FAQ

Does oStorybook replace a word processor?
oStorybook can be used for both the preparation and complete writing of a book. It's not a word processor in the strict sense of the word, but it has all the basic functions of a sophisticated software like LibreOffice or MSWord.
Refer to the documentation to find out more about the possibility of linking your scenes with ODT or DOCX files.

How do I import my text into oStorybook?
The easiest way is to copy and paste.

1. In your word processor (e.g. LibreOffice or MSWord), select the desired text, then press Ctrl+C.
2. In oStorybook, open the scene, in the "Summary" tab, position yourself in the text zone and press Ctrl+V.

Since version 5.05.05, it's even easier: you can directly import a file from LibreOffice (ODT) or MSWord (DOCX). This import can be used to create a new project, or simply to import text for an existing scene.
Since this version, you can also export your project directly in ODT or DOCX format.

Will oStorybook enable me to write a bestseller?
Yes, of course it will.
No, of course not. There have always been, and always will be, writers who work only with paper and pencil, and there's nothing wrong with that.
One of the advantages of oStorybook is that you don't have to remember all the informations about your work all the time. If you work with a PC, oStorybook will be the right choice for you. Why not give it a try?

How can I use my file on a second PC?
Copy your file to the second PC, via a USB stick for example. To locate your file, go to the File>File properties menu, in the "File information" tab the "File name" section contains the full name of the path and of the file itself.
Of course, you must have installed oStorybook on both PCs.

Why should I split my big project into several parts?
Quite simply because if you have more than a hundred scenes, you'll quickly lose sight of the big picture. On the other hand, processing a large number of scenes in one part is likely to cause slowdowns. In the end, it won't have any impact on your work; it's simply a way of optimizing the organization of your work.

How do I rename my copy of the file?
You should use the File>Rename function. Make sure you don't specify the ".osbk" extension, as this will be added automatically. Don't specify a folder either, just the file name.
Alternatively, you can use your file explorer's "Rename" function. In this case, be sure to keep the ".osbk" extension.

How much does it cost?
Nothing at all. oStorybook is a Libre Software. Libre Software isn't always free, this one is.
But perhaps you'd like to give a little more than just your appreciation? Then give of yourself. Your own experience of using oStorybook can be a valuable asset for new users. Tell us about your most common uses. Do you speak another language? Find out if there's an oStorybook version in that language, and if not, offer your own translation of the user interface and documentation.

I'm trying to install oStoryBook on OS X El Capitan. I've downloaded the tar.gz file, but don't know what to do next.
First of all, you need to install Java, and then everything should run smoothly.

When I try to install oStorybook on my computer, Windows displays a security message. Is this normal?
Yes, you should know that from Microsoft's point of view, any software that has not been approved by Microsoft is dangerous for the user. In other words, Microsoft decides for you what software you can use. Ignore the message and force the installation.

My file is very small. Is this normal?
The new ".osbk" file format significantly reduces the size of your hard disk. With the old ".h2.db" and ".mv.db" formats, the size of an almost empty example file was over 53KB. Now it's down to less than 4KB. So don't worry if a file created in 2015 is now much smaller. This gain in size means you can send your file by e-mail without saturating your correspondent's mailbox.

oStorybook sounds complicated
It's true that oStorybook is complicated, but no more so than driving a car. The main difficulty lies in choosing among the many options available so as to use the software according to your own needs. So don't worry, with a little time you'll see that it's not so complicated.