Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What platforms does BookCatalyst support?
BookCatalyst currently supports Windows 10 and Windows 11. Mac and Linux versions are planned for future releases.
Is BookCatalyst a subscription or one-time purchase?
BookCatalyst is a one-time purchase. You pay once and own it forever, with free updates for the current major version.
Can I try BookCatalyst before buying?
Yes! You can try BookCatalyst through the Microsoft Store before purchasing. Get it from our releases page.
Where are my projects stored?
Projects are stored as files on your computer in a location you choose. This means you have complete control over your data and can use external backup solutions if desired.
Technical Questions
What file formats can I import?
You can import:
- .docx (Microsoft Word documents)
- .md (Markdown files)
- .txt (Plain text files)
What file formats can I export to?
Currently, BookCatalyst exports to:
- .docx (Microsoft Word documents with formatting)
- .md (Markdown files)
PDF and ePub export are coming in future updates.
Does BookCatalyst work offline?
Yes! BookCatalyst is a fully offline application. No internet connection is required to write, analyze, or manage your projects.
How does automatic version history work?
Every time you save a document, BookCatalyst automatically creates a version snapshot. You can view, compare, and restore any previous version for up to 30 days (configurable).
Can I sync projects across multiple computers?
Projects are file-based, so you can manually sync using cloud storage services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive. Just save your project to a synced folder.
Feature Questions
How accurate are the readability scores?
We use industry-standard algorithms including Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, SMOG, and others. These are the same formulas used by educational institutions and professional editors worldwide.
Can I customize the themes?
BookCatalyst comes with 11 pre-made themes. Custom theme creation is planned for a future update.
Does BookCatalyst support collaboration?
Real-time collaboration features are not currently available, but you can share project files for offline collaboration.
Can I write screenplays in BookCatalyst?
Yes! BookCatalyst includes a Screenplay template with proper formatting guidelines. While it doesn't enforce screenplay-specific formatting automatically, it provides the structure you need.
Account & Licensing
Do I need an account to use BookCatalyst?
No account is required to use BookCatalyst. It's a standalone desktop application.
Can I use BookCatalyst on multiple computers?
Yes! A single license allows installation on multiple computers for personal use.
Troubleshooting
BookCatalyst won't start
Try these steps:
- Restart your computer
- Check Windows Update for pending updates
- Repair or reinstall BookCatalyst from the Microsoft Store (right-click app → Advanced options → Repair)
- Check Windows Event Viewer for error messages
If the problem persists, contact support with details from the Event Viewer.
My project file is corrupted
BookCatalyst creates automatic backups. Try:
- Go to File → Restore Backup
- Select the most recent backup
- Check the backup folder in your project directory
Spell check isn't working
Check that:
- The dictionary files exist in the Dictionaries folder
- Spell check is enabled in Settings → Editor
- You've restarted the application after changing settings
The app is running slowly
Performance tips:
- Close other resource-intensive applications
- Check that your project isn't extremely large (>1 million words)
- Disable real-time analysis in Settings if not needed
- Clean up old version history if storage is low