How to Export Binders from Scrivener

Exporting your work from Scrivener involves transforming your project's contents into a format usable outside the application. While Scrivener refers to the entire project as a "binder," the most common way to export the whole project (or significant parts of it) into a single, cohesive document is through the Compile feature. You can also export individual documents or folders directly from your Binder as separate files.

Understanding Scrivener Export Options

Scrivener offers two primary methods for exporting your work, each serving a different purpose:

Direct Export (File > Export > Files...): Ideal for extracting individual documents, selected folders, or even the entire Binder's contents as separate files. This is useful for sharing specific sections or creating backups of your raw content.
Compilation (File > Compile...): The powerful feature designed to generate a single, polished output document (like a novel, ebook, or script) from your entire project or chosen parts of it, with extensive control over formatting and layout.

Method 1: Exporting Individual Files or Folders (Direct Export)

This method is straightforward for extracting specific parts of your project as separate, individual files. It's particularly useful when you need to share a chapter, a research document, or a collection of notes without compiling the entire manuscript.

Steps for Direct Export:

Select Your Items: In your Scrivener Binder, select the specific document(s) or folder(s) you wish to export.
- If you select a single file, Scrivener will export just that file.
- If you select a folder, or the top-level folder (like "Draft" or "Manuscript"), Scrivener will export the contents of that folder as individual files.
Access Export Option: Go to the menu bar and choose File > Export > Files...
Choose Format and Location:
- A dialogue box will appear, allowing you to select the desired file format (e.g., Plain Text, Rich Text Format, PDF Document, Microsoft Word Document).
- Specify a location on your computer where you want to save the exported files.
Execute Export: Click the Export or Save button to complete the process.

This method exports your selected content in the format you choose, creating separate files for each document within your selection.

Method 2: Compiling Your Project (Recommended for Whole Binders)

For creating a finished manuscript, an ebook, a screenplay, or any single, polished document from your entire Scrivener project, compilation is the go-to method. This feature allows you to merge multiple documents, apply consistent formatting, and output them as a unified text.

Steps for Project Compilation:

Open the Compile Window: Go to File > Compile...
Select Compile Format:
- On the left sidebar, choose a Compile Format (e.g., "Manuscript (Times)," "Ebook," "Paperback"). These pre-set formats handle much of the formatting for you, but you can also create custom ones.
Choose Output Type: From the "Compile for:" dropdown menu at the bottom, select your desired output format (e.g., PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), EPUB, MOBI, RTF, HTML, Final Draft).
Select Content to Include:
- In the "Contents" pane (usually the middle section), tick the checkboxes next to the folders and documents you want to include in your compiled output. By default, your main "Draft" or "Manuscript" folder is often selected.
- You can drag and drop items to reorder them or exclude specific sections.
Adjust Settings (Optional but Recommended):
- Explore the various tabs in the Compile window (e.g., "Formatting," "Layout," "Text Transformations," "Metadata," "Cover") to fine-tune how your project will look. This is where you control chapter numbering, page breaks, font styles, and more.
Compile Your Project: Click the Compile button.
- You'll be prompted to choose a save location and filename for your compiled document.
- Click Save to generate your final output file.

Compilation is highly versatile, allowing you to compile different versions of your project (e.g., a full manuscript for an agent, an abridged version for a contest, or an ebook for self-publishing) all from the same Scrivener Binder.

Choosing the Right Export Method

The best method depends on your specific needs:

Feature	Direct Export (`File > Export > Files...`)	Compilation (`File > Compile...`)
Purpose	Export individual items or small groups as separate files.	Generate a single, polished, multi-document output (e.g., an entire book).
Output Structure	Multiple separate files.	One cohesive document (e.g., a .docx, .pdf, .epub).
Formatting Control	Exports documents largely as they appear in Scrivener (RTF/TXT maintains some formatting; DOCX attempts to match).	Extensive control over final layout, styling, and numbering across the entire document.
File Formats	RTF, TXT, DOCX, ODT, PDF, HTML (per file)	DOCX, PDF, EPUB, MOBI, HTML, RTF, TXT, Final Draft, and more.
Best For	Sharing specific scene drafts, sending individual chapters for review, creating raw text backups.	Producing final manuscripts, ebooks, academic papers, scripts, generating print-ready files.

Key Tips for Successful Export

Review Your Text: Before exporting, especially compiling, ensure your text is free of errors, and your formatting is consistent within Scrivener.
Use Placeholders: Scrivener's placeholders (<$title>, <$author>, <$chap_num>) are incredibly useful in compilation to automatically insert dynamic content.
Save Regularly: Always save your Scrivener project (File > Save) before starting a major export or compile process.
Experiment with Formats: Try exporting to different file types to see which best suits your needs or the requirements of your publisher/platform.
Consult Scrivener's Manual: For in-depth details on advanced compile settings, refer to the official Scrivener user manual, accessible via Help > Scrivener Manual.

By understanding and utilizing these export methods, you can efficiently get your work out of Scrivener and into the hands of readers, editors, or other applications.