Getting started
How to import a Word or Markdown manuscript
Prepare a DOCX or Markdown file, review detected chapters and scenes, and bring the text into a new book without starting over.
Inkthar · Published · 6 min read
Prepare the file before importing
Inkthar imports DOCX and Markdown (.md) manuscripts up to 25 MB. Use consistent heading styles in Word or # headings in Markdown so the app can propose chapters and scenes without changing the source file.
If you are coming from Scrivener, compile or export as MultiMarkdown. Password-protected or corrupt Word files and Markdown that is not UTF-8 must be fixed before analysis.
- Keep the original file
- Review empty or repeated headings
- Save Markdown as UTF-8
- Remove passwords from protected DOCX files
Review the preview, not only the word count
If there are no books yet, use Import a manuscript on Home. Otherwise, open Settings → Import. Select the file and wait for analysis: the preview shows the suggested title, detected structure, and what will be created. You can adjust how heading levels become chapters or scenes and exclude items before confirming.
Read the warnings as well. Embedded images and Word comments are not imported, and HTML inside Markdown is sanitized. If the split is poor, fix headings in the source and analyze it again.
Confirm and run a short check
Confirmation creates a new book and saves chapters, scenes, initial versions, and the search index in one operation. Import does not append content to an open book.
Check the beginning, middle, and end, along with italics, lists, and special characters. Compare the approximate word count with the source before reorganizing.