User Guide

Meet NovelThread

NovelThread is a local-first desktop writing app built specifically for novelists. Your manuscripts, character notes, and outlines stay safely on your computer. AI serves as a capable assistant on your terms, never an uninvited ghostwriter.

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The writing workspace: chapter tree, editor and project navigation. (Chinese interface.)
The writing workspace: chapter tree, editor and project navigation. (Chinese interface.)

Steps

  1. NovelThread is a desktop app. Every project is stored in a local database on your machine by default, and works fully offline without signing in.
  2. Open the app to the Home screen, which greets you and offers "New Novel" and "Import Project", plus a "Continue Writing" card to jump back into your latest work.
  3. "My Works" lists all your novels — click any one to enter its writing space.
  4. Each novel’s workspace has five areas: Work Home, Writing, Outline, Asset Library, and Settings — overview, drafting, structure, story bible, and project configuration respectively.
  5. The "AI Assistant" is always a keystroke away (Cmd/Ctrl+I): inside a novel it acts as that book’s writing advisor; on Home it’s a global assistant for planning a new book.