Troubleshooting and FAQ

Syncing with your BYOK

A file I made in Studio isn't on my BYOK

Only linked text files go to the device. Check the file's options under Device Sync, or Devices › Manage Files. If it's not there, link it (how), or turn on Auto-link new Studio files so new files go automatically. Then sync the BYOK (turn it off, choose Connections › Syncing › Sync Now, or press Ctrl+S on the device). Manuscripts, outlines, wikis, cards and grids don't go to the device; only text files do.

A file I deleted on my BYOK came back

It's still linked in Studio, so the next sync puts it back. Unlink it in Studio instead (right-click › Syncing, or Devices › Manage Files), and it's removed from the device on the next sync.

I can't rename a file

It's linked to a BYOK. Unlink it, let the BYOK sync once, rename it, and link it again. See Renaming synced files.

"File Conflict Detected"

The file changed on your BYOK and in Studio since the last sync. Use View Content to compare the Server Version and the Device Version, then choose Keep Server Version, Keep Device Version or Keep Both. The version you don't keep is gone, so if you're unsure, choose Keep Both: the device's version becomes a separate file (and goes to your BYOK too).

My device writing has odd spacing, or shows # and \\ symbols

That's the Line breaks and Markdown on your BYOK settings on the Devices page. New paragraph per line suits prose; Lines stay together suits dialogue and Markdown. If you write Markdown on the device, turn Markdown on your BYOK on. See Device settings.

My captures didn't arrive

• Captures are read during Wi-Fi sync, not when you type :: in Studio or bring files in from the card.
• The command must be on a line by itself, and a blank line ends it.
• Look in the Scratch Pad's Captures inbox (on mobile, Pad › Inbox). Unless auto-routing is on, captures wait there.

See Captures.

The desktop app doesn't see my BYOK

Connect the cable, choose Connections › Disk Mode on the BYOK (or use a card reader instead), and wait for it to appear as a drive; Disk Mode can take a little longer than usual. Studio recognizes a card by its Projects folder together with its sync data or at least two of its Scripts, Fonts and Updates folders. Click the BYOK pill if you closed the panel.

Studio and your account

My manuscript, outline or wiki is read-only

On the web and mobile, those files need Studio Premium. If your trial or subscription has ended, they open read-only with an Upgrade button; nothing is lost. In the desktop app every tool stays free on your computer. See If Premium ends.

My changes aren't showing on another device

• Both devices must be signed in to the same account. The web and mobile apps always share one library; the desktop app joins in only with Studio Premium.
• Check the save icon in the header. On the desktop app, Account › Sync shows changes Waiting to sync.
• Desktop in local mode (On this computer in the header) doesn't sync at all until you sign in.

A "conflicted copy" appeared

The desktop app was offline while the same file changed somewhere else. Studio kept the version in your account and saved your offline edits beside it. Compare them and delete the one you don't need.

I forgot my password

Click Forgot password? on the sign-in screen and follow the email. Changing your password signs Studio out on your other devices.

My project or file name is rejected

Names can't contain / \ ? % * : | " < >. Use a dash or a space instead.

The apps

Nothing happens when I open the desktop app

Studio runs one copy at a time, and opening it again brings the open window to the front. If no window appears, quit Studio completely (on a Mac, Studio › Quit Studio; on Windows, close it from the taskbar) and open it again. Also check that your Mac runs macOS 13 or later.

Windows says "Windows protected your PC"

Click More info, check that the publisher is BYOK LLC, and click Run anyway.

Correct words are underlined in red

Studio is checking them against the wrong language. In the desktop app on Windows, open Account › Spelling and tick the languages you write in. On a Mac, add them in System Settings › Keyboard › Text Input › Edit… › Spelling, or choose Automatic by Language. For names and invented words, right-click the word and choose Add to Dictionary. You can also switch spell checking off there. See Spelling.

I can't edit a grid on my phone

Update the Studio app from the App Store or Google Play: grids made with the new grid edit on mobile from version 1.1. Until then, edit them on the web or desktop.

Every "Rose" in my book is underlined

That's the wiki noticing a name. Open the entry and turn off Detect at the bottom to stop matching it. See Mentions.

My Google Drive backups lost their formatting

Drive backups are plain text by design. For formatted copies, export to Word or PDF.

Getting work back

• Changed something by mistake? Cmd+Z, then version history.
• Deleted a file? It's in the Trash until you empty it.
• Deleted a project? Projects are deleted permanently. If you use the desktop app, a library backup may have it.

Still need help?

• In Studio, choose Report Bug from the account menu (on mobile, Settings › Report a Bug). It includes your app version, and you can attach screenshots.
• Ideas go in the Suggestion Box, in the same menu.
• Or write to us from Contact Support, and join the community on Discord and r/TheBYOK.