How to See Total Word Count in Scrivener: A User’s Guide

Tracking your word count in Scrivener is super easy and it’s something every writer should know how to do! Whether you’re aiming for a specific word count for your project or you’re just curious to see how much you’ve written, Scrivener makes it simple to check your total word count.

Step by Step Tutorial: How to See Total Word Count in Scrivener

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why this is important. Seeing your total word count can give you a sense of progress, help you manage your writing goals, and ensure you’re on track to meet any deadlines. Now, let’s get to it!

Step 1: Open Your Project in Scrivener

Open the Scrivener project that you want to check the word count for.

Opening your project is the first step before you can do anything else. If you’re working on multiple projects, make sure you open the correct one to avoid any confusion with your word counts.

Step 2: Go to ‘Project’ in the Menu Bar

Click on ‘Project’ in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

You’ll find a list of options under the ‘Project’ menu, but we’re interested in the statistics for your project, which includes the word count.

Step 3: Select ‘Project Statistics’

From the dropdown menu, select ‘Project Statistics.’

A new window will pop up showing various details about your project, including the word count.

Step 4: View the Total Word Count

In the ‘Project Statistics’ window, look for the ‘Total Word Count’ section.

The total word count will be displayed prominently, so you can’t miss it. This count includes all the words in your project, regardless of whether they’re in the draft or research sections.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a clear understanding of the total word count for your Scrivener project. Now you can make informed decisions about your writing goals and productivity.

Tips for Managing Word Count in Scrivener

• Regularly check your word count to stay on track with your writing goals.
• Set daily or weekly word count targets to maintain a consistent writing habit.
• Use the ‘Session Target’ feature in Scrivener to track your progress during each writing session.
• If you’re working on a draft, focus on the word count in the ‘Draft’ section of the ‘Project Statistics’ window.
• Keep in mind that word count may vary slightly when you export or compile your project, depending on your formatting settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Scrivener count words in notes and comments?

Yes, Scrivener includes words in notes and comments when calculating the total word count. However, you can choose to exclude these from the count in the ‘Project Statistics’ settings.

Can I set a word count goal in Scrivener?

Absolutely! Scrivener allows you to set a word count goal for your entire project or for individual writing sessions.

How accurate is Scrivener’s word count?

Scrivener’s word count is generally very accurate. However, like all word processors, it may count certain elements differently, such as hyphenated words or numbers.

Will the word count change if I edit my project?

Yes, any additions or deletions you make in your project will affect the total word count.

Can I see word count for individual sections or chapters in Scrivener?

Certainly! You can check the word count for specific sections or chapters by selecting them in the ‘Binder’ and looking at the ‘Statistics’ in the bottom of the window.

Summary

1. Open your Scrivener project.
2. Click on ‘Project’ in the menu bar.
3. Select ‘Project Statistics’ from the dropdown menu.
4. View the total word count in the ‘Project Statistics’ window.

Conclusion

Knowing how to see total word count in Scrivener is a game-changer for writers. It’s not just about hitting the numbers; it’s about understanding the scope of your work and maintaining momentum. Scrivener not only provides the tools for you to write but also offers the features to manage your writing effectively. With the total word count feature, you can easily keep an eye on your project’s progress, which is particularly crucial when working towards publication or meeting deadlines.

Don’t underestimate the psychological boost that comes from seeing your word count grow. It’s a powerful motivator that keeps you writing, especially on those days when the words don’t flow as freely. Whether you’re a novelist, screenwriter, or researcher, Scrivener’s word count feature supports your creative process, helping you stay focused and organized.

So, the next time you open Scrivener, take a moment to check your word count. It’s a simple step that can have a significant impact on your writing journey. Keep writing, keep tracking, and watch as your project evolves from a single word to a masterpiece ready to be shared with the world.