Frequently Asked Questions

What is Covici?

Covici is an AI-powered manuscript writing application designed for authors. It provides a comprehensive writing environment with AI assistance for fiction and non-fiction writers, featuring advanced organization tools, a wiki system, and intelligent writing assistance.

How do I create an account?

You can register through:

1. Email Registration: You can visit /register and provide your email and password for traditional registration.
2. Google OAuth: You can click "Sign in with Google" for one-click authentication without needing to create a separate password.
3. After registration, you'll receive a welcome email to confirm your account.

What browsers are supported?

Covici works best on modern browsers. Chrome and Chromium-based browsers are recommended for the best experience. Firefox, Safari, and Edge are also fully supported. Mobile browsers are supported but desktop provides the best experience for extended writing sessions.

Is there a demo available?

Yes! Once logged in, visit /demo to watch an interactive demo video showcasing all features.

How do I reset my password?

1. Click "Forgot Password" on the login page to begin the password reset process.
2. Enter your email address in the provided field.
3. Check your email for a reset link from nat@notifications.covici.ai.
4. Follow the link to set a new password for your account.

Can I use Google Sign-In?

Yes, Google OAuth is fully supported. Click "Sign in with Google" on the login or register page. Your account will be created automatically if you're a new user.

What happens if I fail to login multiple times?

After 5 failed login attempts, your account will be temporarily locked for security. The system logs all authentication attempts for security monitoring.

How do I delete my account?

Go to /settings and scroll to the danger zone. Click "Delete Account" - this action is permanent and will delete all your manuscripts, settings, and data.

Can I change my email address?

Yes, in /settings you can update your email address. You'll need to verify the new email before the change takes effect.

Is two-factor authentication available?

Currently not implemented, but the system uses secure session management with encryption.

How do I create a new manuscript?

1. From the dashboard, click "Create New Manuscript" to start the creation process.
2. Enter a title for your manuscript.
3. Choose the type between Fiction or Non-fiction based on your project.
4. Optionally upload a cover image to personalize your manuscript.
5. Click "Create" to finish creating your new manuscript.

What's the difference between Fiction and Non-fiction manuscripts?

Fiction manuscripts use chapters and scenes structure, and include character/location wiki features for world-building. Non-fiction manuscripts have more flexible structure, focusing on sections and topics rather than narrative elements. The AI adapts its suggestions based on manuscript type.

Can I organize chapters into acts?

Yes! Fiction manuscripts support acts. You can create acts to group chapters thematically. You can drag chapters between acts to reorganize your story structure. Acts display with larger fonts for visual hierarchy. Number acts sequentially for easy reference.

How do I archive a manuscript?

Click the three-dot menu on any manuscript card and select "Archive". Archived manuscripts can be restored from the archived section.

Can I add a cover image?

Yes, click "Upload Cover" on the manuscript page. Supported formats include JPEG/JPG, PNG, and WebP. The maximum file size is 10MB. Images are securely stored and served.

How do I continue writing from where I left off?

Click "Continue Writing" on any manuscript card. The system remembers your last edited chapter and scene, taking you directly there.

Can I duplicate a manuscript?

While not directly supported, you can export a manuscript and re-import it with a new name.

What are manuscript templates?

The system can suggest structure templates for common genres (thriller, romance, non-fiction guide, etc.) when creating a new manuscript.

What is the Chapter Editor?

The Chapter Editor allows you to edit all scenes in a chapter simultaneously. Scenes are separated by visual dividers for clear organization. The editor features auto-save every 2 seconds of inactivity. It supports up to 100,000 words per chapter. The editor includes plan and summary sidebars for reference.

What is the Scene Editor?

Individual scene editing provides focused tools for working on specific scenes. It offers single scene focus for distraction-free writing. Version control support helps track changes. The wiki sidebar provides quick reference to your world-building. AI assistance is available for the specific scene context.

How does auto-save work?

The system automatically saves after 2 seconds of inactivity. You can manually save anytime with Ctrl/Cmd + S. Conflict resolution handles concurrent edits gracefully. Offline mode queues saves when offline and syncs when connection returns.

What are the slash commands?

Type / in the editor to see available commands. Use /write for AI to continue your writing. Use /ideas to generate story ideas. Use /scene to split current scene at cursor. Use /h1, /h2, /h3 to add headings. Use /bold and /italic for text formatting. Press TAB or ENTER to accept suggestions.

How do I use the AI selection tools?

Select any text in the editor to access AI tools. The Edit Button allows you to modify selected text with AI guidance. The Write Button uses your selection as instruction to generate new content. The AI automatically matches POV (first/third person), maintains tense (past/present), and preserves your writing style.

What is the auto-hide feature?

The editor UI automatically hides when you're typing. The toolbar fades out during writing to reduce distractions. Sidebars minimize automatically to give you more writing space. Everything reappears on mouse movement. This provides a distraction-free writing experience.

Can I have multiple editors open?

Yes, you can open multiple browser tabs with different scenes or chapters. The auto-save system prevents conflicts.

How do Plan and Summary sidebars work?

The Plan Sidebar lets you outline your scene/chapter before writing. Use the "Suggest" button for AI-generated ideas. The "Beats" button provides story beat breakdown. The "Draft" button generates a full scene from your plan. The Summary Sidebar provides auto or manual summaries. Use the "Generate" button for AI summaries. These summaries are used for context in other scenes. Both sidebars are resizable - drag the edge to resize, and width persists across sessions.

What is the comparison editor?

When using AI rewrite or continue features, a split-screen shows original content on the left and AI-generated content on the right. Diff highlighting shows changes clearly. You have Accept/Reject/Edit options for full control.

What AI models are used?

Anthropic Claude Sonnet is used for chat, rewriting, content generation, and selection tools. Google Gemini Flash is used for summaries and wiki analysis, as it's 25x cheaper for these tasks. Models are optimized for specific tasks to balance quality and cost.

What is AI Chat?

The context-aware assistant is available in editors and understands your manuscript context. It remembers conversation history for continuity. The "Apply Suggestions" button enables quick implementation of AI suggestions. The chat can be customized with instructions specific to your writing style.

How do I customize AI behavior?

Two levels of customization are available. Global Instructions at /ai-training include chat instructions, summary instructions, suggestion instructions, and plan instructions. Manuscript-specific settings in manuscript settings include context about your story, character details, world-building notes, and these override global settings when applicable.

What is AI Continue?

Use the /write command or "Continue" button to have AI continue your writing. It generates 500-1000 words continuing from your cursor position. The comparison editor opens to show suggested text. The system auto-scrolls to show new content and matches your writing style.

How does AI Rewrite work?

Select a scene or chapter and click "Rewrite". Provide rewrite instructions for the AI to follow. The AI maintains story continuity while making changes. You can compare original vs rewritten versions side-by-side. You can accept, reject, or edit further as needed.

What are AI-generated ideas?

Scene Ideas provide plot points, conflicts, and developments. Chapter Ideas suggest arc progression and themes. Story Beats break down your plan into 5-7 specific plot points. Draft Generation creates complete 2000-3000 word scenes from your plans.

How accurate is POV/tense matching?

The AI analyzes existing content to detect first vs third person perspective, past vs present tense, and your narrative style. It maintains consistency automatically across all generated content.

Are there usage limits?

Yes, to prevent abuse there are configurable request limits set by administrators. Token limits are applied per user. You can track your usage in /ai-usage. Admins can adjust individual limits if needed.

Can AI help with writer's block?

Yes! Multiple features help overcome writer's block. Idea Generation provides plot suggestions when you're stuck. Beat Breakdown helps structure your scenes. Draft Generation creates full scenes from outlines. Continue Writing lets AI write the next section. Chat Assistant allows you to brainstorm with AI.

What are the rotating loading phrases?

During AI operations, creative phrases display like "Consulting the muses...", "Weaving narrative threads...", and "Channeling your inner author...". These make waiting more engaging while the AI processes your request.

What is the Wiki system?

A comprehensive world-building tool with six categories: Characters (blue) for people in your story, Locations (green) for places and settings, Items (gold) for objects and artifacts, Concepts (purple) for ideas and systems, Lore (rose) for history and mythology, and Other (gray) for miscellaneous entries.

How do I create wiki entries?

1. Click the globe icon in the toolbar to open the wiki interface.
2. Choose a category for your new entry.
3. Enter name and details for the entry.
4. Add aliases (alternate names) if applicable.
5. Save the entry to add it to your wiki.

What are wiki aliases?

Alternative names for entries include nicknames for characters, shortened location names, acronyms for concepts, and all aliases are highlighted in text when they appear.

How does wiki highlighting work?

Automatic highlighting appears in the editor for all wiki entries. Each category is color-coded for easy identification. Highlighting updates in real-time as you type. Click highlighted text for quick access to entry details.

Can AI help with my wiki?

Yes! Click "Generate" on any wiki entry. The AI reads your manuscript, finds all mentions of the entry, extracts character traits and relationships, and generates comprehensive profiles based on your writing.

What are wiki descriptors?

Customizable fields for each category help track important details. Characters can have personality, appearance, and backstory fields. Locations can include climate, culture, and landmarks. Items can track properties, history, and significance. These are set in manuscript settings.

How do I see all mentions of a wiki entry?

Click "View Mentions" on any entry to see all occurrences in your manuscript. This shows context around each mention. It helps track character appearances and is useful for consistency checking.

Can I reorder wiki entries?

Yes, drag and drop to reorder within categories. Custom order is preserved.

Is there a wiki grid view?

Yes, with 1-4 column layouts that are adjustable via settings. The card-based display provides quick edit/delete options and visual organization of your world-building elements.

What formats can I export?

DOCX (Microsoft Word) preserves formatting, includes chapter/scene structure, provides professional manuscript format, and is compatible with publishers. Markdown offers plain text with formatting, is version control friendly, has universal compatibility, and includes front matter.

What formats can I import?

Currently supports DOCX files with automatic structure detection. The system looks for "Chapter" headings, "Scene" markers, numbered sections, and act divisions.

How does import structure detection work?

The intelligent importer analyzes heading patterns, identifies chapter markers, detects scene breaks, preserves formatting, and creates appropriate structure automatically.

Can I import from other writing apps?

If they export to DOCX, yes. This includes Scrivener (compile to DOCX), Google Docs (download as DOCX), Microsoft Word (native), and LibreOffice (save as DOCX).

Are images imported/exported?

During import, inline images are preserved. During export, cover images are included in DOCX. Wiki images are not currently supported.

What happens to formatting during import?

Basic formatting is preserved including bold and italic text. Headings are converted appropriately. Paragraphs are maintained. Special characters are handled correctly.

What are scene versions?

Save snapshots of your scenes before major edits. You can store up to 20 versions per scene. Each version can have custom names and notes. You can compare versions side-by-side. Versions have 30-day retention after deletion.

How do I save a version?

1. In the scene editor, click "Versions" button.
2. Click "Save Current Version" to create a snapshot.
3. Enter a name (e.g., "Before major rewrite").
4. Add optional notes about the version.
5. Click "Save" to store the version.

How do I load a previous version?

1. Open versions panel in the scene editor.
2. Click on desired version from the list.
3. Choose "Load" to replace current content.
4. Or choose "Compare" to view side-by-side.

Can I compare versions?

Yes, the comparison view shows current version on the left and selected version on the right. Highlighted differences make changes clear. Word count changes are displayed for reference.

What's the version limit?

You can save 20 versions per scene maximum. The oldest is auto-deleted when the limit is reached. Soft delete provides 30-day retention for recovery. You can manually delete versions as needed.

Are versions included in export?

No, only the current content is exported. Versions are for internal revision tracking.

How do I customize typography?

In /settings under Typography, you can adjust Font Family with serif, sans-serif, monospace, and custom font options. Font Size is adjustable from 12px to 24px. Line Height can be set from 1.0 to 3.0. Paragraph Spacing is adjustable to your preference. Max Width controls content width for comfortable reading.

Are settings synchronized?

Yes, all settings sync across devices including typography preferences, view preferences, sidebar widths, grid layouts, all using cloud storage.

Can I use custom fonts?

Not currently, but there is an extensive list of popular fonts available.

What is focused writing mode?

Available in settings, this mode dims non-active paragraphs, highlights the current sentence, reduces distractions, and offers adjustable focus intensity for deep writing sessions.

How do I set default views?

Manuscript view preferences include grid columns (1-6), expand/collapse state, sort order, filters, and all preferences persist between sessions.

What statistics are tracked?

Writing Statistics include daily word count, writing streaks, average session length, peak writing times, and chapter/scene progress. Manuscript Stats track total word count, average chapter length, scene distribution, character appearances, and pacing analysis.

How do I view my stats?

Global Stats are available at /stats for all manuscripts. Manuscript Stats can be accessed by clicking the stats icon on each manuscript. Real-time Stats appear in the bottom bar while editing.

Can I export statistics?

Yes, export options include CSV format, customizable date ranges, specific metrics selection, and comparative analysis between manuscripts.

What is a writing session?

Automatic tracking includes session start/end times, words written during the session, time spent writing, breaks detected automatically, and peak productivity periods.

How are streaks calculated?

Streaks track daily writing activity with a minimum of 100 words required. They are timezone-aware for accuracy. Vacation mode is available to pause streaks.

How do I become an admin?

Admin access is granted by existing admins using the command: php artisan user:make-admin <email>

What can admins do?

User Management includes viewing all users, adjusting AI limits, resetting passwords, suspending accounts, and viewing usage statistics. Email Marketing features sending newsletters, using templates, tracking opens/clicks, managing unsubscribes, with rate-limiting to prevent spam. Security Monitoring provides viewing login attempts, tracking suspicious activity, security event logs, IP blocking, and audit trails. Content Overview shows global statistics, popular manuscripts, AI usage patterns, and system health.

How do I access admin features?

Admins see additional menu items: /admin for the dashboard, /admin/users for user management, /admin/security for security logs, /admin/email-marketing for email campaigns, and /admin/settings for system configuration.

Can admins see user content?

No, admins cannot read manuscripts, view personal content, or access private data. They only see statistics and metadata.

What are admin security measures?

Security includes separate middleware authentication, rate limiting on admin actions, security event logging, CSRF double verification, and session isolation.

How is my data protected?

Encryption includes bcrypt hashing for passwords, AES-256 encryption for sessions, encrypted file storage at rest, and secure environment variables for API keys. Access Control uses UUID-based URLs to prevent enumeration, manuscript-level permissions, secure file serving, and CORS restrictions.

Is my writing private?

Yes, completely. Only you can access your manuscripts. Admins cannot read content. AI doesn't train on your data. There's no sharing unless you export.

What security headers are used?

Security headers include Content Security Policy (CSP), X-Frame-Options: DENY, X-Content-Type-Options: nosniff, Strict-Transport-Security, and X-XSS-Protection.

How are files stored?

Files are stored outside the public directory for security. Secure file serving is handled via controller. MIME type validation ensures file safety. Size limits are enforced. Virus scanning is available if configured.

What about GDPR compliance?

GDPR compliance includes data export availability, right to deletion, privacy policy, cookie consent, and data minimization practices.

Are there audit logs?

Yes, comprehensive logging includes authentication attempts, admin actions, security events, API usage, and data modifications.

How is AI data handled?

Requests are sent to AI APIs for processing only. There is no training on your data. Processing is temporary only. Usage is logged for billing purposes. Context is cleared after each session.

What about backups?

The system includes daily automated backups with 30-day retention. Point-in-time recovery is available. Backup storage is encrypted. A disaster recovery plan is in place.

What technology stack is used?

Backend uses Laravel 12, PHP 8.2+, MySQL/SQLite, Redis for caching, and queue workers. Frontend uses Vue 3, Inertia.js, TipTap editor, Tailwind CSS v3, and Vite.

What are the system requirements?

Server requires PHP 8.2+, MySQL 8.0+ or SQLite, 2GB RAM minimum, 10GB storage, and an SSL certificate. Client requires a modern browser, JavaScript enabled, 2GB RAM, and stable internet connection.

How is performance optimized?

Performance optimization includes query optimization with eager loading, Redis caching, CDN for assets, lazy loading, code splitting, and image optimization.

What about mobile support?

Mobile features include responsive design, touch-optimized interface, Progressive Web App (PWA) capability, limited offline mode, and mobile-specific UI adjustments.

Can I self-host Covici?

While technically possible, self-hosting is not officially supported and requires significant setup, AI API keys, and advanced technical knowledge.

What browsers have issues?

Known issues include Internet Explorer not being supported, old Safari having limited TipTap support, mobile browsers having reduced features, and privacy-focused browsers potentially blocking some features.

How are updates deployed?

Updates use zero-downtime deployments with blue-green deployment strategy, automatic migrations, cache warming, and rollback capability.

Editor won't load

1. Clear browser cache to remove outdated files.
2. Check JavaScript console for errors that may indicate the problem.
3. Disable browser extensions that might interfere.
4. Try incognito mode to rule out browser settings.
5. Check internet connection for stability.

Auto-save not working

Check your internet connection for stability. Look for error messages in the editor. Try manual save with Ctrl/Cmd+S. Check browser console for errors. Your session may have expired and needs refresh.

AI features not responding

Check AI usage limits in your account. Verify internet connection is stable. Check for service outages on status page. Clear browser cache to remove corrupted data. Try refreshing the page.

Can't see my manuscripts

Check you're logged in to the correct account. Verify subscription status is active. Check archive folder for moved manuscripts. Clear browser cache. Contact support if issue persists.

Wiki highlighting not working

Refresh the page to reload wiki entries. Check wiki entries exist and are saved. Verify aliases are properly set. Clear editor cache in settings. Re-save wiki entries to trigger update.

Import failing

Check file size is under 50MB limit. Verify DOCX format is correct. Ensure proper document structure. Check for special characters that might cause issues. Try simplifying document structure.

Export not downloading

Check popup blocker isn't preventing download. Try different browser if issue persists. Check download folder for the file. Verify manuscript has content to export. Check browser download permissions.

Typography changes not applying

Refresh the page to apply changes. Clear browser cache. Check local storage isn't full. Re-save settings to force update. Try different browser to isolate issue.

Version comparison not loading

Check version exists in the list. Refresh the page to reload. Clear browser cache. Check console for JavaScript errors. Try loading different version.

Slash commands not appearing

Type / at start of line to trigger commands. Check editor has focus. Ensure you're not in a code block. Try different location in document. Refresh editor if needed.

Lost work recovery

Check version history for recent saves. Look for auto-save indicator. Check browser history for cached content. Contact support with timestamp of lost work. Enable browser recovery in settings.

Session expires frequently

Check "Remember me" on login for longer sessions. Verify cookie settings allow persistence. Check browser privacy settings aren't too strict. Disable VPN if it's changing your IP. Clear cookies and re-login fresh.

What subscription plans are available?

Currently offered through Stripe are monthly subscription plans, annual subscription with discount, and free trial periods when available.

How do I manage my subscription?

1. Go to /settings in your account.
2. Click "Manage Subscription" button.
3. Opens Stripe Customer Portal for management.
4. Update payment method, cancel, or change plan as needed.

Can I pause my subscription?

Through Stripe Customer Portal you can pause your subscription and resume when ready. Your data is preserved during the pause. You won't have access during the pause period.

What happens if payment fails?

You receive a 3-day grace period to update payment. Email notifications alert you to the issue. Multiple retry attempts are made automatically. After the grace period, you get read-only access. Data is preserved for 30 days.

Can I get a refund?

Contact support within 14 days of payment. Explain the issue you're experiencing. Prorated refunds are available. Each case is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

What's included in subscription?

Your subscription includes unlimited manuscripts, all AI features, import/export functionality, wiki system access, version control, and priority support.

Is there a free tier?

Currently no free tier, but there is an unlimited 2-week free trial available.

How do I update payment method?

1. Go to /settings in your account.
2. Click "Manage Subscription" to open portal.
3. Select "Update payment method" in Stripe.
4. Enter new card details securely.
5. Confirm update to save changes.

Can I switch between plans?

Yes, through Stripe Portal you can upgrade immediately with prorated billing. Downgrades take effect at cycle end. Billing is prorated automatically. There's no data loss when switching plans.

What about team/organization plans?

Not currently available, but planned features include collaborative editing, team management, centralized billing, and shared resources.

Getting Help

In-app chat is available to all users for immediate assistance. Email support can be reached at support@covici.ai. Documentation is available in-app for reference. Video tutorials can be found on the /demo page.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Essential shortcuts include Ctrl/Cmd + B for bold text, Ctrl/Cmd + I for italic text, Ctrl/Cmd + Z for undo, Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Z for redo, Ctrl/Cmd + F for find, and type / for slash commands.

Best Practices

1. Regular Exports: Create weekly backups of your work.
2. Version Saves: Save versions before major edits.
3. Wiki Building: Build your wiki as you write.
4. AI Training: Customize AI for your writing style.
5. Statistics Review: Track your progress regularly.

Common Workflows

Starting a New Novel:

1. Create manuscript with appropriate type.
2. Set up acts/chapters structure.
3. Build initial wiki entries.
4. Customize AI instructions.
5. Begin with chapter plans.

Daily Writing Session:

1. Continue from last position.
2. Review yesterday's summary.
3. Write with auto-save enabled.
4. Update wiki as needed.
5. Check statistics for progress.

Revision Process:

1. Save version before changes.
2. Use AI rewrite suggestions.
3. Compare versions side-by-side.
4. Track changes in tasks.
5. Export for beta readers.

Feature Request & Feedback

Use the in-app feedback form for suggestions. Email feature requests to our team. Vote on roadmap items for priority. Join beta testing for early access. Community forums are coming soon.

Privacy & Terms

The Privacy Policy is available at login. Terms of Service are available at registration. Data Processing is GDPR compliant. Cookie Policy uses essential cookies only. Third-party services include Stripe and AI providers.