Storytellr Features Reference

Complete reference documentation for all features in Storytellr.

Table of Contents

• Core Features
• Editor Features
• Formatting Features
• Manuscript Features
• Productivity Features
• File Management
• Customization Features
• Export Features

Core Features

Continuous Editor

Description: Seamless writing environment without page breaks during composition.

Key Characteristics:

• No pagination during writing
• Scroll freely through entire manuscript
• Page count calculated in real-time
• Focus on content, not layout

Benefits:

• Uninterrupted creative flow
• No artificial page break management
• Natural writing experience
• Professional formatting applied on export

Auto-Save System

Description: Automatic document persistence with intelligent change detection.

How It Works:

• Monitors for content changes
• Saves after 3 seconds of inactivity
• Detects external file changes
• Resolves conflicts when detected

Features:

• No manual save needed
• File handles persist across sessions
• Background save processing
• Conflict resolution when needed

Technical Details:

• 3-second debounce timer
• AdaptiveFileChangeDetector monitors external changes
• IndexedDB stores file handles
• Graceful handling of simultaneous edits

Real-Time Statistics

Description: Live word count and page estimation.

Metrics Provided:

• Word Count: Total words in manuscript
• Page Count: Estimated pages (250 words per page standard)

Display Location:

• Bottom of editor
• Always visible
• Updates in real-time as you type

Calculation:

• Word count: Actual word count from content
• Page count: Math.ceil(wordCount / 250)

Editor Features

Smart Cleanup

Description: Automatic removal of empty paragraphs.

What It Does:

• Removes empty <p></p> tags
• Preserves <p><br></p> (needed for cursor positioning)
• Runs automatically during editing
• Prevents cluttered HTML

Why It Matters:

• Cleaner document structure
• Better performance
• Professional exports
• Easier navigation

Heading IDs

Description: Automatic unique identifier generation for headings.

What It Does:

• Generates IDs for H1, H2, H3 elements
• IDs are unique and sequential
• Used for navigation
• Preserved across edits

Format:

• heading-1, heading-2, heading-3, etc.
• Sequential numbering

Benefits:

• Enables navigation panel
• Allows bookmark linking
• Supports find & replace targeting

Em-Dash Conversion

Description: Automatic conversion of double hyphens to em-dashes.

How It Works:

• Type -- (two hyphens)
• Automatically converts to em-dash (—)
• Must be enabled in manuscript settings

Use Cases:

• Dialogue: “I thought — no, I knew — it was true.”
• Parenthetical phrases: “The solution — if one exists — is unclear.”
• Dramatic pauses: “The door opened — slowly.”

Settings:

• Enable/disable in Manuscript Settings
• Per-document setting
• Applies during typing

Formatting Features

Text Styling

Bold:

• Keyboard: Ctrl/Cmd+B
• Toolbar: Bold button
• Emphasizes text
• Exports to all formats

Italic:

• Keyboard: Ctrl/Cmd+I
• Toolbar: Italic button
• Stylizes text
• Exports to all formats

Underline:

• Keyboard: Ctrl/Cmd+U
• Toolbar: Underline button
• Underlines text
• Exports to all formats

Block Formatting

H1 - Chapter Heading:

• Major chapter divisions
• Positioned 1/3 or 1/2 page in exports
• Appears in navigation panel
• Word Heading 1 style in DOCX

H2 - Section Break:

• Scene breaks within chapters
• Centered automatically
• Proper spacing in exports
• Word Heading 2 style in DOCX

P - Paragraph:

• Regular body text
• Double-spaced in exports
• First-line indent (0.5 inches)
• No indent after headings

Q - Block Quote:

• Indented quotations
• 0.5-inch left indent in exports
• Single paragraph formatting
• Inline formatting preserved

Alignment

Options:

• Left (default)
• Center
• Right
• Justify

Application:

• Paragraph-level
• Exports to DOCX and PDF
• Toolbar or keyboard shortcuts

Floating Toolbar

Description: Context-sensitive formatting toolbar that appears on text selection.

Features:

• Appears when text is selected
• Disappears when selection is cleared
• Contains all formatting options
• Smart positioning (above/below)

Smart Positioning:

• Opens above selection when space available
• Opens below when near viewport top
• Dropdowns adjust direction
• Always stays visible

Contents:

• Text styling (bold, italic, underline)
• Block formatting (H1, H2, P, Q)
• Alignment options
• Note creation button

Manuscript Features

Font Selection

Available Fonts:

• Times New Roman: Traditional serif, most common for submissions
• Arial: Clean sans-serif

Application:

• Applies to all exports
• Does not affect editor appearance
• Per-document setting

Chapter Spacing

Options:

• 1/3 Page: Traditional manuscript format
• 1/2 Page: Dramatic chapter openings

How It Works:

• H1 headings positioned accordingly
• Followed by page break
• Applies to DOCX and PDF exports

Technical Details:

• 1/3 page: 3847 twips from top
• 1/2 page: 6480 twips from top

Title Page

Description: Formatted title page for professional submissions.

Content:

• Manuscript title (centered, upper third)
• Author name (centered)
• Word count (rounded to nearest 1000)

Settings:

• Enable/disable in Manuscript Settings
• Included in DOCX and PDF exports
• Standard submission format

Format:

[1/3 down page]

MANUSCRIPT TITLE
by
Author Name

Approximately 85,000 words

Headers & Page Numbers

Configuration:

• Author last name
• Manuscript title
• Page number format
• First page different option

Formats:

• LastName / TITLE / PageNumber
• TITLE / LastName / PageNumber

Application:

• Top of each page
• Customizable per document
• Standard manuscript format

First Page Different:

• Skips header on first page
• Standard for submissions
• Enable/disable as needed

Theme Customization

Accent Color:

• Choose UI highlight color
• Affects buttons, highlights, selections
• Per-document setting
• Saved with manuscript

Dark/Light Mode:

• Toggle in main interface
• Optimized for extended writing
• Eye-friendly color schemes

Productivity Features

Notes System

Description: Link annotations to specific passages in your manuscript.

Creating Notes:

1. Select text in manuscript
2. Click “Add Note” button
3. Highlighted in editor
4. Note editor appears in Notes panel

Features:

• Visual highlights in text
• Linked to specific passages
• Click highlight to view note
• Delete notes when resolved

Use Cases:

• Character development reminders
• Plot point tracking
• Research notes
• Revision reminders
• Continuity tracking

Notebook Panel

Description: Separate workspace for research and planning.

Features:

• Multiple notes
• Separate from manuscript
• Saved with story file
• Can export separately

Use Cases:

• Character profiles
• Plot outlines
• World-building notes
• Research compilation
• Scene planning

File Management:

• Save as .storynote files
• Load external notes
• Keep separate from manuscript
• Organize research

Dictionary & Thesaurus

Description: Built-in word lookup with drag-and-drop replacement.

Features:

• Definitions
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Similar words
• Triggered words (associations)

Data Source:

• datamuse API
• Real-time lookups
• Comprehensive coverage

Drag & Drop:

• Select word in editor
• Drag synonym chip into editor
• Drop to replace
• Spaces preserved automatically

Benefits:

• Fast word replacement
• Explore alternatives
• Improve vocabulary
• No context switching

Navigation Panel

Description: Document structure overview with quick navigation.

Features:

• Shows all H1 and H2 headings
• Click to jump to section
• Collapsible panel
• Updates automatically

Use Cases:

• Long manuscript navigation
• Chapter organization review
• Quick section access
• Structure visualization

Find & Replace

Description: Advanced search with formatting support.

Features:

• Text search
• Replace functionality
• Match case option
• Whole word matching
• Format conversion

Search Options:

• Find: Search term
• Replace: Replacement text
• Match Case: Case-sensitive
• Whole Word: Complete words only

Navigation:

• Next/Previous match
• Replace current
• Replace all
• Visual highlighting

Format Replacement:

• Convert matches to H1, H2, P, or Q
• Replaces block element correctly
• Generates heading IDs automatically
• Preserves text content

Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Ctrl/Cmd+F: Open Find & Replace
• Ctrl/Cmd+G: Find next
• Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+G: Find previous

File Management

File System Access API

Description: Native browser access to local file system.

Features:

• Direct file access
• No upload/download needed
• File handle persistence
• Seamless integration

Supported Operations:

• Create new files
• Open existing files
• Save changes
• Detect external changes

File Format:

• .story extension
• JSON structure
• Includes content, notes, notebook, settings

Cloud Sync Integration

Description: Works seamlessly with cloud storage providers.

Supported Services:

• OneDrive
• Dropbox
• Google Drive
• Any cloud-synced folder

How It Works:

1. Save .story file to cloud folder
2. Open same file on another device
3. Changes sync through cloud provider
4. App detects external changes

Conflict Resolution:

• Detects simultaneous edits
• Presents resolution options:
  • Keep local changes
  • Use remote changes
  • Save both versions

Sync Timing:

• Changes appear within 2-5 seconds
• Depends on cloud provider
• No internet needed (local edits)

Auto-Load on Refresh

Description: Automatically restores last open file on page refresh.

How It Works:

• File handle stored in IndexedDB
• Retrieved on page load
• File content loaded automatically
• Settings restored

Benefits:

• Resume work seamlessly
• No re-opening files
• Settings preserved
• Work context maintained

File Change Detection

Description: Monitors for external file modifications.

How It Works:

• AdaptiveFileChangeDetector monitors file
• Polls file system periodically
• Detects timestamp changes
• Triggers conflict resolution

Conflict Handling:

• Presents conflict dialog
• Three resolution options
• No data loss
• User chooses resolution

Recent Files

Description: Track recently opened files for quick access.

Features:

• List of recent .story files
• Quick re-open
• Stored in localStorage
• Persists across sessions

Customization Features

Resizable Panels

Description: Drag to resize navigation, notes, dictionary, and notebook panels.

Features:

• Drag resize handles
• Sizes persist with document
• Independent sizing
• Responsive layout

Panels:

• Navigation (left)
• Notes (right)
• Dictionary (right)
• Notebook (right)

Editor Width

Description: Adjust editor width for comfortable reading.

Range: Variable based on screen size

Use Cases:

• Wider screens: Limit width for readability
• Narrower screens: Maximize space
• Personal preference
• Accessibility

Zoom Control

Description: Adjust editor text size.

Range: 50% to 200%

Features:

• Incremental adjustments
• Persists per document
• Affects editor only
• Not export size

Use Cases:

• Better visibility
• Accessibility
• Personal preference
• Screen size adjustment

Theme Modes

Light Mode:

• Traditional bright interface
• High contrast
• Daytime use

Dark Mode:

• Reduced eye strain
• Low light environments
• Extended writing sessions

Accent Color:

• Customizable highlight color
• Affects UI elements
• Per-document setting

Settings Persistence

Description: All settings save with document and reset on close.

Behavior:

• Settings save with .story file
• Auto-load when opening document
• Reset to defaults when closing document
• Each document has independent settings

Included Settings:

• Manuscript settings (font, spacing, headers)
• Theme (accent color, mode)
• Panel sizes and visibility
• Editor width and zoom

Export Features

Export Formats

TXT (Plain Text):

• All text content
• No formatting
• Universal compatibility
• Backup purposes

DOCX (Microsoft Word):

• Formatted document
• Heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2)
• Word navigation integration
• Editable in Microsoft Word
• Track changes compatible

PDF (Portable Document Format):

• Camera-ready format
• Professional layout
• Headers and page numbers
• Print-ready
• Submission format

Manuscript Formatting

Applied to Exports:

• Font from settings
• 12pt font size
• Double-spacing
• 1-inch margins
• Chapter positioning
• Scene break centering
• Block quote indentation
• Header configuration

Standards Followed:

• William Shunn manuscript format
• Industry submission standards
• Professional appearance

Export Workflow

Process:

1. Click File → Export
2. Choose format
3. Select save location
4. File generated with settings applied

What’s Included:

• All manuscript content
• Formatting (bold, italic, underline)
• Headings with proper styles
• Block quotes
• Headers and page numbers (if enabled)
• Title page (if enabled)

What’s Excluded:

• Notes (annotations)
• Notebook entries
• Editor-only elements

Format-Specific Features

DOCX:

• Word navigation pane integration
• Editable heading styles
• Page numbering system
• Standard Office format

PDF:

• Precise layout control
• Non-editable (preserves format)
• Universal compatibility
• Print-ready output

Technical Features

React Architecture

Framework: React 18.3.1

Key Patterns:

• Functional components
• Hooks (useState, useEffect, useRef)
• Context for state management
• Component composition

Content Editing

Technology: contentEditable attribute

Features:

• Rich text editing
• Native browser capabilities
• Custom formatting overlay
• Direct DOM manipulation

Storage Technologies

IndexedDB:

• File handle persistence
• Async storage
• Large data capacity

localStorage:

• UI preferences
• Recent files list
• Simple key-value storage

Build Tools

Vite 6.0.3:

• Fast development server
• Hot module replacement
• Optimized builds

Dependencies:

• jsPDF: PDF generation
• docx v9.5.1: Word document generation
• React: UI framework

Browser APIs

File System Access API:

• Native file operations
• Chrome, Edge, Safari support
• See Firefox compatibility notes

Selection API:

• Text selection handling
• Range manipulation
• Cursor positioning

DataTransfer API:

• Drag-and-drop support
• Thesaurus integration
• Text replacement

Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Editing

• Ctrl/Cmd+B: Bold
• Ctrl/Cmd+I: Italic
• Ctrl/Cmd+U: Underline
• Ctrl/Cmd+Z: Undo
• Ctrl/Cmd+Y or Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+Z: Redo

File Operations

• Ctrl/Cmd+S: Manual save
• Ctrl/Cmd+O: Open file
• Ctrl/Cmd+N: New file

Search

• Ctrl/Cmd+F: Open Find & Replace
• Ctrl/Cmd+G: Find next
• Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+G: Find previous

Navigation

• Ctrl/Cmd+Home: Jump to document start
• Ctrl/Cmd+End: Jump to document end

Platform Compatibility

Supported Browsers

Full Support:

• Google Chrome (latest)
• Microsoft Edge (latest)
• Safari (latest)

Partial Support:

• Firefox (see FIREFOX_COMPATIBILITY.md)

Operating Systems

Tested On:

• Windows 10/11
• macOS (latest)
• Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora)

Mobile Support

Status: Desktop-focused

• Mobile browsers have limited File System Access API support
• Use desktop browsers for full functionality

Future Considerations

While Storytellr is feature-complete, potential enhancements could include:

• Additional export formats (RTF, HTML)
• Collaboration features
• Version history
• Grammar checking integration
• Word replacement suggestions
• Template system for different manuscript types
• Custom keyboard shortcuts
• Plugin/extension system

These are not planned but represent possible directions for future development.

Additional Resources

• User Guide - How to use Storytellr
• Export Guide - Detailed export documentation
• File Handle Persistence - Technical details
• Firefox Compatibility - Browser limitations
• Speech Troubleshooting - Read-aloud features