> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.4thewords.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Projects

> Organize files into sections, set goals, and track progress across multi-part writing projects.

> **Where to find it:** Left sidebar → **Writing** → **Projects** tab [Open in 4TW ↗](https://app.4thewords.com/writing/projects)

Projects organize related files into a single structure. Ideal for novels, screenplays, essay collections, or any multi-part effort. Create named sections (chapters, acts), add files, drag them into order, set a word-count goal, and track progress across all files.

### Creating a Project

1. Click **New Project** to create a blank project.
2. Click the name field to give it a title.
3. Optionally, click the description area to add a synopsis or notes.
4. Upload a **cover image** and set the **stage** (see [Editing Project Settings](#editing-project-settings) below).

### Adding Files and Sections

Once inside a project:

1. **Add a file directly.**. Click **New File** to create a file at the top level of the project.
2. **Add a section.**. Click **New section** to create a named group (like a chapter). Give it a title and an optional description.
3. **Add a file inside a section.**. Click the file icon on the right side of any section header. New files created this way are automatically placed inside that section.
4. **Drag and drop to reorder.**. Grab the drag handle (the grip icon ≡) on any section or file and drag it to a new position. You can reorder sections relative to each other, and reorder files within a section.

<Tip>
  Name your sections by chapter, act, or scene. Whatever fits your writing process. Long projects are much easier to navigate when divided into clear groups.
</Tip>

### Editing Project Settings

At the top of any project, you can edit:

| Setting          | What it does                                                    |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Name**         | Click to rename the project inline                              |
| **Description**  | Click to add or update a description                            |
| **Cover image**  | Upload a custom image: shown on the project card                |
| **Stage**        | Mark the project as **Idea**, **WIP**, or **Draft**             |
| **Writing goal** | Set a word count target with a deadline: click **Set new goal** |

The **writing goal** shows a circular progress indicator that updates in real time as you write in the project's files.

<Note>
  A project goal with a deadline is a great way to stay on pace for longer works. The progress circle gives you an at-a-glance sense of whether you're ahead or behind.
</Note>

### Publishing Your Project

Projects can be published to the community **Read** section, where other Dust Warriors can discover and read your work, leave ratings, and post comments. Open the **...** menu on any project and click **Publish Settings** to configure your category, cover, visibility, and reader interaction settings.

See the full [Reading & Publishing](/community/reading-and-publishing) guide for the complete walkthrough.

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I share my writing with the community?">
    Yes. Open the **...** menu on your project, click **Publish Settings**, and configure your category, cover, and visibility. See the full [Reading & Publishing](/community/reading-and-publishing) guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What do the project stages (Idea, WIP, Draft) mean?">
    They're labels you set yourself to track where a project is in your writing process. They don't affect gameplay. They're purely organizational.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I move a file from one project to another?">
    Yes. Use the file action menu to assign a file to a different project, or use **Assign Selected** in selection mode to reassign multiple files at once.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Your project's word goal progress isn't updating.">
    Make sure you're writing in files that are actually assigned to that project. Words written in standalone files (not inside the project) don't count toward the project's goal. In some cases refreshing the page might trigger an update.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Sections in your project won't reorder by dragging.">
    Make sure you're grabbing the drag handle (≡ icon) rather than clicking the section title. The title area is an editable text field. Drag only works from the handle.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

**Your writing, organized**

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card icon="file" href="/writing/documents-and-editor/files" title="Files">
    Create, edit, and manage individual documents.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="bullseye" href="/writing/goals" title="Writing Goals">
    Set word count targets with deadlines for your projects and files.
  </Card>

  <Card icon="book-open" href="/community/reading-and-publishing" title="Reading & Publishing">
    Publish your project to the community and share your writing with the world.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>