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Simply Read

Import & format guide

Simply Read reads any plain-text (.txt) file. A little formatting helps it detect chapters, sentences, and paragraphs accurately.

Basic requirements

  • Plain .txt format only, saved as UTF-8.
  • Separate paragraphs with a blank line.

Chapter detection

Simply Read finds chapters automatically when titles stand on their own line in capitals.

  • Put each chapter title in CAPITALS on its own line.
  • Supported formats include CHAPTER I, CHAPTER ONE, and 01 MY CHAPTER TITLE.
  • For story collections, use all-caps story titles (for example, THE HAPPY PRINCE).

Optional: table of contents

  • Include a CONTENTS section listing the chapter titles.
  • A table of contents improves chapter-detection accuracy.

Project Gutenberg

  • Books downloaded from Project Gutenberg are fully supported.
  • Headers, footers, and licence text are removed automatically on import.

Example

A well-formatted file looks like this:

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I
CHAPTER II

CHAPTER I

It was the best of times, it was the worst of
times. Each paragraph is separated by a blank line.

This is the next paragraph.

CHAPTER II

The story continues here.

Still stuck? Head back to Support and email us your file — we’re glad to help.