Exporting your Scrivener document to Microsoft Word is a straightforward process. By following a few simple steps, you’ll be able to take your manuscript or project from Scrivener’s unique interface to the widely-used Word format. This quick overview will get you started, and the detailed steps below will guide you through the entire process.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Export Scrivener to Word
Before diving into the step-by-step guide, it’s important to understand that exporting from Scrivener to Word allows you to transform your work into a .doc or .docx file. This file type is compatible with Microsoft Word, making it easier to share, print, or submit your document according to various requirements.
Step 1: Open your Scrivener project
Open the Scrivener project that contains the document you want to export to Word.
Opening your Scrivener project is the first thing you need to do. Make sure that you have saved all the recent changes to your document before you start the export process. This ensures that all your updates are included in the Word document.
Step 2: Click on ‘File’ in the menu bar
In the top menu bar, click on ‘File’ to open the dropdown menu.
This step is quite simple, as it’s something you’re likely familiar with in many software programs. Clicking on ‘File’ in the menu bar will give you access to a variety of options, one of which will be the export function.
Step 3: Select ‘Export’ and then ‘Files…’
From the dropdown menu, hover over ‘Export’ and then click on ‘Files…’.
When you select ‘Files…’ under the ‘Export’ option, a new dialog box will appear. This box is where you’ll make the necessary adjustments to export your document properly.
Step 4: Choose the ‘Word (.docx)’ format
In the export dialog box, find the format options and select ‘Word (.docx)’.
Choosing the right format is crucial. Scrivener offers several formats for exporting, but since you’re aiming for a Word document, ensure you select ‘Word (.docx)’ to get a compatible file.
Step 5: Name your document and choose a save location
Enter a name for your Word document and choose where you want to save it on your computer.
Naming your document appropriately is important for organization and easy access later on. Choose a save location that makes sense to you, perhaps in a dedicated writing folder or on your desktop for quick access.
Step 6: Click ‘Export’
After you’ve set everything up, click the ‘Export’ button to convert your Scrivener document to a Word file.
Clicking ‘Export’ will initiate the conversion process. Depending on the size of your Scrivener document, this might take a few moments. Once it’s done, you’ll have a Word document ready to go!
After you’ve completed the export, your Scrivener document will now be in the Word format. You can open this file in Microsoft Word or any other word processor that supports .docx files. You can edit, print, or share your document just like any other Word file.
Tips: Maximizing Quality When Exporting Scrivener to Word
- Make sure that you’ve updated Scrivener to the latest version for a smooth export experience.
- Review your Scrivener document for any formatting issues before exporting, as these can sometimes carry over to Word.
- If your Scrivener project contains images or complex formatting, double-check the Word document to ensure everything has been exported correctly.
- Consider using Scrivener’s ‘Compile’ feature for more control over the formatting of your exported document.
- Keep a backup of your Scrivener project in case you need to make changes and re-export to Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to export to an older Word format like .doc?
If you need to export to an older Word format, you can choose ‘Word (.doc)’ instead of ‘Word (.docx)’ in the format options during the export process.
Can I export a Scrivener project to other formats besides Word?
Yes, Scrivener supports exporting to several different formats, including PDF, plain text, Final Draft, and more.
Will my footnotes and comments from Scrivener transfer to Word?
Yes, Scrivener does export footnotes and comments to Word, but you should check the final Word document to make sure everything appears as intended.
Can I customize which parts of my Scrivener project are exported to Word?
Absolutely! Scrivener’s ‘Compile’ feature allows you to select which parts of your project are included in the final export.
What should I do if my formatting looks different in Word after exporting?
You may need to make some manual adjustments in Word after exporting if the formatting does not carry over perfectly. It’s always a good idea to proofread your exported document.
Summary
- Open your Scrivener project.
- Click on ‘File’ in the menu bar.
- Select ‘Export’ and then ‘Files…’.
- Choose the ‘Word (.docx)’ format.
- Name your document and choose a save location.
- Click ‘Export’.
Conclusion
Exporting your work from Scrivener to Word doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the simple steps provided, you can smoothly transition your documents into a format that’s widely accepted and easy to share or print. Remember to consider the tips and frequently asked questions to ensure your exported document maintains the quality and formatting you’ve worked hard on in Scrivener. Once you’ve mastered how to export Scrivener to Word, you’ll find that moving between these two powerful writing tools can significantly enhance your writing process, whether you’re drafting a novel, research paper, or any other written project. Happy writing and exporting!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.