Sorry, while I appreciate your efforts in putting this together, I'm left none the wiser about how the compiler works. For instance, the very useful 'code' to add incremental numbering feels conjured out of air, and it's virtually impossible to follow the logic of the renaming without knowing what similar options might be available before committing to 'compile'. Scrivener is a terrific app for writing and editing, but its 'Compile' feature has long been the Rosetta Stone of word processing and output.
As someone who has spent a lifetime in book production, commercial printing, design, etc., I have decided that Scrivener is almost useless for formatting and outputting books. I have a few different fomats, i.e., main text with Chapter title & subhead, alternate sections with a different format, and then images here and there. I was able to compile under 30K words, but the formatting didn't hold in every section. Now, at 62+K words, I can't compile at all. I'm almost done with the first draft and I think I'm going to pull it out of Scrivener one section at a time and put it into InDesign. Scrivener was great for organizing my material, notes, graphics, and ordering chapters etc, but as an output tool? Forget it.
Nothing vanishes after compiling. The purpose of this complicated "compile" facility is to allow the author to produce more than one kind of output file, with different appearances and formatting. The original manuscript remains inside Scrivener and isn't changed in any way. So you could have a manuscript that compiles to a Courier triple-spaced submission format, and also to a format that looks like a printed book, and even a large-print edition, all just by selecting three appropriate compile presets (templates).
My recommendation, do not bother with Scrivener for compilation. It's a daunting task that is way too confusing. Sure, if you intend to regularly publish and compile large works and novels, it may be worth your time. If not, I would look for alternatives. Heck, even doing a manual layout in a regular word processor is quicker for anything up to 50K words without lots of headings and subs. Just my 2 cents though...
OMG, you're a godsend. You helped me out soooo much. Thank you. Just subbed.
Great and informative video. FYI this still translates this into the newest update as well. Thank you!
Sorry, while I appreciate your efforts in putting this together, I'm left none the wiser about how the compiler works. For instance, the very useful 'code' to add incremental numbering feels conjured out of air, and it's virtually impossible to follow the logic of the renaming without knowing what similar options might be available before committing to 'compile'. Scrivener is a terrific app for writing and editing, but its 'Compile' feature has long been the Rosetta Stone of word processing and output.
Is there someplace I can find a straightforward explanation of compiling a non-fiction book or a thesis directly into PDF from Scrivener?
I hope so, it's not here though.
As someone who has spent a lifetime in book production, commercial printing, design, etc., I have decided that Scrivener is almost useless for formatting and outputting books. I have a few different fomats, i.e., main text with Chapter title & subhead, alternate sections with a different format, and then images here and there. I was able to compile under 30K words, but the formatting didn't hold in every section. Now, at 62+K words, I can't compile at all. I'm almost done with the first draft and I think I'm going to pull it out of Scrivener one section at a time and put it into InDesign.
Scrivener was great for organizing my material, notes, graphics, and ordering chapters etc, but as an output tool? Forget it.
video starts at 1:54
Maybe a stupid question but does my Scrivener manuscript vanish after I compile it to word?
Nothing vanishes after compiling. The purpose of this complicated "compile" facility is to allow the author to produce more than one kind of output file, with different appearances and formatting. The original manuscript remains inside Scrivener and isn't changed in any way. So you could have a manuscript that compiles to a Courier triple-spaced submission format, and also to a format that looks like a printed book, and even a large-print edition, all just by selecting three appropriate compile presets (templates).
"compile" os Scrivener is a nightmare. I tried this third party tutorial, but it is too complex, not useful at all.
My recommendation, do not bother with Scrivener for compilation. It's a daunting task that is way too confusing. Sure, if you intend to regularly publish and compile large works and novels, it may be worth your time. If not, I would look for alternatives. Heck, even doing a manual layout in a regular word processor is quicker for anything up to 50K words without lots of headings and subs. Just my 2 cents though...
This is too complex. Are you willing to create one for me for a fee?
Stopped watching after 3 min's.... I suggest to put more information in less time to make it more unclear!