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Keywords

What Keywords Are For

Keywords are flexible labels you attach to sections. Unlike hierarchical structure (books > sections), keywords let you create cross-cutting categories:

  • Themes - Tag scenes with thematic content (betrayal, redemption, family)
  • Subplots - Track multiple storylines (romance arc, mystery reveal)
  • Revision notes - Mark sections needing attention (needs research, pacing issue)
  • Content warnings - Flag sensitive content for later review
  • POV tracking - Tag by point-of-view character

Creating Keywords

From the Keywords Panel

  1. Open any section in the editor
  2. Click the tag icon in the inspector rail to open the Keywords panel
  3. Click Add Keyword or the + button
  4. Enter a keyword name
  5. Press Enter to create

While Tagging a Section

  1. Open the Keywords panel for any section
  2. Start typing a new keyword
  3. If no match exists, select Create [keyword] from the dropdown
  4. The keyword is created and applied to the section

Applying Keywords to Sections

Single Section

  1. Open the section in the editor
  2. Open the Keywords panel (tag icon in inspector rail)
  3. Click Add or start typing
  4. Select an existing keyword or create a new one
  5. The keyword appears as a tag on the section

Multiple Sections

  1. Select multiple sections in the binder (Shift+Click)
  2. Right-click and select Add Keyword
  3. Choose a keyword to apply to all selected sections

Removing Keywords from Sections

  1. Open the Keywords panel for the section
  2. Click the X next to the keyword you want to remove
  3. The keyword is removed from this section only (not deleted)

Managing Keywords

Renaming a Keyword

  1. Open the Keywords management view
  2. Click on a keyword to select it
  3. Edit the name
  4. Changes apply to all sections using this keyword

Deleting a Keyword

  1. Open the Keywords management view
  2. Select the keyword to delete
  3. Click Delete (or right-click > Delete)
  4. Confirm deletion
  5. The keyword is removed from all sections

Deleting a keyword doesn't affect your content—it only removes the tag.

Filtering by Keyword

Use keywords to filter which sections appear in views:

In the Binder

  1. Click the Filter icon in the binder header
  2. Select Keywords
  3. Choose one or more keywords
  4. Only sections with those keywords are shown

Combining Filters

  • Any - Show sections with any selected keyword
  • All - Show only sections with all selected keywords

Keyword Colors

Assign colors to keywords for visual organization:

  1. Select a keyword in the management view
  2. Click the color swatch
  3. Choose a color
  4. The color appears in keyword tags throughout the app

Color suggestions:
- Red - Urgent or needs attention
- Green - Complete or approved
- Blue - Information or research
- Yellow - In progress

Best Practices

Keep Keywords Consistent

  • Use a consistent naming convention (needs-research vs needs research)
  • Start with broad categories, add specifics as needed
  • Avoid overly specific one-use keywords

Organize by Purpose

Create keywords in logical groups:
- Status keywords: draft, revised, final
- Content keywords: action, dialogue, description
- Tone keywords: tense, humorous, emotional

Use for Revision

Keywords excel during revision:
1. Read through and tag sections that need work (pacing, flat dialogue)
2. Filter by keyword to work through issues systematically
3. Remove keywords as you address each issue

Don't Over-Tag

Too many keywords become noise. Aim for:
- 5-10 commonly used keywords per book
- Add specialized keywords only when needed
- Periodically clean up unused keywords

Keywords vs. Other Organization

Feature Best For
Keywords Cross-cutting tags, non-hierarchical grouping
Sections Linear narrative structure
Characters Who appears in scenes
Locations Where scenes take place

Keywords complement other organization tools—use them together.

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