FAQs2017-10-04T06:48:16+00:00

FAQs

FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer, then send us an email via the Support button on the web site. Hit ‘subscribe’ if you would like to be updated on any item listed here.

How do I register?2017-09-28T09:51:06+00:00

To Log into ComWriter you need an active browser (Google Chrome, Apple Safari, or Firefox are recommended).

  1. Click SIGN UP on the ComWriter home page
  2. Fill in your details and click the CREATE MY ACCOUNT button. You will be sent an email to verify your email address. 
  3. Return to the ComWriter home page and click LOG IN
  4. ENTER your username and password
  5. Click LOG IN

 

If you can’t find your verification email:

  1. Check your spam folder, as it sometimes goes there
  2. Log on using your Facebook account, and your email address will be authenticated via Facebook
  3. Try Signing Up again, you may have entered the email address incorrectly
  4. If you still can’t get access, contact the Support desk to manually activate your account: support@comwriter.com
How do I import a table from Microsoft Excel?2017-09-28T09:47:42+00:00

After you create your table in Excel, follow this procedure:

Step 1:

  1. Copy your table in Excel
  2. Open Microsoft Word and right click to select ‘paste special’
  3. Select ‘Picture (PNG) [see 2 below]
  4. Click OK

Step 2:

  1. The table will be inserted as a picture
  2. Click on the picture and click ‘Save as picture’ and place it on your desktop as this will make it easier to find and add into ComWriter
  3. Go to ComWriter and you can now add your Table as an image

See Also:

How do I import a chart from Microsoft Excel?2017-09-28T09:44:34+00:00

After you create your chart in Excel, follow this procedure:

  1. Create your chart
  2. Select the chart and right click with your mouse
  3. Click ‘Save as picture’ and place it on your desktop as this will make it easier to find and add into ComWriter
  4. Go to ComWriter and you can now add your Chart as an image

See Also:

Ho do I add a reference?2017-09-28T09:28:04+00:00

In ComWriter, you do not need to know how to format a citation in your discipline style (e.g., APA, Harvard, Chicago); all you have to do is Add the resource, and Insert a link to the resource in your text, and ComWriter will do all the formatting for you. Follow these easy steps:

  1. On the Research tab: Add your reference/resource using ‘Add’ or ‘Find’ 
  2. On the Projects tab, Start a New Project
    1. Open your project
    2. Activate the cursor inside a paragraph
    3. Click ‘Insert citation’ (see 1 on image below)
    4. Select the resource you added
    5. Customize the resource, as required
      1. Add a citation prefix (e.g., see, refer, as cited in)
      2. Pinpoint a Page number or Page span of numbers, if required
      3. Add a citation suffix, if required (e.g., as an example)
      4. Include ‘Author in text’, if required, and use the drop list to add a ‘s, or ‘ to the last author’s name, if required 
    6. Click Insert and a blue (ref) tag will appear in your paragraph (see 2 on image below)
    7. Click on the blue tag and you can see what resource you have added. You can also edit the citation, or add anotherresource, if required (see 1 on image below)
    8. When you export your project, the citation will be automatically formatted based on the style you chose when you started the project

See Also

  • Creating a bibliography
  • Video guides
How do I add multiple footnotes in the same citation?2017-09-28T09:22:38+00:00

Multiple footnotes can be added consecutively in text. Use the ‘Insert footnote’ function, and just add each one after the last. To create a separator between each footnote, move your cursor between the footnote markers AFTER all the footnotes have been added, and then superscript the comma (if required).

Tips

  • When you add additional footnotes, add the footnote BEFORE adding the intervening comma as superscript, otherwise the second footnote will be superscripted to the first (i.e., set higher than the first).
How can I customize one specific object?2017-09-28T09:20:09+00:00

Currently, any format changes made to any writing object will be applied to ALL writing objects in that section (i.e., cover, preliminaries, body, addenda). This keeps your output looking consistent and professional.

If you need a specific style for a single object, try customizing ‘Heading 5’ and use that. Typically, most writing projects don’t need 5 levels of heading, so this one is a ‘spare’, and can be used as you require.

Contact the Support Desk if you need further assistance.

Why does my list numbering not reflect my decisions in the style guide?2017-09-28T09:19:25+00:00

The use of writing objects (the text boxes you write in) is a new concept for word processors. Currently, there are a number of technical difficulties that prevent us from reflecting your style choices in the browser. However, your style choices will appear in your exported document.

Why does my list not align with the outline?2017-09-28T09:18:39+00:00

The use of writing objects (the boxes you write into) is a new concept for word processors, so there are still a few technical issue for us to work out. To realign the list, grab the moving icon on the right-hand side and lift the object as if you were about to relocate it. Place (or drop) it back again, and the list and outline should be aligned.

I can’t see my project on the dashboard?2017-09-28T09:14:16+00:00

Different browsers work in different ways. If you started a new project and can’t see it on the Projects dashboard, refresh your browser.

How can I import an image created in Microsoft Word?2017-09-28T09:13:36+00:00

In Microsoft Word you can save objects added into your document as pictures by using the option found on the right click: ‘Save as picture’. An alternative process is to create your images in powerpoint, select all, and then save as image.

How do I import tables created in Microsoft Word?2017-09-28T09:05:55+00:00

Microsoft Word does not enable image files to be created from tables. So, follow this procedure to create an image of your table:

  1. In Word, copy the table
  2. Open Excel, and use ‘Paste Special…’, then select ‘Microsoft Word Document Object’ (Note: this option will only appear if you have copied the table in Word first)
  3. Once you have pasted the table, right click on the table and use the ‘Save as picture’ option
  4. Save the picture to your desktop as this will make it easier to find and add into ComWriter

How can I import references stored in Microsoft Word?2017-09-28T09:01:51+00:00

Microsoft Word does not provide an export for references stored in their system, so it is not possible to import them into ComWriter. We do, however, have a massive online library of book and journal articles (more than 2 billion) so you should be able to find your record easily.

Alternatively, you will need to add them manually using the ‘Add’ resource form.

How does ComWriter compare with Scrivener?2017-09-28T08:59:13+00:00

We have been asked many times about comparing other products with ComWriter. While we are a bit biased (!) here is a list of the differences.

Positives for Scrivener:

  • Offline writing
  • Notes
  • Cork-board view

Negatives for Scrivener:

  • No in-built bibliographic tool
  • Formatting is done as you write
  • It is a bit technical to ‘compile’ output
  • No collaboration

Here is a quick comparison of the differences.

Positives for ComWriter:

  • Bibliographic tool built in, complete with importing data from WorldCat, CrossRef & Wikipedia
  • Style Guides are custom and more accurate than tools like Zotero, Endnote
  • Write online
  • Format all your text with one click of the mouse to any style guide
  • Maintain custom style guides

Negatives for ComWriter (on our to do list):

  • Preview of style (due Dec-2015)
  • Notes (due Jan-2016)
  • Collaboration (due Jan-2016)
How do I change fonts?2017-09-28T08:33:45+00:00

The fonts you see in the writing editor have been set in the Style Guide you are using. The Style Guide you choose has the fonts set based on pre-defined style requirements. Typical academic fonts are:

  • Paragraph & Lists: Times New Roman, double line spacing, 12 pt
  • Headings: Arial, double line spacing,with varying sizes depending on the heading level (1-5)

These have been saved in the pre-defined style already.

 

To change a font, means changing the Style Guide. To customize a style guide:

  1. Click on the ‘Options’ menu on the left-hand side of the writing object
  2. Select ‘Format’ and a menu will appear
  3. Make the changes
  4. Click Save as new to create a custom Style Guide, or if you have done this already, click Save. Note: a ‘Custom style guide’ needs to be maintained by you. If you need assistance, please contact the Support Desk.

Tips:

  1. Currently, any format changes made to any writing object will be applied to ALL writing objects in that section (i.e., cover, preliminaries, body, addenda). This keeps your output looking consistent and professional.
  2. If you need a specific style for a single object, try customizing ‘Heading 5’ and use that. Typically, most writing projects don’t need 5 levels of heading, so this one is a ‘spare’, and can be used as you require. 
How do your legal references compare with other products?2017-09-28T08:31:35+00:00

ComWriter has 19 reference types when compared with 5 from EndNote and only 4 from other bibliographic tools. Our references cover:

  • International material (Treaty & UN official document)
  • Judicial material (7 types)
  • Legislative material (10 types)

 ComWriter also surpasses every other reference type (e.g., books & journal material) so that references are always accurate.

How do the plans compare?2017-09-28T08:26:25+00:00

Student Plan is FREE

  • Create unlimited writing projects
  • Add, find, import and store unlimited bibliographic records
  • Find bibliographic records from WorldCat, Crossref & Wikipedia
  • Apply style guides to projects (common, institution, journal) at any time
  • Customize style guides to use on any project

coming soon:

  • Collaborate with up to 3 other team members

Researcher Plan US$6 per mth or $66 pa

  • Access history versions
  • Add resources to groups
  • Store attachments on bibliographic records

coming soon:

  • Collaborate with unlimited team members
  • Task management
  • Chat with team members
  • History slider
  • Share group of resources
  • Add, maintain and share lists (abbreviations, definitions, words or phrases)
How does ComWriter compare to other products?2017-09-28T08:24:03+00:00

Why does ‘n.p.’ appear in my reference?2017-09-28T08:21:48+00:00

When reference data is created for a bibliography, sometimes some data fields are missing or not available. When the ‘publisher’ or ‘place of publication’ is missing ‘n.p.’ is put where these data field normally go. ‘n.p’ means: no publisher, no place

Do you have a thesaurus?2017-09-28T08:20:53+00:00

If you are using Google Chrome, you can access the Thesuaurus as follows:

  • Highlight the word/term
  • Right click with your mouse to revea the drop menu
  • On the drop menu click on ‘Look Up In Dictionary
  • To change a word/term you have already entered, you will have to manually type any new word/term you require
How do I add an equation?2017-09-28T07:59:09+00:00

Currently, equations can only be added as an image.

An equation editor is on our future enhancement list.

See Also:

  • How do I add images?
Can I use ComWriter for FREE?2017-09-28T07:57:27+00:00

Yes you can. There are two ways:

1. The STUDENT PLAN is always FREE

2. If you’d like to upgrade to the RESEARCHER PLAN, then you can invite friends and for everyone that signs up, you both get a free month. So, invite 12 friends and get 12 months for free:

  • Go to Account Details
  • Find the section ‘Invite Your Friends’
  • Click the + button and add their name and email, then click send email, all done!
  • When that person signs up to ComWriter then 30 days free use will be automatically added to your account. Your friend will also get 30 days free. 

 

Tips:

  • Your friend must activate their account for the offer to be added to their (and your) account
  • Make sure you are on the Researcher Plan before inviting your friends
How do I create a bibliography?2017-09-28T07:54:23+00:00

In ComWriter, you do not need to know how to format a citation in your discipline style (e.g., APA, Harvard, Chicago); all you have to do is Add the resource, and Insert the resource into your text, and ComWriter will do all the formatting for you. Follow these easy steps:

Create a stand-alone bibliography:

On the Library tab:

  1. Add a Project (if you don’t already have one) by clicking + Add Project 
  2. Add your references/resources using ‘Add Resource‘ function, and remember to click the check box (on the bottom of the form) ‘Add to project’ by selecting your Project name
  3. Click ‘Export Bibliography‘ and select the Project name and the Style (styles already added to My styles will be listed) you would like to export in and click Export
  4. Your bibliography will be placed in your Downloads file

Create a bibliography in your project:

On the Projects tab: 

  1. Open your project, or Start a new project
  2. Click ‘Addenda’ (because bibliographies usually go in the back matter)
  3. Open the Add menu and select ‘Smart List’
  4. Select the list ‘References’
  5. Select option: either the ‘Bibliography’ or the ‘Cited Resources’ 
  6. Click Add and a blue Smart List Marker will be added to your project outline
  7. When you export your project, the resources associated with your project will be automatically added to the Bibliography in the style you chose when you started your project, and positioned exactly where you added the smart list. Remember to add a Heading.

See Also

  • Citing a resource
How do I cite a resource?2017-09-28T07:28:31+00:00

In ComWriter, you do not need to know how to format a citation in your discipline style (e.g., APA, Harvard, Chicago); all you have to do is Add the resource, and Insert a link to the resource in your text, and ComWriter will do all the formatting for you. Follow these easy steps: 

  1. On the Research tab: Add your reference/resource using ‘Add’ or ‘Find’ 
  2. On the Projects tab, Start a New Project
    1. Open your project
    2. Activate the cursor inside a paragraph
    3. Click ‘Insert citation’ (see 1 on image below)
    4. Select the resource you added
    5. Customize the resource, as required
  3. Add a citation prefix (e.g., see, refer, as cited in)
  4. Pinpoint a Page number or Page span of numbers, if required
  5. Add a citation suffix, if required (e.g., as an example)
  6. Include ‘Author in text’, if required, and use the drop list to add a ‘s, or ‘ to the last author’s name, if required 
  • Click Insert and a blue (ref) tag will appear in your paragraph (see 2 on image below)
  • Click on the blue tag and you can see what resource you have added. You can also edit the citation, or add anotherresource, if required (see 1 on image below)
  • When you export your project, the citation will be automatically formatted based on the style you chose when you started the project
  • See Also

    • Creating a bibliography
    • Video guides
    Can I downgrade my plan at any time?2017-09-28T07:22:26+00:00

    Yes you can. What will happen is this:

    1. You will be refunded for the balance of the days outstanding [expiry date minus current date x daily subscription rate; i.e. pro-rata for the balance]
    2. You will be billed for the new subscription charge, as at the effective date you requested the change
    If I select the Faculty plan for my trial, can I downgrade to the free plan later?2017-09-28T07:13:06+00:00

    Yes you can. In fact we recommend you try the Faculty plan for the trial period so you get to check out all the awesome features like these:

    – export to Word

    – save and restore history

    – share styles

    – access Public resources (coming soon)

    – import Resources from other software (coming soon)

    I haven’t received my verification email, how do I activate my account?2017-09-28T07:11:48+00:00

    If you can’t find your verification email:

    1. Check your spam folder, as it sometimes goes there
    2. Log on using your Facebook account, and your email address will be authenticated via Facebook
    3. Try Signing Up again, you may have entered the email address incorrectly
    4. If you still can’t get access, contact the Support desk to manually activate your account: support@comwriter.com; but send the email from your email account so we know the correct address
    Can you do plagiarism checking?2017-09-28T07:08:38+00:00

    Currently we do not provide plagiarism checking. But we will put that on our todo list.

    ComWriter exports your project to PDF, and PDF is a valid file format for the following plagiarism software:

    • Turnitin
    • Ephorus
    Can I have more than one tab open in my browser?2017-09-28T07:06:13+00:00

    Yes you can. In fact, if you are adding lots of resources, this would be an excellent way to move from the writing editor to Add resources without having to close the editor.

    However, we do advise against having the writing editor open for more than one project, as performance could be slowed.

    How do I add images?2017-09-28T07:04:52+00:00

    Images can be added to a project using the + ‘Add to outline’ menu. 

    Add resource:

    1. Images must be added to Resources first, this will allow you to re-use images in a range of projects
    2. Go to Resources > Add Resource
    3. Select Images, then the format (Table, Picture, Figure, etc.)
    4. Add the Running title, Title and other details (only in required)
    5. Upload the file: only PNG, JPEG, GIF files are accepted
    6. NOTE: Tables must be imported as image files.

    In the writing editor:

    1. + Image adds an image icon
    2. Click on the image icon then click Choose image
    3. All your images will be displayed. Select the image you require
    4. Select the settings (size), change the Running title and Title, if you desire
    5. Click Update

    Add a Legend (or Image Source):

    1. Click on the image thumbnail
    2. Click Add Legend
    3. Add footnote text and/or Add Reference to a resource (i.e., the source of your image if it is not your own)
    4. Click Insert

     

    See also:

    How can I use ComWriter if I don’t have an internet connection?2017-09-28T06:52:05+00:00

    At the moment you can’t. You need an active WIFI or internet connection of some kind. We intend to develop an ‘offline’ version at some stage. See Feature Requests.

    Can I create a cross-reference between projects?2017-09-28T06:50:16+00:00

    No. Cross-referencing is a feature for creating references within a project. If you need to do this, then you can either insert a reference to that particular resource (you can pinpoint the page), or merge the projects. ComWriter is great for handling large projects because you can scroll sections up, and cross-reference easily between sections.

    Can I embed a hyperlink to a resource?2017-09-28T06:49:36+00:00

    Yes, you can insert a URL Link to any resource. The link remains active when you export to PDF.

    • Insert > URL link
    How do I preview a project?2017-09-28T06:48:41+00:00

    To preview a project, export it to PDF. When we export, we create all the numbering (headings, pages, captions, etc.) as well as all the smart lists as part of the export process.

    Can I add software code snippets?2017-09-28T06:46:52+00:00

    Yes. When you enter text or any symbols into a paragraph, list or quote, we treat it as text.

    An easy way to do several lines of code is to use one of the three lists (numbered, bulleted, outline) and go to Style> Body > Lists and set the numbering for the list type you want to use to None. That way, you end up with a blank list that allows you to indent and outdent list items.

    How do I add tables?2017-09-28T06:45:37+00:00

    Tables can only be added as graphic images. We plan to include a feature to create tables (see Feature Requests).

    • Resources > Add resources > Images > Tables
    What is the optimal format for images?2017-09-28T06:32:17+00:00

    We have built in three sizes for displaying images:

    • small = 1/3 of the page width
    • medium = half the page width
    • large = full page width

    After you have chosen your image, a Customise Image page appears where you can select the size. It can be amended if you change your mind later.

    Note: A single page has been set to A4 (minus margins, as defined in the Style>Body)

    How do I change text fonts?2017-09-28T06:20:44+00:00

    All text formatting is done using a Style Guide. There are a range of fonts available for your headings, paragraphs, lists or quotes.

    Currently, any format changes made to any writing object will be applied to ALL writing objects in that section (i.e., cover, preliminaries, Body, Addenda). This keeps your output looking consistent and professional.

    If you need a specific style for a single object, try customizing ‘Heading 5’ and use that. Typically, most writing projects don’t need 5 levels of heading, so this one is a ‘spare’, and can be used as you require.

    You can create as many Style Guides as you like and apply a Style Guide to a project as you export it (create your output). All writing objects (including, smart lists) can be formatted in the Style Guide.

    If you need any fonts that we don’t have loaded, please submit a feature request by contacting the Support Desk.

    Can I create a structured template?2017-09-28T06:20:00+00:00

    Yes, you can create templates for an entire project or for sections of a project (sections can be added to any project as you write). There is a user guide explaining how to do this. Templates can also be shared with others and you can find Public templates to use.

    Also, templates can be saved with the content intact; this is handy for saving pieces of work that you use regularly (e.g., your biography).

    What is the relationship between text editing and styles?2017-09-28T06:19:19+00:00

    ComWriter separates text editing from formatting with the use of writing objects. All text is added to a project (document file) using writing objects. The styles establish the format for each writing object independent of what your have written. When you generate your output, the text editor and the pre-defined style merge to format your output for you. This is how we ensure that all your text will be formatted consistently, and with little effort on your behalf.

    Is there a tablet version?2017-09-28T06:18:47+00:00

    ComWriter is a cloud-based product and works on the internet. You can access it from a browser (Safari, Firefox, Chrome). Even though you can access ComWriter from a browser on a tablet, there are a range of functions that do not work properly (e.g., drop-n-drag). We will be working towards enabling this.

    What are the system requirements for using ComWriter?2017-09-28T06:18:10+00:00

    The only system requirement is Adobe Reader (that can be downloaded free from here) for creating PDF output or reading PDF documents.

    Who owns my data?2017-09-28T06:17:36+00:00

    All data and resources added by an individual are owed by that individual. If an individual shares any projects or resources, it is their responsibility to ensure that they have the right to share that resource. Please see our License agreement, Privacy policy, Security statement and Copyright notice for more details.

    What browser can I use?2017-09-28T06:16:21+00:00

    ComWriter is a cloud-based product and will work with the following browsers on a PC or Mac:

    • Google Chrome (the best choice)
    • Safari
    • Firefox

    At this time, we do not support Internet Explorer (IE). Also, if you log into ComWriter on an iPad (via chrome or safari) you will not be able to edit projects, but you can add and edit resources.

    How accurate are the reference styles?2017-09-28T06:14:58+00:00

    We have started off with the major styles. We believe our references are more accurate than any other word processor, because we have a broader range of reference types to select from and we have used a number of ‘modern’ methods to provide for options (e.g., source = hardcopy, online, or database is available for every resource type). Please send us feedback if something does not appear to be correct.

    If something won’t format the way you want it to, you can:

    a) contact support and ask us to fix it

    b) share your custom style with support and ask us to edit it for you

    c) export the project to Word and amend it manually. But, remember that you can’t import back from Word, so wait until you are ready to submit your project before making any final amendments.

    Can I cite while I write?2017-09-28T06:14:25+00:00

    Yes. Anything contained in your Research Material can be cited (including images). It is as simple as creating a link to the resource.

    – Insert citation creates an ‘in-text’ citation (e.g., Harvard, APA)

    – insert footnote enables you to include a citation in the footnote.

    Is there any size limitation for projects?2017-09-28T06:13:55+00:00

    A single project can be one page or an entire dissertation or book; there is no imposed limit.

    What kind of resources can I add?2017-09-28T06:11:28+00:00

    There are around 100 types of resources that can be added:

    • bibliographic entries for just about anything
    • internet URLs
    • terms (abbreviations, glossary and index of words and phrases)
    • names (people, places, organizations)
    • Image files can be added to resources (including file attachments)
    • Notes: e.g., lecture or course notes

    Note: Attachments to any resource is being added after the beta version

    Can I create a cross-reference between projects?2017-09-28T05:57:26+00:00

    No. Cross-referencing is a feature for creating references within a project. If you need to do this, then you can either insert a reference to that particular resource (you can pinpoint the page), or merge the projects. ComWriter is great for handling large projects because you can scroll sections up, and cross-reference easily between sections.

    How compatible is ComWriter with Microsoft Word?2017-09-28T05:23:56+00:00

    Text can be cut-and-paste from Microsoft Word with relative ease. But any references or other links contained in the text will be removed as you paste. So you will need to re-enter these.

    Export to Microsoft Word is now available. However, this is for submitting writing projects to others (e.g., supervisors and teachers), and not for editing (we export text only). All your editing changes should be done in ComWriter first.

    Rule: if it looks good in the exported PDF, then it will look good in Word.

    How can I use ComWriter if I don’t have an internet connection?2017-09-28T05:19:58+00:00

    At the moment you can’t. You need an active WIFI or internet connection of some kind. We intend to develop an ‘offline’ version at some stage. See Feature Requests.

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