FreeWriter - Support

If you are having a problem with FreeWriter, or just need some information, this area is here to help. We have an extensive Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) database that may have an instant answer to help you. If the FAQ can't help, then please go on to ask our support desk which is manned by real people who are waiting to help you.

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About FreeWriter

What is FreeWriter?

FreeWriter is a software program to help people write long documents. It places an emphasis on thought management whilst also providing very powerful editing facilities

Can I use FreeWriter to write a novel?

Yes - absolutely. FreeWriter can be used to write anything you want but does have a strong emphasis on writing novels. Writing novels can be hard because you need to keep your readers interested and this requires good a structure containing clarity and continuity. It contains all the tools you need to achieve this and the thoughts canvas helps you with your creativity. When you are ready to publish it has facilities to help you create an ebook if you are going to self-publish.

Is FreeWriter for fiction or non fiction?

FreeWriter can be used to write anything you want! Although initially designed for novel writing, it is great for writing reports or anything where there is a lot of information to communicate. So from fictional novels, historical novels, biographies through to scientific reports - it has everything you need.

Can I use FreeWriter to write a report?

Is FreeWriter just a glorified word processor?

It contains a super powerful word processor with things like automatic voice read back, speech recognition and all the formatting facilities you should need. However this is on one part of FreeWriter. There is a lot more to writing a novel or report than just entering your prose and this is where FreeWriter comes into it's own.

How does FreeWriter differ from other programs?

FreeWriter is dramatically different from other writing software and the list of differences is too long to list here - have a look at the tour or better still download and try it out - it's free after all!

Who created FreeWriter?

FreeWriter has been written by Lifestyle Toolbox Ltd which is a small company based in Bedford in the United Kingdom. We have over 12 years experience providing novel writing software and have used this to create FreeWriter.

It's free so does it contain adverts?

Computers that can run FreeWriter

Will FreeWriter run on my Windows 8 computer?

Will FreeWriter run on my Windows 7 computer?

FreeWriter was designed to run on any Windows 7 computer. This includes all editions of Windows 7 - Home Edition, Premium Edition and Ultimate Edition. Additionally it will run on both 32 bit and 64 bit computers. So in short, if you have Windows 7, you can run FreeWriter.

Will FreeWriter run on my Vista computer?

FreeWriter was designed to run on any Windows Vista computer. This includes all editions - Home Basic Edition, Home Premium Edition, Business Edition and Ultimate Edition. Additionally it will run on both 32 bit and 64 bit computers. So in short, if you have Windows Vista, you can run FreeWriter.

Will FreeWriter run on my XP computer?

Whilst the Windows version of FreeWriter was designed for Windows 7 and Vista, it will also run on Windows XP providing it is up to date with Service Packs. The important thing is the the Microsoft Framework 4 is on your computer. This is normally present and installed by Windows Update if not already there. We cannot guarantee the performance on XP though, not because of the software but hardware of older computers. FreeWriter uses powerful graphics and needs a basic level of modern day graphics capabilities on the computer.

Will FreeWriter run on my MAC computer?

Currently we only have a Windows version of FreeWriter which will not run on a MAC or IPad. As this program uses the latest Microsoft WPF technology it is also unlikely to run using a Windows emulator on the MAC. A Mac version of FreeWriter is planned, but we do not have a release date yet.

Will FreeWriter run on my Linux computer?

Currently we only have a Windows version of FreeWriter which will not run on a LINUX computer. As this program uses the latest Microsoft WPF technology it is also unlikely to run using a Windows emulator (eg Mono) on Linux. A Linux version of FreeWriter is planned, but we do not have a release date yet. If you go to the download section you can add your name to the waiting list and we will let you know when it's ready.

I have a 64 bit computer - is that a problem?

No it's not a problem. FreeWriter is a 32 bit program but runs on 64 bit Windows computers with no special setup. FreeWriter was developed on 64 bit machines!

What are the actual technical requirements?

For Windows - 1Ghz or faster 32 or 64 bit processor with 1GB of memory, or higher, running Windows 8,7, Vista or XP. Minimum screen resolution 1024 * 768.

Can I use it on my Android phone?

No sorry mobile screens are just too small. It does work on notebooks, laptops and desktops, providing the screen size is 1024 * 768 or bigger.

Can I use it on my iPhone?

What is the minimum screen size to use FreeWriter?

Can I use it on my iPad?

Can I use it on my Windows Surface?

Downloading and installing

How do I get FreeWriter on my computer?

Getting the software on your computer is very easy. Simply go to the download section of this website and follow the instructions to download it. Once you have downloaded you just need to run the setup program to install it on your computer.

Is it safe to install FreeWriter on my computer?

Yes it is safe we virus check our software before releasing it for download. The software is fully SSL signed and certified to Lifestyle Toolbox Ltd, so you you can have confidence that it's safe.

What is the size of the download?

The download file for Windows is 12.8 MB in size which on an average broadband connection takes about 15 seconds to complete. Broadband speeds do vary depending on time of day etc.

What happens if the download fails?

Downloads can fail but with broadband they are becoming less frequent than they used to be. If it does fail do not worry you can always download again at anytime.

It get a warning from Avast/AVG that it is not a frequently downloaded program.

Windows 8 Smart Screen is warning me that FreeWriter is not certified.

FreeWriter for Windows says I need .NET Framework 4 - What's that?

Microsoft provide the .NET Framework which is part of Windows. It is often updated on your computer automatically using Windows Update. FreeWriter requires version 4 or later. It should already be on your computer. If it isn't (check in your control panel), please run windows update or go to the Microsoft web site to download it.

Your license and privacy

Can I use it on more than one computer?

Yes, the user license for the Standard Edition allows you to run it on any computer you want. If you upgrade to a Professional license, you can use this version on up to three different computers.

If I get a Professional license, can other members of my houshold use it?

Yes - We are not stingy with our licensing. When you upgrade your license it allows other members of your household to use it providing they use it on a computer fully or partly owned by you. This obviously does not apply to commercial properties or concerns as the license is for private use.

Does the software invade my privacy?

Absolutely not! We have been supplying novel writing software for a long time now and recognize the importance of privacy to authors. On his website we do use IP/LBS systems to work out which country and region you come from but this is purely to help us market our product and obviously this does not involve your personal details. There is no registration required to use the software so we don't know who you are. The software does contain embedded browsers but these do nothing more than allow you to browse the web as normal. The only time we take any personal details is when you upgrade and we only use this information to support you with your purchase. We and our software never collect information about you for use by third parties.

Who owns the copyright of what I enter into FreeWriter?

You do! FreeWriter is just a tool to help you write. The copyright division is clear cut. We own the software and provide you with a license to use it. Anything you enter into it entirely belongs to you.

Can I password protect my work in FreeWriter?

You can password protect your work but by using Windows security rather than within the software itself. To do this you must create a new Windows User account in the control panel. If this user account is password protected then only you can use it and any data you create using any program inside this account will be private to just you.

Trial and upgrading

If I want to purchase FreeWriter how much does it cost?

I just want to use the Standard version - am I going to get stuck and have to buy Professional?

I just want to use the Standard version - am I going to be hassled to upgrade?

How does the Professional trial work?

Is it worth upgrading to Professional?

Why do I have to pay for Professional - it's called FreeWriter?

We do provide an awful lot in FreeWriter Standard at no cost. In an ideal world we would also love to put out FreeWriter Professional as a free product. The problem here is our staff have to live and have mortgages. When you upgrade not only do get the enhanced features of Professional but you are supporting a small group of people who are are enthusiastic about helping other people write! Your upgrade also helps us to develop FreeWriter further and our aim is to make it the ultimate writing tool.

Using the software for the first time

I have installed it - what now?

After a successful install you should see a shortcut for FreeWriter on your desktop and in the programs section of your Start Menu. So you are ready to go! Run FreeWriter from one of these shortcuts. When the program opens for the first time it loads in the Quick Start Guide which explains how to get started and also provides you with an example FreeWriter document.

Help and tutorials

Does FreeWriter come with a instruction manual?

No, but there is comprehensive help to assist you within the program. Additionally you have these FAQ's and the forums on the social networks. If none of these options give you the answers you require then you can always email our support department.

The Explorer

Can I work on more one document at once?

Yes the Explorer lets you open as many concurrent documents as you want. Each document has an entry in top level of the Explorer tree.

Is there an easy way to see my recently opened documents?

Yes, FreeWriter has a Recent Documents entry in the menu bar which shows the documents you have been working on. This differs slightly from the standard recent documents functions of other programs as it allows you to toggle documents between opened and closed by a single click!

Editing facilities

Can I use FreeWriter in another language other than English?

Yes all the instructive text in English but you can write in another language and the spell checker uses the main language of your computer.. ie: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic etc

Is there a word limit in each chapter?

No you can write as much as you like in each chapter. There is no word limit in any part of FreeWriter providing your computer memory and hard disk can handle it. So unless your novel ends up a few thousand times bigger than 'War and Peace' - you should be okay!

Is there a spell checker etc?

Yes all the aids you expect should be there. The one item we have deliberately omitted is a 'while you type' grammar checker. Our research has shown that this can cause more irritation than assistance.

What is speech recognition?

Speech recognition ( or speech to text ) is a function of FreeWriter that allows you to dictate your text to the program rather than typing it in using your keyboard. Our software relies on the speech recognition facilities that are already built into your computers operating system. On Windows 8, 7 and Vista Microsoft provide these facilities as standard. XP computers may not have the speech recognition components installed. These were not supplied by Microsoft on later editions of XP and may only be present if you have Microsoft Office installed. If you computer is running XP and you do not have the required speech recognition components installed you can still use FreeWriter - you may just not be able to use these facilities.

Can I create a preface/prologue?

Yes you can - FreeWriter allows you to structure your document anyway you want. If you are writing a novel you use the New Novel Wizard which allows you to select a starting structure with the Fore Matter, Body Matter and Back Matter parts you want.

What is Readback?

Read-back is the facility FreeWriter gives you to read, all or part, of your novel to you using a synthetic voice (bit like Professor Hawkins) through your computers speakers. This is not a gimmick. When you are writing your prose, sometimes you can get a little 'wrapped up' and what you think you are writing is not what is actually being written. When your computer reads it back to you - you can hear the differences straight away and make the changes necessary. The great thing about the read-back function is no-one else is involved, you don't need to ask a second opinion of a friend yet - it's you and the machine.

The spell checker is not using the language I want - how can I change it.

You can change the language of the spell checker by changing the main language in Windows and FreeWriter will then use the appropriate language.

Can I insert images or photos into my novel?

Yes images can be inserted into any part of your prose or notes

Is there a find a replace function?

Thoughts handling

Do I have to use the Thoughts Canvas facilities?

No, they are purely optional and Thoughts are only a part of what FreeWriter offers. It is likely however that sooner or later you will realize what the Thoughts capabilities offer and you will want to use them!

Using Elements

What are Elements?

What are the different types of Elements?

Elements in FreeWriter are grouped as follows: Characters - Anything with intelligence. Places - Any location. Things - Anything that is not a Character or a Place. Events - A happening or sequence of happenings (plot). Twists - Complex plot lines.

What's the point of Elements?

When you write a long document you need to keep things consistent. FreeWriter let's you build up the elements in isolation from your writing and then provides a way for you to easily reference them using the Quick View panel when you get to the writing pat.

Quick View

What is the Quick View?

The whole idea behind FreeWriter is to allow you to build up all the background information for your document and present it to you when you need it whilst writing. To be free to write you need the minimum of distractions and this is where FreeWriter comes into its own!

Productivity

Does it have a word count?

Yes there is a comprehensive word count facility. Not only does this log how much you have done on each day, it also can predict how much you will have written on a future date at your current rate of progress. This is especially useful if you are working to a deadline such as writing a book in a month with NanoWrimo.

What backup services does it offer?

As part of the productivity tools is the ability to take snapshot backups of a complete document. This is important to keep your work safe whilst also letting you go back in time and look at something you may have overwritten.

Saving, printing and exporting your work

Can I print out my complete work from FreeWriter?

Yes you can print part or all of your document in both Standard and Professional editions. Additionally there are print preview facilities throughout.

Can FreeWriter produce an ebook?

Ebooks can have varying formats. FreeWriter allows for the export of your work in a variety of formats which can then be used to create an Ebook.

Can I export my novel to another program

Yes, you can export your novel as a file in RTF format in both Standard and Professional editions.

Can I create a Kindle ebook with FreeWriter

Yes, simply export your work into an RTF document and then use the Amazon KDP facilities to create and upload your work.

What export formats are available?

Text file (no formatting), Rich Text Format (RTF with formatting) and if you have Professional, HTML and web assembly.

Can I create a webpage with FreeWriter?

Yes, with Professional you can create a single webpage or even a website with each section of your document as a separate webpage.

Importing from another program

I have already started my novel using something different, can I use it in FreeWriter?

Yes, providing it is saved in Rich Text Format(rtf), it can be imported and then organised as you see fit.

Support and the social networks

What support do you offer?

Unlike most software publishers, we do support our products. We try to provide as much assistance as we can through this FAQ. If this doesn't help you may find what you need on our social networks. If you still are stuck you can use this facility to contact us and we will do our best to help.

I have contacted your support ... but got no reply!

Check your email spam folder. We don't send spam but we do reply to every support email so it's gone somewhere! Our support desk is vigilant and you should get a response in less than 24 hours. Our customer base is truly global from New Zealand (GMT+13) to California in the USA (GMT-8) and we get support requests in 24/7. We are based in the UK and observe GMT so please take in the time difference if you get in contact and are waiting for a reply.

On the agenda

Known issues, updates and service packs