Is it really free?
Yes it is! This app was created as I explored various apps and became frustrated with paywalls, logins, and limitations. My goal is to continue to develop this for everyone to use without cost.
Is there an app?
You won't find a Novolo app in the Google Play store or the Apple Store (yet). However, Novolo is available as a PWA (Progressive Web App). This means you can visit the web version, and then add it to your homepage/desktop where it will behave like a real app.
Windows
- Microsoft Edge: Go to the website > Three-dot menu > Apps > Install.
- Google Chrome: Visit the website > Install icon in the address bar or menu > Install.
macOS
- Safari: Visit the website > Share icon > Add to Home Screen.
- Google Chrome: Open the website > Three-dot menu > Install.
iOS
- Visit the website > Share button > Add to Home Screen.
Android
- Google Chrome: Visit the website > Three-dot menu > Install App.
- Microsoft Edge: Go to the website > Three-dot menu > Add to home screen.
How do I make a custom app theme?
Just hit View > App Theme. Select your background and accent colors, and we'll do the rest! You'll also find some basic typography options here.
Note: These are only settings for the app, not your book export!
Where is my data stored?
By default, your books and settings are stored locally on your device. Everything is saved as you work so there's no need to hit a "save" button. It's not a bad idea to make backups, however. (For the nerds out there, we're using indexedDB storage to persist the data.)
What situations could cause data loss?
This app's memory should be pretty persistant, however if you re-install your browser, or delete all browser data, or use "incognito modes", you may experience data loss. Luckily, it's easy to backup and restore!
How do I make backups?
Just hit File > Save App State. This will generate a single file that contains all of your books and settings. You'll have the choice of saving the file to your device, or uploading the file to your Google Cloud Storage.
How do I restore a backup?
Hit File > Restore App State, and upload (or retrieve from Google Drive) the backup file that you previously created.
How do I work across multiple devices?
We recommend using the Google drive backup and restore functions. As an example, you might start working on a laptop. After you've done some work, save your app state to Google Storage. Then, later on, you can pull up Novolo on your tablet and restore the app state from Google storage to continue working.
I'm on a public computer. How do I "Log Out"?
Since there's no need to "Log In", you don't need to "Log Out". However, if you don't want to leave behind your writings, you can first save the app state and then use File > Reset App to delete everything.
I'm done with my book! Now what?
First of all, congratulations! To export your book, open it up and then click the Export button. At the time of this writing, that button is located under the name of your app next to edit and delete.
This will export an epub of your book, which is the most popular format. Other formats will be available in the future.
Note: Some devices may incorrectly assign a zip extension like mybook.epub.zip. If this occurs, just rename the file without the zip part on the end.
Still Need Help?
You may email the developer here: support@novolo.app.