I like to edit in split screen. It allows me to reference things I’ve put down in other chapters, like place or character descriptions. But when I have two screens open like that I tend to accidentally click away from the section I’m actually working on.
Something about being a creative mind frame makes it hard to keep track of where I’m clicking, and suddenly clicking away from what I’m working on is jarring.
The Solution
Click on the editor screen you want to lock in, then go to Navigate -> Editor -> Lock in Place. (Shortcut: Option Command L)
In this example, I locked my left-hand screen in place. You can tell, because the header on that half of the split screen is now pink:
Now that it’s locked, I can’t click away from it (accidentally or otherwise). If I’m typing away and I suddenly think “oh, I need to see what I wrote in chapter 6,” I don’t have to click in the other window first, I can just click on Chapter 6 (or a research file, or an image, or whatever) in my Binder and it will automatically open in the other window – leaving my locked window right where it is.
It’s a simple thing, but I find it super handy when I’m in the groove of writing and don’t want to think about the software.
To undo the lock, just follow the same steps.
I am new to Scrivener and working my way through your excellent tips. With ‘Lock in Place’ I have managed to make it work just as you have described, but with one exception, the locked screen does not have a pink header above it as you describe. Is this something that needs changing in Preferences?
Good question. It may be a preference. It may also be a version issue. What version are you using and are you on PC or Mac?
I have Scrivener 3 on a Mac and for me the header turns a light grey and displays a little black lock icon. In a previous version of Scrivener, the header of locked editors used to turn the color of sand. Maybe it has to do with versions? Or maybe it has to do with color settings in the operating system?
Interesting. It might be both… Thanks for sharing Ben.
Brilliant. I’m revising a film script and it’s so frustrating when you realise you’ve spent the last half hour editing the original instead of the new draft. (How many times can you click Cmd-Z?)
Before Scrivener, I definitely tested the limits of Cmd-Z. Good luck with the script!
Thank you! I’ve stayed away from working split screen mainly because of this issue… so will definitely try it!
PS My mom really enjoyed Ostriches so thx for the extra copy.
So glad to hear it! Thanks Carol.
Can you still scroll in the locked window? I’ll just have to try it. Yeah, I’ve been having this problem like crazy! Timely advice – thanks!
You should be able to scroll in the locked window. Let me know how it goes.
Fantastic tip. I have found myself clicking away from the working document as you describe and it’s very frustrating. (I found the navigation buttons at the top that let me “go back” to where I was, but…)
This lock in place feature is going to save me time. Thank you!
Right? I have really come to love this feature.
Glad it’s working for you.
Cheers!