Verkilo's interface is organized into three main columns: the Binder on the left, the Editor in the center, and the Inspector on the right.
Figure: The Verkilo editor with Binder, Editor, and Inspector panels
Main Navigation
The navigation rail on the left edge provides access to all main areas:
| Area | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Books | Cmd/Ctrl+1 | View and manage all your books |
| Bundles | Cmd/Ctrl+2 | Organize books into series |
| Characters | Cmd/Ctrl+3 | Manage story characters |
| Locations | Cmd/Ctrl+4 | Manage story locations |
| Archives | Cmd/Ctrl+5 | View trashed items |
Click any icon to switch to that area.
The Books View
The Books view is your home base:
- View Toggle - Switch between grid and list views
- Sort Options - Sort by last edited, alphabetical, or pinned
- Search - Find books by title
- New Book - Create a new book
Book Cards
Each book shows:
- Title and cover image
- Word count and section count
- Pin indicator (star icon)
- Bundle name (if grouped)
Click a book card to open it in the editor.
The Editor
When you open a book, the editor interface appears with three columns:
The Binder (Left Sidebar)
- Lists all sections in your book
- Shows section hierarchy (chapters containing scenes)
- Drag to reorder or nest sections
- Right-click for context menu options
The Editor Area (Center)
- Section title at the top (click to edit)
- Rich text editor for content
- Word count and save status in the footer
The Inspector (Right Sidebar)
Access via the rail buttons on the right edge:
| Icon | Panel | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Notebook | Notes | Scratch pad for quick notes |
| Search | Search | Find and replace text in your book |
| Document | Details | Section metadata, characters, locations |
| Clock | History | Access saved snapshots |
| Message | Comments | View and manage inline comments |
| Target | Goals | Set and track word count goals |
Click a button to open its panel. Click again to close.
Note: Search, Details, History, and Comments panels are disabled in Verkado mode (multi-section editing) since they apply to individual sections.
The Binder in Detail
The binder shows your book's structure:
Section Items
Each section displays:
- Title
- Word count (optional)
- Compile status indicator
- POV character (if assigned)
Hierarchical Sections
- Chapters can contain nested scenes
- Click the chevron to expand/collapse
- Drag sections to reorder or nest them
Context Menu
Right-click a section for options:
- Add new section (before, after, or as child)
- Merge with next section
- Set compile target (All, Ebook, Print)
- Move to another book
- Trash section
See Binder for complete binder documentation.
The Inspector Panels
Notes (Scratch Pad)
A simple text area for quick notes, ideas, or temporary content. Your notes persist between sessions.
Search
- Find text across all sections in your book
- Replace text individually or all at once
- Options: case-sensitive, whole word, regex
- Click results to jump to matches
Details (Section Details)
- Section statistics (word count, character count)
- Associated characters (who appears in this scene)
- Associated locations (where the scene takes place)
- POV character assignment
History (Version History)
- List of saved snapshots
- Preview and restore previous versions
- Create manual snapshots before major edits
Comments
- View all inline comments in the current section
- Click a comment to jump to its location in the text
- Edit or delete comments
- See both your comments and AI editorial comments
Goals
- Set daily and session word count targets
- Track progress with visual indicators
- Reset session count when starting fresh
Keyboard Navigation
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Cmd/Ctrl+1 | Go to Books |
| Cmd/Ctrl+2 | Go to Bundles |
| Cmd/Ctrl+3 | Go to Characters |
| Cmd/Ctrl+4 | Go to Locations |
| Cmd/Ctrl+5 | Go to Archives |
| Cmd/Ctrl+6 | Return to Editor |
Resizing Panels
- Binder: Drag the right edge to resize
- Inspector Panel: Drag the left edge to resize
- Sizes are remembered between sessions
Theme and Appearance
Access appearance settings via the Verkilo menu (macOS) or View menu (Windows/Linux):
- Light Mode - Light background
- Dark Mode - Dark background
- System - Follow your OS setting