Scrivener Writing Software Cheat Sheet

Updated 2026-03-18

Scrivener is a comprehensive writing tool developed by Literature & Latte for long-form writing projects including novels, screenplays, academic papers, and non-fiction works. Unlike standard word processors that treat documents as continuous pages, Scrivener uses a ring-binder metaphor where text is broken into manageable sections that can be composed in any order and viewed through multiple organizational interfaces. The software's core philosophy centers on flexibility—whether you outline meticulously before writing or discover structure through drafting, Scrivener adapts to your workflow rather than imposing one, making it the preferred tool for writers who need to manage complex, research-heavy projects with non-linear composition needs.

What This Cheat Sheet Covers

This topic spans 20 focused tables and 210 indexed concepts. Below is a complete table-by-table outline of this topic, spanning foundational concepts through advanced details.

Table 1: Binder Organization and StructureTable 2: Editor Modes and LayoutsTable 3: Corkboard for Visual PlanningTable 4: Outliner ViewTable 5: Research Folder and ReferencesTable 6: Scrivenings for Continuous TextTable 7: Snapshots for Version TrackingTable 8: Compile Settings and FormattingTable 9: Writing Targets and StatisticsTable 10: Split Editor ViewsTable 11: Metadata and Custom FieldsTable 12: Templates and Project SetupTable 13: Text Editing FeaturesTable 14: Collections and FiltersTable 15: Collaboration and SyncTable 16: Screenplay and Script WritingTable 17: Import and ExportTable 18: Advanced Productivity FeaturesTable 19: Project Organization Best PracticesTable 20: Keyboard Shortcuts and Efficiency

Table 1: Binder Organization and Structure

Feature	Example	Description
Binder	Draft folder containing: Chapter 1 Scene 1-1 Scene 1-2 Chapter 2	• Left sidebar hierarchy that displays all documents, research, and structural elements • acts as the primary navigation and organizational system for the entire project.
Draft Folder	Draft → Part I → Chapter 1	• Root folder where manuscript content resides • all items here are included in compile output by default • originally called "Manuscript" in older versions.
Research Folder	Research → Character Notes Research → Photos Research → PDFs	• Root folder for storing reference materials alongside writing • supports PDFs, images, web pages, text files • not included in compile unless explicitly moved or referenced.
Trash Folder	Deleted scenes and notes	• Root folder for deleted items • can be restored or permanently removed • not compiled and isolated from active project.
Text Documents	Individual scene or section	• Basic writeable container • can hold any amount of text • displayed with a page icon in the binder • forms the building blocks of your manuscript.

Table 1: Binder Organization and Structure

Feature	Example	Description
Binder	Draft folder containing: Chapter 1 Scene 1-1 Scene 1-2 Chapter 2	• Left sidebar hierarchy that displays all documents, research, and structural elements • acts as the primary navigation and organizational system for the entire project.
Draft Folder	Draft → Part I → Chapter 1	• Root folder where manuscript content resides • all items here are included in compile output by default • originally called "Manuscript" in older versions.
Research Folder	Research → Character Notes Research → Photos Research → PDFs	• Root folder for storing reference materials alongside writing • supports PDFs, images, web pages, text files • not included in compile unless explicitly moved or referenced.
Trash Folder	Deleted scenes and notes	• Root folder for deleted items • can be restored or permanently removed • not compiled and isolated from active project.
Text Documents	Individual scene or section	• Basic writeable container • can hold any amount of text • displayed with a page icon in the binder • forms the building blocks of your manuscript.