Getting started

System requirements

• macOS 15 Sequoia or later
• Available on the Mac App Store

Creating your first project

Open Cora and choose File → New (⌘N). A save dialog appears — give your novel a name and choose where to save it. The file extension is .cora.

Every new project starts with one Part, one Chapter, and one empty Scene. You’re ready to write.

Opening an existing project

Choose File → Open… (⌘O), or double-click any .cora file in Finder. You can also drag a .cora file onto the Cora dock icon.

To reveal the current file in Finder at any time, use File → Reveal in Finder (⌘⌥R).

How a project is organised

Cora uses a three-level structure:

• Parts — the top-level divisions of your novel (acts, books, sections)
• Chapters — the chapters inside each part
• Scenes — the individual scenes inside each chapter; this is where you actually write

Each chapter also has its own Notes (reference material, reminders, character details) and Drafts (alternate versions, cut passages, experiments).

The outline sidebar

The left sidebar is your outline. It lists all your Parts and Chapters. Click any chapter to open it in the editor. Click a part to see the part overview — a bird’s-eye view of all its chapters, scenes, notes, and drafts.

Toggle the sidebar with ⌘1 or from the View menu.

Saving

Cora uses macOS autosave. Your work is saved continuously as you type. There is no manual Save button.

Next steps

• Interface overview — learn the layout of the app
• Parts, chapters & scenes — how to build your structure
• The writing editor — how writing and scenes work