Scrivener Compile Missing Text or Chapters

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Check what's included

   Copy steps
   1. Open File > Compile
   2. In the Contents pane on the right, make sure every chapter/document is ticked
   3. Select the binder item and confirm 'Include in Compile' is checked in the Inspector
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Check section layouts for folders

   Copy steps
   1. In the Compile window, click Assign Section Layouts
   2. Make sure folders that contain text use a layout that shows text, not 'title only'
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Check the Replacements tab

   Copy steps
   1. In the Compile window, edit the format (double-click it)
   2. Open Replacements and remove any rule that matches common words
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Test with a plain format and another output type

   Copy steps
   1. Compile with a basic format such as Manuscript to RTF or DOCX
   2. If that works, the problem is in your custom format; if PDF drops text but DOCX doesn't, update Scrivener
   Did this fix it? Yes No

5. 5. Update Scrivener

   1. Windows 3.1.6 fixed a Print/PDF bug that could leave text missing - install the latest version from literatureandlatte.com
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

The compiled Word, PDF or ebook file is missing chapters, chapter text (only the title appears), small words, or the last pages.

Why it happens

• Documents unticked for 'Include in Compile' or not in the Contents list
• Text stored in a folder whose section layout only prints the title
• A Replacements rule in the compile format removing words
• Older version bugs (e.g. 3.1.5 for Windows dropping text from PDF output)

This guide also covers

• scrivener compile missing text
• scrivener compile missing chapter
• scrivener compile cut off
• scrivener compile not working

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