TL;DR
In Book Controls → Format → Headings, apply Generic, Chapter, Section, or Subsection to structure your manuscript. Enable Header Chapter Counter for numbered chapters, optionally pick a Decorative Element, and use left Contents to navigate the outline.
Table of contents
- Why headings matter in Storyloft
- What heading types do
- Step-by-step: structure your book
- Tips
- FAQ
- Related help
User summary
Clear Storyloft chapter headings and section structure make long manuscripts navigable for you, for Eddy, and for print/ebook export. Authors searching for how to add chapters, sections, or a chapter counter in Storyloft use the Format panel’s Headings tools—not a separate “outline only” app. Choosing the right heading type (Generic vs Chapter vs Section vs Subsection) also affects theming and automatic chapter numbering so front matter does not look like Chapter 1.
What it does
Under Book Controls → Format → Headings, Storyloft offers four heading types:
| Type | Use when |
|---|---|
| Generic | Non-chapter headers (introductions, prefaces)—info: “These headers are for non-chapter sections like Introductions and Prefaces.” |
| Chapter | Chapter titles—“These headers are for chapters and can be styled uniquely alongside your theme.” |
| Section | Divisions within a chapter—“core ideas or storybreaks within a chapter.” |
| Subsection | Finer breaks—“break down sections within a book.” |
Header Chapter Counter numbers chapter-style H1s (not Generic). Decorative Element adds ornamental flourishes under headings (or None). The left Contents tab lists structure for jump navigation. Placeholders include Add a chapter title, Add a section title, and Add a subsection title.
Steps
Step 1 — Open Format → Headings
Open your book from Books. In Book Controls, click Format, then scroll to or focus the Headings section. Use the Headings info control if you want the hover descriptions for each type.
Step 2 — Place the cursor on the title line
Click the line that should become a heading (or type a new line above the chapter body). Empty H1/H2/H3 lines may show placeholders like Add a chapter title.
Step 3 — Apply Generic, Chapter, Section, or Subsection
Click one of the four toggles: Generic, Chapter, Section, or Subsection. Storyloft maps these to heading levels (for example H1 for Generic/Chapter, H2 Section, H3 Subsection). Toggle again or choose another type to change the structure role.
Step 4 — Turn on Header Chapter Counter (optional)
Enable the Header Chapter Counter switch when you want automatic chapter numbering on chapter-style headers. Keep Generic headers for front matter so prefaces are not numbered as chapters.
Step 5 — Add a Decorative Element (optional)
Open Decorative Element ({n} available) and pick an ornament, or choose None. Preview how it pairs with your Themes tab styling.
Step 6 — Navigate with Contents
Open the left sidebar Contents tab. Click a listed heading to jump through the manuscript as you build chapters and sections.
Step 7 — Write beneath each heading
After the title, press Enter and draft body text (Start writing…). Repeat for each chapter or section so Eddy, Editorial Review, and exports see a clear outline.
Tips
- Use Generic for Introduction, Preface, Prologue labels you do not want in the chapter counter.
- Align chapter titles with Format → Alignment when your theme expects centered titles.
- Revisit headings after import—DOCX/Atticus/Scrivener conversions may need type fixes.
- Decorative elements are visual; they don’t replace proper heading types for structure.
FAQ
How do I add a chapter title in Storyloft?
Put the cursor on the title line, open Book Controls → Format → Headings, and click Chapter. Type the title (placeholder: Add a chapter title).
What’s the difference between Generic and Chapter headings?
Generic is for non-chapter sections like introductions and prefaces. Chapter is for numbered/story chapters and themes that style chapters uniquely. Use Generic when you do not want chapter-counter treatment.
How does the Header Chapter Counter work?
Turn on Header Chapter Counter in the Headings section. Storyloft numbers chapter-style headers; Generic H1s stay outside that counter behavior.
Where do Section and Subsection headings go?
Use Section inside a chapter for story breaks or major ideas, and Subsection for finer divisions. They appear in Contents for navigation.
Can I remove a decorative flourish under a heading?
Yes. Open Decorative Element and choose None.
Why doesn’t my Contents list look right after import?
Imported files sometimes map to the wrong heading types. Re-apply Generic / Chapter / Section / Subsection on each title so Contents and export structure match your intent.