Getting started

When you open Manusly for the first time, the home page shows your project library. From here you create new books, open existing projects, or import a .manusly file.

Online editor (recommended)

1. Open the online editor — no install required.
2. Create a free account or sign in.
3. Create a new book and start writing.

Desktop app (optional)

1. Download the Windows (.exe) or macOS (.dmg) installer from the Download page.
2. Complete the setup wizard. On Windows, if SmartScreen appears, choose More info → Run anyway (unsigned build).
3. On macOS, on first launch use Right-click → Open to approve Gatekeeper.
4. Launch Manusly — the home page opens.

Create your first book

Location: Home page → top right: + New Book

1. Click the + New Book button.
2. Fill in the Title and Author fields.
3. Choose a book type (Novel, Non-Fiction, Children’s Book, Illustrated Book, General Ebook). See Book types for details.
4. Create — the project opens and you are taken to the appropriate starting screen.

Open an existing project

• Home page → Your Books — click the book title on a card.
• Open .manusly — imports a portable project file.
• From the project card menu: Duplicate or Delete.

Where is data stored?

All projects live in a local SQLite database; images are in a separate folder:

Cloud backup is optional — see Cloud backup.

System requirements

• Windows 10 or later / macOS 12+
• At least 4 GB RAM
• ~200 MB disk (projects and images use additional space)
• Internet: optional