How do I export my writing from Folio?

Last reviewed November 4, 2026

Open your project, choose Export, and pick Manuscript or Everything. Manuscript exports your writing as Markdown or plain text, or as a Word file with Premium. Everything saves a Folio backup you can restore later. Your writing is yours to take, in formats that open anywhere.

Export a project

1. Open the project and choose Export in the top bar.
2. Choose what to export: Manuscript or Everything (backup copy).
3. Choose a format.
4. Tick any extras you want, then choose Download.

Which format should I choose?

Manuscript or Everything?

• Manuscript is just the writing, in order, ready to use elsewhere.
• Everything (backup copy) adds the descriptions and all of your World, Research or Notes entries. Save it as a Folio backup to restore the project later, or as Markdown or plain text for a readable copy.

Options for a manuscript export

• Include scene and section titles prints each scene's title above its text.
• Include chapter descriptions adds each chapter's description.
• Add a works-cited list appears on nonfiction projects with filled-in sources. The heading follows your citation style: Works Cited, References or Bibliography.
• Include my working notes adds the notes you keep on scenes and entries. It is off unless you ask for it, and it appears only if you have notes.

What the files look like

• Markdown: the project title is a top-level heading, each chapter is a second-level heading, and scene breaks appear as * * *.
• Plain text: the same order, with the title in capitals and chapter titles underlined.
• Word: standard manuscript format. Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced, one-inch margins, each chapter starting on a new page. Check your publisher's own guidelines before you submit.

Save a backup you can restore

1. In the Export window, choose Everything (backup copy).
2. Choose Folio backup as the format and download it.
3. To restore it, choose Import a backup on your projects page and pick the file. Restoring creates a new project.

A Folio backup doesn't include the authorship record, version history or share links. If you need those, keep the project in Folio. See how Folio keeps your work safe.

Taking your work somewhere else

Export Everything as Markdown for a complete readable copy of your manuscript, descriptions and entries that opens in any text editor. Export Manuscript as Word if the next step is an editor or agent. Both work without a Folio account. Coming from another tool instead? Read how to import a manuscript.