Long-form writing and revision
Source view and Visual Mode edit the same prose; they are not separate copies that need to synchronize. Save the active tab before changing modes, reorganizing several files, or allowing another editor to modify a file.
1. Choose an editing mode
- Source view edits Markdown, YAML frontmatter, and other supported text directly. Use it when you need to inspect the underlying structure.
- Visual Mode provides formatted editing for everyday prose, headings, lists, quotations, links, and supported advanced structures.
After returning from Visual Mode to Source view, check headings, lists, links, and unfamiliar markup. Scroll edits .vns as source text only; compiling, diagnostics, and a running preview are outside Scroll's scope.
2. Connect prose and add notes
| Method | Best for |
|---|---|
| Ordinary text link | A web page or Project file |
| Wiki-style link | A readable reference to another Project file |
| Related Files or a structured relationship | Structured connections and reverse navigation |
| Notes | Revision comments, research conclusions, or temporary reminders |
These methods can point to the same file but have different meanings. Do not use a general note as a substitute for a bibliography entry or citation.
3. Use statistics, goals, and focus tools
Review word count, character count, and goals in the inspector or status area. Character count is often more meaningful for languages without spaces between words. These statistics do not predict the page count after Scribe typesetting.
Save your prose and confirm the goal unit before entering focus mode or Black House. Editor fonts, width, color, line spacing, focus mask, and typewriter behavior affect only the writing environment; they do not create a Scribe Appearance.
4. Reorganize long-form files safely
| Action | Result | Effect on source files |
|---|---|---|
| Split at Cursor | Creates a file from the content after the split point | Shortens the original file |
| Stitch Selected | Creates an ordered group | Keeps source files separate |
| Append Selected | Appends selected content to a destination | Keeps source files |
| Merge Selected | Merges content into a destination | Moves the other source files to Trash |
Back up the Project and save every open document first. Afterward, check the split point, order, YAML frontmatter, links, and the end of the destination file. Unstitch Selected removes the grouping; it does not undo prose changes made while the group was active.
5. Review a revision
Create tasks for issues that span chapters and link each task to its prose or cards. When the revision is complete, search for placeholders, then review unsaved tabs, external conflicts, and Trash.