# Writing Analytics Help Centre How can we help? Welcome to the Writing Analytics help centre! If you don't find what you're looking for, get in touch at . We'll be happy to help. –**The Writing Analytics Team** ![](/files/HBZxi4hZItUCPBYugEW3) # FAQs Questions and answers. ## How to turn off grammar and spelling checks? ![](/files/2s5giQNYmQqT8KqywfOp) Writing Analytics has several grammar checks built-in to help you refine your prose during revision. By default, the checks are off during *writing* sessions and on for *revision* sessions. You can turn them on and off each check individually from the editor menu. Click on the main menu icon in the top-left corner of the editor: ![](/files/WgEeNLrQfF5QDXe4Jnud) Then, select *Highlights:* ![](/files/4ME6lfQMVCIsEJnfoHpq) A settings window will pop up where you can select which checks you'd like to use: ![](/files/MP9yGZ9qDbmPrtbBdZIE) ## How to export your draft to another program? Navigate to the results of a finished session (the one that you'd like to export) and scroll down to the *Draft*. You can click the *Export* button on the right to save the draft as a file on your computer: ![](/files/KkaQYjMvwZ2RATAFZ0cf) You can also copy the draft into your clipboard to paste it directly to the other app. To do so, click the three dots next to the *Export* button and select *Copy to clipboard*: ![](/files/KuiMsx5bAr6qS5AghjLW) # Getting Started Get up to speed with the Writing Analytics app. Welcome to Writing Analytics. We're delighted to have you onboard! In this guide, you'll learn how to set up your account to make the most of the app. ### Step 1: Welcome Session After [verifying your email address](/help/verify-your-email), you'll be taken to the Welcome session where you'll get the chance to try the Writing Analytics editor right away. ![](/files/1LNKkb4TUstaE63gmoet) The session will guide you through some of the features of the app. When you're ready, press the red 'X' button in the top-right corner to end the session and explore the rest of the app. ### Step 2: Set Your Preferences By default, Writing Analytics will start a new week on Sunday and display dates in the American **mm/dd/yyyy** format. If that isn’t what you want, scroll down all the way to the bottom of the [Account](https://app.writinganalytics.co/account) page and change your preferences. ![Use the toggles to change how dates are displayed in the app.](/files/-M0r19zXKJquX1k8h89C) We only email people that wish to hear from us. You have the option to opt-out of receiving product updates and your [weekly writing reports](/guides/weekly-writing-reports). You’ll find these toggles on the same page in the *Account* section. ![Use the toggles to set your email preferences.](/files/Cz6F5menLv3mLPU8GT0R) You may still receive some infrequent email communication from us with both settings turned off. This includes payment receipts, scheduled downtime notices and important service updates. ### Step 3: Create a Project Projects allow you to set word goals and deadlines. They’re also useful for keeping your metrics separate for different types of writing that you do (like fiction, blog posts, copy for clients). {% hint style="info" %} **NOTE**: Using projects isn’t mandatory. If you wish to use Writing Analytics to track your writing routine without a particular goal in mind, feel free to skip this step. {% endhint %} To create a new project, head over to the [Projects](https://app.writinganalytics.co/projects) page and click the *New Project* button at the very top. ![](/files/EXZbj715X3BO7OUs7fPx) Each project has a separate dashboard where you can track your progress. You can even [share your project metrics](https://www.writinganalytics.co/posts/open-dashboards/) with friend or writing group. See the [Projects guide](/guides/projects) to learn more. ### Step 4: Start Writing Click the *New Session* button at the top of the [Overview](https://app.writinganalytics.co/overview) to start writing. ![](/files/2dOOQUQiZipMsicICEqf) You'll be able to set a title, assign your session to a project and [set a time or word goal](/guides/setting-goals). Writing Analytics has two types of sessions **writing** and **revision**. These are tracked separately on your dashboard. Create a writing session when you're working on the first draft. Use a revision session when rewriting/polishing up an existing draft. ![](/files/skXKiyohqIQNJNl2Ljog) The editor will start a timer as soon as you start typing. It tracks various metrics behind the scenes while you work. If you need a break, hit the amber Pause button in the top-right corner. To complete a session, click the red X button. ### Step 4: Log External Words In case you'd like to track any writing that you did outside of Writing Analytics, you can log words manually. Go to the [Analytics](https://app.writinganalytics.co/analytics) page and click the **Log Words** button at the top. ![](/files/ZAHKcpRkCxaCTLTHMPpA) An form will load up where you can can submit a manual entry: ![](/files/-M0r1tiwanWO2hq_tqQ-) Pick a date and enter your word count. Indicate whether you were writing or revising. This is important for your entry to be categorised properly. All the other fields are optional. However, we recommend logging time spent as well. This increases the accuracy of your metrics and helps Writing Analytics to give you more accurate estimates. ### Step 5: Review Your Activity As you write, revise or submit more entries over time, your dashboards will fill with data about your writing routine. You’ll see patterns emerge and be able to find the weak spots that are holding you back. Stay accountable and get your words done. ![](/files/-M0r286b9heUFhtSILZ2) You'll find all your stats on your [Analytics](https://app.writinganalytics.co/analytics) dashboard. Use the date selector in the top-right corner to focus on a specific time period. ![](/files/LVW8BDNUjh3VJUZ3LcAH) *Have a question? Message us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!* # Projects Working with projects in Writing Analytics. *Projects* in Writing Analytics lets you track different types of writing separately. Each project has a separate dashboard. You can set goals and set up a writing schedule for each project to stay accountable. ![](/files/sqX3K8vwc9gThBYNwpj3) In this article, you'll learn how to set up and work with your projects in Writing Analytics. ### Creating a New Project To create a new project, go to Projects in the app and click *New Project* in the top-right corner of the page. ![](/files/eqvemo1dGGslkNAGEa90) A new project form will come up. Choose a suitable name, stage description and colour. ![](/files/lZVCG5ewmWhyz1LB0UAG) Optionally, you can set a word count *Goal*. In case you started working outside of Writing Analytics, use the *Initial Word Count* field to offset the counter. If you're 20,000 words into a 60,000-word draft of a book, set the goal to 60,000 and the initial word count to 20,000. ![](/files/hxufdUQ9pz1RwVYfHbOQ) In case you'd like to schedule regular writing sessions for this project, turn on the *Scheduling* switch: ![](/files/AjaO2NLycgcGw14HAoHN) First, you can select which days of the week you'll be working. The scheduling mode determines whether you'd like to work towards a deadline or set a fixed daily goal. Click the *Create Project* at the bottom of the form to confirm. ### Project Dashboard Each project has a dashboard. You can access it by going to *Projects* and selecting one. ![](/files/MM3iwki26Xw7c4MvPXvt) The section at the top focuses on your progress. It shows the current word count, your goal and your writing schedule. The charts below display your progress over time. ![](/files/UVP3tCTSpuMxvD0MMD3d) When you start writing, you'll see the five latest sessions listed below so you can pick up where you left off. ![](/files/Q2uJmyKgxg0MiFK5cLYY) The final section shows your project analytics. Here you'll find figures similar to the main *Analytics* dashboard but showing only data from this project. ![](/files/PceMthKBm07yEMUA933z) ### Updating an Existing Project You can change anything about a project at any time — from renaming it to adjusting the goal and updating your writing schedule. To access the project *Settings*, select one and go to its dashboard. ![](/files/MXI2QsK7U3WpNQa6vekS) Click the three dots next to the *New Session* button in the top-right corner and select *Settings*. ![](/files/XZsbtTzj0KT1Iu0sFYJk) You can also access the settings from the project card. Click the three dots to the right from the project's name and select *Settings*. ### Project Cards Project cards give you a quick overview of the state of each project in the list. You don't have to go to the individual dashboards. ![](/files/0B3JJn1cngsULzkhR5lX) Each card has two progress bars. The left one shows how far you are from the project's word goal. The right one shows how many writing days you have left. The three figures below show the project's word count goal, scheduling mode and the number of sessions so far. ### Project Status Each project has a *status* which can be one of the following: * **Active** — projects that you're currently working on * **On Hold** — projects that you will return to but aren't actively * **Archived** — completed or abandoned projects Archiving a project doesn't affect its sessions or stats. Those will continue to count towards your totals. ![](/files/I2uA95yyjLTYKSZsEeic) ### Goals and Scheduling You can set a word goal for each project. Any writing sessions that you log under that project (both writing and revision) will count towards that goal. You can adjust the goal up or down in the project's *Settings* at any point. When you reach your goal, you can keep writing. Your goal doesn't limit how many words you can track under the project. In case you're not starting from zero, use the *Initial Word Count* field to offset the counter. When you enable *Scheduling*, Writing Analytics will start creating daily goals for you. These will be shown in the *Overview*: ![](/files/cDXNt6GsUUifZEcRaVZP) Enable the *Schedule* switch in your project's settings and choose on which days you will be working on it every week: ![](/files/bl6X7iCqXn9ZxindCKdZ) There are two ways of setting up a writing schedule: * Set a project goal and deadline * Set a fixed daily goal #### Goal and Deadline Make sure to set a word goal for the project. Then, switch the scheduling mode to *Deadline* and pick a future date in the calendar: ![](/files/lrJZRCQl7ySAF5F7x9pN) Writing Analytics will calculate how many words per day you'll need to write to reach your goal by that date. The estimate appears below the calendar. Should you get ahead or fall behind schedule, your goal will adjust automatically every week. Rather than creeping up/down every day, it will only change at the beginning of a new week. You can always adjust your deadline or change the target word count in your project's settings. #### Fixed Daily Goal Some projects don't have an overall goal or deadline. You may write a blog post every week on Saturday. In cases like this one, you can schedule a fixed daily goal instead. ![](/files/7VvDvMnwPFYxtXtPHTib) Select the *Daily Goal* scheduling mode and enter the desired number into the field. If your project has a word goal, you'll see an estimated deadline below. *Have a question? Reach out to us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!* # Challenges Word sprints with friends (or strangers) in Writing Analytics Challenges in Writing Analytics let you write together with other writers. During a challenge, you can see how the others are progressing, and they can see your progress too. It's like working from a coffee shop with a group of friends but on the Internet. You may challenge fellow writers to hit a word or time goal during a day or invite them for a short, focused writing sprint. This document describes how to join a challenge; how to create one and dives into the mechanics of the feature so that you can make the most of it. ### Joining a Challenge To join a challenge, navigate to the *Challenges* section using the main menu at the top of the page.
Here you'll find all the public challenges that are in progress or that will be starting soon.
Clicking on the challenge title will take you to the its dashboard.
The description box will also tell you what the goal is. The owner of the challenge decides what the goal will be. The options are: * **Word goal** — write at least X number of words * **Time goal** — write for at least Y number of minutes * **Open goal** — each participant can set their own goal (or have no goal at all) On the left is a list of all participants along with their current progress. To join, click the **Join Challenge** button in the top-right corner. A form will pop up prompting you to create a new session.
If you join before the challenge starts, you'll be taken to the waiting room:
As soon as the challenge starts, you'll be able to get going. #### Multiple Sessions Per Challenge While you can only have one active session per challenge at any given time, if you finish working on one thing and want to keep going within the same challenge, you can add another session and keep writing.
Go back to the challenge and click the **Add Session** button. A new session will be added to the challenge. The words from all your sessions will count towards the challenge goal. ### Creating a Challenge If you don't find a challenge or sprint that works for you, you can start your own and invite others to join you. To create a new challenge, go to the *Challenges* section and click the **New Challenge** button. A form will prompt you to provide some information about your challenge.
You can select a goal and the start and end times. To attract as many participants as possible, leave a larger time window for people to join. Not everyone may be available at the same time. To have all participants writing all at once — more like a writing sprint — set the time window to a time window appropriate for the goal (like an hour to write 500 words). #### Private Challenges By default, your challenge will be listed in the app to let other writers join. If you'd prefer to only write with your friends, you can set your challenge to private.
Private challenges are not listed in the app. To invite others, share the link to the challenge with them.
After you set up a new challenge, click the **Add Session** on the *Challenge* view. A *New Session* form will come up as if you were joining someone else's challenge. Fill it in, and you're all set. ### Completing a Challenge Once in the editor, you can write as if you were working on a regular session on your own. The session's goal will be set to the challenge's goal. You don't have to watch the time to end the session before the challenge time is up. You can keep working for as long as you like. Writing Analytics will only include words written before the end of the challenge in the results. To see how other writers are doing, click the *challenge widget* just under your session's title in the editor.
By default, the widget shows the time left, but you can change this in the top right corner to show the number of participants, the total number of words written by everyone or even your current position on the leaderboard.
### Challenge Results As people finish writing and end their sessions, their results will appear on the challenge dashboard.
You can see the total number of words and time spent by all participants collectively as well as the average figures per person.
This section also includes a few highlights like who was the most focused, typed the fastest or was the most productive. Please note that these aren't final and will be updated until the very end of the challenge. ### The Leaderboard Have a bit of a competitive streak? The challenge leaderboard shows you how well you've done compared to the other participants. The order depends on the type of challenge.
The order is different for different types of challenges: * **word goal and open challenges** — ordered by word count * **time goal** — ordered by time spent writing After the challenge ends, you can click on each participant on the leaderboard to see their session analytics. ### Updating and Deleting Challenges You can only update or delete the challenges that you started. However, there are certain restrictions in place after other participants have joined. You can always change the title and description. You can also make it public or private at any time. Making a challenge private won't remove any existing participants. Deleting a challenge or updating the goal, start and end times after other participants have joined is not permitted. To update a challenge, click the three dots in the top-right corner of the challenge screen and select **Settings**.
To delete a challenge, click **Delete**.
### Leaving a Challenge You cannot leave a challenge that you started at this time. You can leave a challenge you joined by clicking the **Leave Challenge** button in the top-right corner.
Your session will be removed from the challenge, but it won't be deleted. You'll be able to find it on the *Sessions* page. *Have a question? Reach out to us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!* # Habit Tracker and Streaks How to use the habit tracker in Writing Analytics. Writing Analytics comes with a built-in [habit tracker](https://app.writinganalytics.co/overview). The grid gives you an overview of the frequency of your writing routine. ![](/files/Gxic4QO2lRiSyCMlF7UX) The best part is that you don't have to check days off. Writing Analytics will do that for you as soon as you complete a writing session or log words manually. ### The Grid The grid in the *Overview* shows your activity over the past three months. Writing days are green, revision days teal. Days when you both write and revise, the square will show both. Yellow marks days that you took off. A dark grey outline shows the current date. Hover your mouse over the grid to see how many words your wrote/revised on that day. ### Streaks Writing Analytics also tracks any writing streaks that you build. A writing streak is a series of consecutive days when you write or revise. It's a great way to stay motivated, championed by many writers including Jerry Seinfeld. Below the grid, you'll find two cards that show the length of your current streak and your longest one. ![](/files/gr4sqPuFofQFceqhctlF) As you build your streak up, you'll start earning [awards](https://app.writinganalytics.co/awards). The series goes all the way to 365 days. ![](/files/feUqTzGsyJZYpgxW0nZp) ### Days Off Everyone needs a day off from time to time. If you need a break or don't write every day, you can take days off to avoid losing your streak. There's no limit on how many you can take. Writing Analytics will skip those when calculating your streak. If you write for two days, take two off and then revise for two further days, you'll build a four-day streak. To take today off, click the *Day Off* button above the grid: A confirmation dialog will pop up: Your day off will be marked with yellow on the grid. If you change your mind, you can always cancel it and write some words instead! Days off cannot be taken retroactively or scheduled in advance. You can only take today off. In case you're taking multiple days, you'll have to log in to the app every day to maintain your streak. *Have a question? Reach out to us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!* # Awards Awards in Writing Analytics explained. Writing projects can take months and even years to complete. Staying motivated throughout the journey can be a challenge. [Awards](https://app.writinganalytics.co/awards) in Writing Analytics will help you celebrate important milestones along the way. ![](/files/BzFKB5lQG9R0lN2V2oX8) You can earn up to 46 awards. Some are one-off, others repeatable. In this guide, you'll learn about the different types of awards and how you can earn them. ### Receiving Awards You don't have to do anything to receive awards. Writing Analytics evaluates your eligibility for all the awards automatically. The most common time to receive an award is at the end of a writing session. A dialog along with a confetti animation will appear to inform you which one you earned. {% embed url="" %} ### Your Award Collection You'll find the four most recent awards received in the [*Overview*](https://app.writinganalytics.co/overview): ![](/files/MbMljkuFIzXGFrIBjFvb) Click the [*View All*](https://app.writinganalytics.co/awards) button to see the whole collection: ![](/files/7LRzOjlTZKkngJOlVGJ5) Awards that you haven't earned yet appear in black and white. You can click each one to reveal how to receive it and see your progress towards that goal (where applicable). ![](/files/Uckl0jCzAvisNHx6xmDX) *Have a question? Reach out to us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!* # Fast Drafting Mode How to use the fast drafting mode in Writing Analytics. Do you spend too much time agonising what you already wrote? The fast drafting mode helps you focus on moving forward. When enabled, you aren't allowed to delete any words from your draft. You can still remove whitespace and punctuation. Just like writing long-hand or using a typewriter, you can cross out words using the \~\~strike-through\~\~ markers, but you can't remove anything from the draft. ### How To Enable the Fast Drafting Mode You can toggle the fast drafting mode during a writing session. Click the menu button in the top-right corner of the screen: Select *Fast Drafting* entry from the main menu: A yellow lightning bolt icon will appear on the left size of the *Focus* indicator at the bottom of the editor: Repeat the same process to disable the feature. *Have a question? Reach out to us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!* # Setting Goals How to set goals in Writing Analytics. Writing Analytics can help you schedule your writing and keep you accountable while working on your projects. In this guide, you'll learn about the different types of goals in the app and how to use them. ![](/files/VDXUQ4GkWX2zt3pZp6rT) ## Project Goals Projects will help you set long-term goals and schedule writing ahead of time. When creating a new project, you have the option to set a word goal. ![](/files/uEwWLH2HZMWZaIqvGDHp) Any writing sessions under that project will count towards the goal. When you enable *Scheduling* for your project, Writing Analytics will start creating daily goals for you. These will be shown in the *Overview*. ![](/files/Tk9Ams52558AMiIrTOVs) Choose which days of the week will you be working. Then, set a deadline or a fixed daily goal. ### Deadline Select the *Deadline* scheduling mode and choose a date in the calendar: ![](/files/zPym22zcTLh4Z6LVRsGs) You'll see your estimated daily goal below. Should you get ahead of schedule or fall behind, your goal will adjust automatically on a weekly basis. Rather than creeping up/down every day, it will only change at the beginning of a new week. You can always move your deadline or change the target word count in your project's settings. ### Fixed Daily Goal Select the *Daily Goal* scheduling mode. Then, you'll be able to set how many words you'd like to write every day: ![](/files/0iWSwNUxxUswh2fE0y9i) Based on your daily goal, Writing Analytics will estimate a deadline. ## Session Goals Aside from scheduling words through projects, you can set a goal for each writing session. These are independent from project goals and scheduling. They won't appear in the *Overview*. ![](/files/MLq3vYu3nI9E42jtUWYF) You can set a goal for your session when creating it: ![](/files/0BUkroUv7YSqcsPaxZ3R) For *writing* sessions, you can choose a word or time goal. *Revision* sessions support time-based goals only. ### Word Goals Set a word goal when you want to reach a specific number of words during a session. Your session won't end when you hit that goal — you can keep working. ![](/files/6X8xJqSDa1Mkb1SXDSbP) Your goal will appear on the leftmost card at the top of the editor. A progress bar tell you how far you are from achieving it. When starting from an existing draft, include the words already written. For example, if you wish to write 500 new words on top of an existing 1,000-word draft, set the session goal to 1,500. ### Time Goals Prefer to work for a predetermined length of time? Set a time goal instead. ![](/files/UN0sihZwwsn38fZe6G7G) Time goal will appear on the middle card at the top of the editor. A progress bar will tell you how much time you have left. Again, your session won't end automatically when you reach your time goal. You can keep working for as long as you like even after reaching it. ### Summary Use **project goals** and **scheduling** to set a regular writing cadence for the long-term. These goals will appear in the *Overview*. Use **session goals** to set ad-hoc goals for your sessions or sprints. Choose between word-based and time-based goals and track your progress at the top of the editor. *Have a question? Reach out to us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!* # Weekly Writing Reports Receive a digest of your writing activity every week. Writing Analytics will email you a digest of your writing activity every week. The report goes out on Sunday/Monday morning (depending on your start of the week setting) and covers the past seven days. ![](/files/63YcJU7L1DuT67K0mWnB) You can turn these off by clicking the *Unsubscribe* link at the bottom of the report or from the [Account](https://app.writinganalytics.co/account) page by turning the *Reports* toggle off. ![](/files/TrC6puu1e63T1Zyslhx9) *Have a question? Reach out to us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!* # Managing Your Account Solutions to common problems with your Writing Analytics account. ## How do I reset my password? You can [request a password reset link](https://app.writinganalytics.co/forgot-password) to be sent to your email. Once it arrives, you'll be able to set a new password and log back in. ![](/files/-M0rDSwzoiWBOfNu7PkU) ## How can I change my email address? You can update your email and other account details at the [Account](https://app.writinganalytics.co/account) page in the app. A verification email will be sent to the new email address to confirm that we'll be able to reach you there. ![](/files/-M0rEpVElC9xNBtrTq0P) ## How can I change my plan? You can upgrade or downgrade your subscription plan in the [Subscription section](https://app.writinganalytics.co/account#subscription) of the Account page at any time. The value of any unused time on your account will be prorated to the cost of the new plan. ## How can I cancel my subscription? You can cancel your subscription by clicking the Cancel link in the [Subscription section](https://app.writinganalytics.co/account#subscription) of the Account page. Your account will remain active until the end of the current billing period. You will always be able to log back in and access your data. We're sorry to see you go! ![](/files/-M0rGnWBpCUz59q-NF64) ## How can I delete my account? If you'd like to deactivate your account, you need to cancel your subscription first. After that, a Deactivate link will appear in the [Subscription section](https://app.writinganalytics.co/account#subscription) of your Account page. Choosing to deactivate your account will terminate your access to the service immediately. You won't be refunded for any unused time on your account. ![](/files/-M0rHrngiIH96ALGz0rL) ## Where can I download my data? Go to the *Account* section in the app. At the bottom of the page, you'll find *Your Data*. ![](/files/XWxRuBbt1cXS9ttpuzJr) Click *Download* to get all your sessions and drafts in a zip archive. ## Have a question? Get in touch with us at . We'll be happy to help! # Verify Your Email How to verify your email to use Writing Analytics Before you start using Writing Analytics, we'll ask you to verify your email address. If you ever lose access to your account, you'll be able to recover it through your email address. We may not be able to recover accounts created with temporary email addresses in cases we have no way to ascertain that you are truly the person who owns it. {% hint style="info" %} We strongly encourage using a **valid email address** to create your Writing Analytics account, and to keep it up to date when it changes. {% endhint %} We'll send you a confirmation email to activate your account immediately after signing up. Please check your spam folder or reach out to in case it doesn't arrive. ![](/files/PxX5VH5C5awiWWdWetXq) In case you believe you may have mistyped your address, click the *Resend* button, update it and confirm by clicking *Resend Verification*. A new confirmation email will be sent to the updated address. ![](/files/viw7YRKdENG3yhJmjfMw) *Have a question? Reach out to us at* [*support@writinganalytics.co*](mailto:support@writinganalytics.co)*. We'll be happy to help!*