Getting Started with Quilva

Welcome to Quilva, the all-in-one offline writing suite for authors and screenwriters. This documentation will guide you through installation, core features, and advanced workflows to help you plan, write, design, publish, and prove your work is 100% human-written.

Tip: Start with the free demo to explore all features and ensure hardware compatibility. No credit card required.

Installation

Quilva is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the installer from the official site.

Windows: Run the .exe installer as administrator. You will be guided through an install wizard that includes our EULA agreement. Default options will probably be fine.
macOS: Drag the .dmg to Applications. Compatible with macOS 10.15+.
Linux: Extract the .AppImage and make it executable (chmod +x). Tested on Ubuntu 20.04+.

After installation, launch Quilva. It starts in demo mode (20,000-word limit, watermarked exports). Open the License Manager for software activation.

Interface Overview

Quilva's interface is divided into tabs: Writer for composition, Planner for story cards, Timeline for chronology, Designer for layouts (Pro only), and Publisher for exports. Use the sidebar to navigate projects and the top menu for file operations.

Key shortcuts:

Cmd/Ctrl + N: New project
Cmd/Ctrl + S: Save
F11: Fullscreen distraction-free mode

Core Modules

Writer Module

The Writer is your main composition space. Create hierarchical outlines for novels or switch to screenplay mode for scripts.

Drag-and-drop index cards for scene reorganization.
Auto-format screenplays (e.g., INT./EXT. headings, dialogue tabs).
Inline notes and rich text (bold, italics, hyperlinks).

Pro Tip: Use Cmd/Ctrl + K to insert a new index card.

Planner Module

Visualize your story with color-coded cards. Each card represents a scene, beat, or arc—drag to rearrange.

Color by theme (e.g., red for conflict, blue for resolution).
Group into acts/chapters with collapsible folders.
Link cards to Writer sections for seamless navigation.

Timeline Module

A multi-track timeline like a video editor. View subplots as parallel strips.

Drag events left/right to adjust chronology.
Zoom in/out for chapter vs. full-book views.
Spot pacing issues with visual density indicators.

Designer Module (Pro)

Professional page layout tool integrated with Writer. Design non-destructively—edits propagate automatically.

Master pages for consistent headers/footers.
Typography controls: kerning, leading, font pairing.
Import images/graphics with precise placement.

Warning: Designer requires Pro edition. Demo mode shows watermarked previews.

Publisher Module (Pro)

Compile and export from all modules. Handles PDF/EPUB with embedded fonts.

Export profiles: Print-ready (with bleeds), eBook, Web.
Auto-generate TOC, metadata, and ISBN placeholders.
Batch export multiple formats at once.

Human Authorship Certificate

Prove your work is 100% human-written with an encrypted QR code. Quilva logs typing patterns (speed, pauses, edits) offline.

Open Publisher > Authorship tab.
Select excerpts (optional, for verification).
Generate QR—scan to view metrics on our secure server.

Privacy note: Only behavioral data and snippets are shared; full manuscript stays local.

Exporting & Publishing

From Writer: Export to DOCX, Fountain (screenplays). From Publisher: PDF/EPUB with custom specs.

Steps:
1. Finalize in Designer (if using).
2. Go to Publisher > Export.
3. Choose format > Set options > Generate.

Supported: Embedded fonts, color profiles (CMYK/RGB), trim marks.

Troubleshooting

App crashes on launch: Check system requirements (8GB RAM min). Update graphics drivers.
License not activating: Ensure offline activation via key file. Contact support@quilva.com.
Fonts not embedding: Use Publisher's font scanner to verify.
QR Certificate fails: Verify internet for decryption (manuscript stays private).

For more, see Support Resources.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Custom templates: Create reusable .qlt files via File > Save as Template. Collaboration: Share .qlv files (Pro only, via encrypted export).

Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Action	Shortcut
New Card	Cmd/Ctrl + K
Timeline Zoom	Cmd/Ctrl + Mouse Wheel
Export PDF	Cmd/Ctrl + E

Dynamic Text Reference

This is a reference to use with the Dynamic Text tool in the Designer. Using these codes will update your design dynamically.

Keyboard Shortcuts Reference

Action	Shortcut
New Card	Cmd/Ctrl + K
Timeline Zoom	Cmd/Ctrl + Mouse Wheel
Export PDF	Cmd/Ctrl + E

Support & Resources

Community forum coming soon. Email support@quilva.com for priority help (include license key).