Can I make an Index for my book in Scrivener? Or do I need to use Word or another program?
Thanks.
steve
As far as I know, you need to use a word processor. Scrivener isn’t really based around the idea of pages, and you need pages for an index.
Martin.
If you export to LaTeX, it is possible to generate an index. You would need to tweak the LaTeX template, AFAIK.
Is there anyone with any experience in using Scrivener in combination with dedicated indexing software?
I didn’t know there was such a thing as dedicated indexing software. It’s something that I would always have done in a word processor. I did it in Word for the book I wrote (many years ago) but I think Nisus now supports it. That is what I would use, if I had to.
Cheers, Martin.
For dedicated indexing software, see for instance Cindex and PDF Index Generator.
Looking at the prices for Cindex, I’m surprised they’ve got any customers at all – unless it’s Random House. I don’t think anybody else would pay $45 for Scrivener, and $549 for an indexing program! At those prices I think I would just send my manuscript to the publisher, and let them employ a professional indexer. But perhaps you work in publishing, or as a professional indexer? In that case, I could see how the cost might be justified.
Cheers, Martin.
Leaving the cost of Cindex aside, I don’t really see how you can apply indexing within Scrivener in any meaningful way, since, until you export, there are no pages that the indexed items can be referred to. PDF Indexer requires — if I read the site correctly — a PDF as it’s source for indexing, so although you won’t have to rob a bank to buy it, you have to export your Scrivener document to PDF first anyway.
Given that, if you need to be working with a proper stylesheet, you’ll need to export your magnum opus and open it in a word processor — Nisus Writer Pro is my one of choice — why pay for an indexing app when you can do it in software you already have?
Mark
Thanks for all the good information.
Steve