app available for writing in the browser