Syncing from windows does NOT create a .scriv file

Scrivener Scrivener for Windows
, ,
1

Hello, I am new to using Scrivener. I am a multi-platform user (Windows, Mac, iPad) with Scrivener and I am finding it VERY difficult to sync any writing across all three platforms.

I am finding that when syncing to Dropbox using Windows, the sync function is NOT allowing for a .scriv file to be created. Scrivener only creates a .scriv file when starting a new project and you can’t synch to that folder where you created that project because syncing does not give an option for syncing with .scriv files. How do I get this to work?

2

On Windows, a project is in a .scriv FOLDER, not a file.
When you create a project on Windows, a .scriv folder is created, in which is a .scrivx control file, among other folders and files.

2 Likes
3

Thank you. Unfortunately the .scrivx file is NOT synced when using the sync option on any platform. What do I do?

4

What is the exact error message? Have you checked with Dropbox Support and/or their FAQ page about troubleshooting? There are some tips on Literature & Latte FAQ web page. Any of those suggestions tried?

Syncing is not controlled by Scrivener which only reads/writes to local drives which could be a synced folder.

1 Like
5

Follow the advice here: Using Scrivener with Cloud-Sync Services / Cloud Syncing / Knowledge Base - Literature and Latte Support

6

I am not an expert, but I think that your mistake is to expect sync to create a new version of your project, whereas to use sync, your project has to be in your sync folder (the one and only version of the said project you are working on, not a clone or anything the likes), and the sync function compares-loads and/or saves changes to it.

3 Likes
7

Are you using the Sync with External Folder function? If so, don’t. It’s intended for use with third-party software, not for keeping instances of Scrivener synchronized.

In addition to the link @RevoTiLlor posted, read this one:

3 Likes
8

That would make sense.
(I mean, as regard to the current issue. As an explanation.)

Indeed, aside from being the wrong approach, it doesn’t create a .scriv folder nor .scrivx file.

9

Thank you!!!

YES, I was using the Sync with External Folder Function.

Ok, I am probably looking at this entirely wrong. I have to backup and think about this.

Thank you for all of your input. I will still probably have to ask some more questions but I’ll go back and re-read the information and try to find a video that answers my questions about syncing.

2 Likes
10

The details are in the article I linked. But the short version is:

  • On the Mac and PC, make sure the Dropbox software is installed and running.
  • Make sure all relevant devices are connected to the same Dropbox account.
  • Create a test project in the Dropbox/Apps/Scrivener folder on either the Mac or the PC.
  • Stand back while everything syncs, then confirm that the test project propagated everywhere. If it did, you’re good to go with live data.
4 Likes
11

Thanks Kewms:

  • Yes, I had/have Dropbox software installed on all three platforms
  • All platforms are connected to the same dropbox account and Scrivener folder
  • I am working with a test project on all three platforms
  • iPad OS, seems to require syncing where as Windows and Mac, I am saving directly to the folder in dropbox. Not sure why earlier you said dropbox sync is intended to use for third party software and NOT to use it to synch. Dropbox is a third party software and again, iPad OS is requiring it. BUT, SAVE function on both windows and mac seem to work well.
12

I’ll keep playing around with the syncing options using a test project. Thanks for all of your input.

13

Not quite what @kewms said.
It is “Sync with external folder…” nothing Dropbox related. It is not even cloud related (although you can use a cloud service if you want, if needed. Though odd it’d be.)

Sync with external folder exports the documents with their formatting so that you can further edit them in a (local) third party app (LibreOffice, to name one), after which Scrivener will update the project with the files for which the “date modified” doesn’t match that data in the project file. Effectively updating the project with the documents modified elsewhere.

So, in this case : “Sync” refers to the folder. (Sync the project with the content of the sync folder, sync the folder with the project – it goes both ways.) It is in no way related to a synchronization between computers/devices one might use to work on the said project.

…Because what is synced – the content of the sync folder – is NOT the project. Don’t try to (figure out a way to) use it as such, you’ll only mess things up. :upside_down_face:

2 Likes
14

As @Vincent_Vincent already explained, that’s not what I said. Dropbox is fine, it’s the Sync with External Folder command that’s tripping you up.

1 Like
15

Thanks Kewms and Vincent_Vincent.

I get the concept down. I’ll have to go back re-read what Literature and Latte says about syncing. I probably either missed something or am not understanding the terms they are using.

Everyone writes differently. Some people use pen and pencil. I have a couple author friends that do just that. I like the option of moving around to different places, different rooms and to do that, I use different platforms and devices to type (Windows, MacOS and IOS). I was hoping Scrivener would be available soon on Android but I don’t forsee that anytime soon. In order to write, I need to be able to sync across these platforms.

DabbleWriter does just that! And with ease. BUT…it is far too expensive. However, I wish Literature and Latte, would make this easier…like a button for Windows and for the MAC that is specific for either Syncing and/or backup. Ipad OS has that button (icon) and it works great. So maybe they will get to this soon. Until then, I’ll try to figure this out. Thanks for all of your help.

16

On Windows and the Mac, Scrivener itself doesn’t do any syncing. You save a project to the Dropbox folder, and the Dropbox software does the rest.

3 Likes