Deleting text within Scrivenings

Scrivener
1

I’m not sure if there is already a way to do this, but it would be nice to be able to select multiple folders and/or text docs, change to Scrivenings mode, then delete the text within the main editor for all said folders and docs.

I’m trying to do this to create a compatible file for importing into Plottr, but I only seem to be able to delete the main editor text within a single document at a time.

2

The best way to create an export file from your project is to use the Compile command, which allows you to control exactly what is (or is not) included.

There is no difference between text “in Scrivenings” and the contents of your individual documents. That is, you are asking for a way to permanently bulk-delete the entire text of your project. Probably you can understand why we don’t want to make that easy.

3 Likes
3

Why not save one of your documents as a Document Template. Then delete its content. You now have a fit for purpose template, which it appears you’re trying to achieve, though how this would be different to a standard document or template puzzles me.

4

For most things, I agree with Katherine, and something like the Enumerated Outline compile format will be all you need, if you need a copy of your outline as text that can be imported elsewhere.

But for odd cases where you really want to empty the original project (creating a project template for example), then here is how you could:

  1. Use the File ▸ Back Up ▸ Back Up To... menu command (seriously).
  2. Select all of the items in the binder you want to nuke. This must be an explicit selection, you can’t just pick a folder, but all of the stuff beneath it too. Edit ▸ Select ▸ Select with Subdocuments can help with that.
  3. Use the Edit ▸ File ▸ Project Replace menu command.
  4. In the Replace field, type in .* (period asterisk), and leave the With field blank.
  5. Set the search type to “Regular Expression”
  6. ! ⇒ Set the “Selected Documents Only” checkbox. ⇐ !
  7. Turn off all of the checkboxes in the Affects section, save for Text.
  8. Double-check that your backup copy is okay.
  9. Click the Replace button.

As for why you can’t bulk delete (and a few other editing tasks) in Scrivenings, it is because there are special dividers in the text that mark the separation between items. If you were allowed to edit or delete them, you would destroy the “glue” that connects any of this to the underlying binder items.

3 Likes
5

Thanks so much for all your helpful suggestions.

@kewms The best way to create an export file from your project is to use the Compile command, which allows you to control exactly what is (or is not) included.

I can’t believe I didn’t think of this! :man_facepalming:

I actually just finished manually deleting everything in a new project I created after dragging over the files from the original. It was time-consuming, but these tips should help if I ever need to do it again.