How to Version Your Manuscript

Manuscripts is World Anvil's novel-writing software. You can use it to write, edit, and even publish your stories with a seamless integration with your world. If you'd like to version your Manuscript, you can follow the process below:

Step 1: Make a new folder for your chapters

To version your Manuscript, start by creating a new folder (Draft 1) for your chapters.

1. To make a new folder click on the green small downward arrow right next to the green plus button on the top left, and select Folder.

   

2. On the right under Title, name the folder (e.g. Draft 1).

   

3. Put your chapters under that folder by dragging them under it and slightly inwards.
4. You now have the chapters of your Manuscript all inside a single folder (Draft 1)! Write your entire first draft within the chapters under the Draft 1 folder.

Step 2: Make a copy of that folder

Once your first draft is done, duplicate it into a different folder so you can keep writing and editing while keeping that initial version saved as your Draft 1.

1. Follow the steps in the previous section to create a Draft 2 folder with chapters underneath. Make sure the Draft 2 folder has the same chapter structure as Draft 1.
2. Now, follow these steps for each of your Draft 1 secenes:
1. Click on the scene you want to copy.
2. Click on the gear icon on the right panel.
3. Click Duplicate to make a copy.

   

4. The copy of that scene will appear directly above the original scene, with the name ''[title of the scene] copy''.
5. Drag and position the copied scene underneath and inside the correct chapter in Draft 2.

After you've done this for every scene, you'll have a copy of your entire Manuscript! Keep working on the Draft 2 folder and don't make any edits on Draft 1 anymore to keep a copy of your previous version.

For more information and help about Manuscripts, check out the Feature Guide to Manuscripts.