PennyWriteHow can we help?
Answers to common questions, and a real person (well, two) if you need more.
Where are my files?
Mac: in Documents/PennyWrite in your home folder, unless you picked a cloud folder in Settings › Sync. iPad: in the Files app under On My iPad › PennyWrite, or in the folder you picked in Settings › Sync. Your whole library is a single library.json file, with a Backups folder next to it.
How do I sync between my Mac and iPad?
Keep your library in a cloud folder both devices can reach. In Settings › Sync, choose iCloud Drive, Google Drive or Dropbox on the Mac, and pick the same PennyWrite folder on the iPad. Let one device finish saving and syncing before you write on the other; if both change the library at once, PennyWrite keeps the other version as a copy in Backups so nothing is lost.
Does PennyWrite back up my work?
Yes. Every day you write, PennyWrite saves a copy of your library in the Backups folder (it keeps the newest 30), plus a copy whenever it replaces your library. We still recommend Time Machine or your own backups too.
How do I restore a backup?
Open Settings › Sync (Backups), pick a date and choose Restore. Your current library is saved into Backups first, so you can always go back.
How do I use typewriter mode?
In Write, switch the toggle from Editor to Typewriter. Choose a machine from the toolbar, and use the sound and hands buttons to turn key sounds, the bell and virtual hands on or off. Typewriter mode only types forward, at the end of the scene; switch back to Editor to revise.
How do I set up Story Coach?
Create an API key at console.anthropic.com (Settings › API keys), then paste it into PennyWrite under Settings › Story Coach AI. The key is stored in your device's Keychain. Usage is billed to your Anthropic account. Remove the key at any time to turn Story Coach off.
How do I export my book?
Open Compile & export and choose PDF, EPUB, RTF (for Word and Pages), Markdown or plain text, or print. You can include chapter titles, scene breaks and a cover from the cover designer.
How do I get a refund?
App Store purchases are refunded by Apple. Visit reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, find PennyWrite and choose "Request a refund". We can't issue App Store refunds ourselves.
How do I cancel a subscription?
On iPad or iPhone: Settings › your name › Subscriptions › PennyWrite. On a Mac: App Store › your name › Account Settings › Subscriptions. Cancel at least 24 hours before the period ends to avoid renewal.
The Mac app says it can't be opened.
The download is signed and notarized by Apple. Make sure you're on macOS 14 or later, drag PennyWrite into Applications, and open it from there. If macOS still warns you, Control-click the app and choose Open.
Contact us
Email [email protected]. We're a two-person team and usually reply within two working days. Please tell us your device (Mac or iPad), its system version, and PennyWrite's version (Settings › About).
Please don't send us your library file unless we ask; it contains your whole book.