How to Use Novel AI: Complete Setup & Workflow Guide

Novel AI is a text-generation platform that allows users to write, expand, or structure creative content with the assistance of an AI model. While the interface looks straightforward at first, the system relies heavily on specific tools, such as Memory, Author’s Note, Presets, and the Lorebook, to maintain consistency and produce controlled output.
For users who are opening the platform for the first time, the number of panels, settings, and options can feel overwhelming because Novel AI does not provide guided onboarding inside the editor.

This guide presents a complete, clear, and structured walkthrough of how to use Novel AI from account creation to exporting your fully generated text. Every step is explained in plain language, with enough detail to help new users understand why each component exists and how it affects the writing process.

The goal is simple:
To help you operate Novel AI smoothly, avoid common mistakes, and work efficiently without relying on external tutorials or trial-and-error.

Account Creation and Initial Platform Access

Step 1 — Visit Novel AI

• Go to https://Novel AI.net.
• You’ll see “Log In” or “Sign Up.”

Step 2 — Create Your Account

• Enter your email and password.
• Verify your email if prompted.

Step 3 — Select a Subscription Plan

Choose from:

• Tablet
• Scroll
• Opus

Plans determine context size, available features, and monthly limits.

Step 4 — Access the Dashboard

The dashboard displays:

• New Story option
• Your saved stories
• Image generator (if available)
• Settings
• Subscription management

Understanding the Editor Layout

Novel AI’s editor has several important components. Learning them first prevents confusion later.

Central Writing Pane

Main workspace for typing and AI-generated text.

Right Sidebar — contains all functional tools:

• Presets
• Memory
• Author’s Note
• Lorebook
• Generation parameters
• Story settings

Bottom Control Bar

Contains:

• Generate
• Retry
• Regenerate
• Undo
• Stop generation
• Output length

Top Navigation

Allows:

• renaming the story
• accessing chapters
• exporting
• returning to dashboard

Preparing the Story Environment

Novel AI works best when the environment is set before generation.

Add a Title

Rename “New Story” to something descriptive for the organization.

Set Up Memory

Memory stores the essential, unchanging information of your story.

What to include:

• character names
• character traits
• stable relationships
• settings
• rules of the world
• timeline basics

Example Memory Block:

Aiden – introverted mechanic, dry humor.  

Mara – bold, loyal, impatient.  

Setting: Neon-lit city of Velar.  

Rule: AI modifications are illegal.

Keep it concise.
Novel AI reads Memory on every generation.

Create an Author’s Note

Controls tone and behavior of writing.

Example:

Tone: grounded, realistic, slow pacing, minimal melodrama.

Use one or two sentences maximum.

Build Lorebook Entries 

The Lorebook stores detailed information activated by keywords.

Each entry contains:

• Title
• Keywords
• Description

Best for:

• world history
• organizations
• factions
• character backgrounds
• magic/technology rules
• geographic locations

Do not overload it unnecessarily.

Choosing and Understanding Presets

Step 1 — Open the Preset Tab

Found in the right sidebar.

Step 2 — Select a Preset

Presets influence writing style:

Euterpe — balanced

Krake — expressive

Sigurd — structured

Step 3 — Adjust Settings (Optional)

Advanced settings include:

• temperature
• top-k
• top-p
• repetition penalty
• output length
• stop sequences
• padding length

If unsure, keep defaults.

Writing Your Initial Input

Novel AI depends heavily on your first prompt.

Step 1 — Write a Starting Paragraph

Novel AI performs better with:

• scene description
• character action
• dialogue starter
• emotional moment
• location setup

Avoid single-line prompts like “Write a story.”

Step 2 — Place Cursor at End

Location of the cursor determines where AI continues.

Generating Content

Step 1 — Click Generate

AI begins writing below your last line.

Step 2 — Review Output

Check:

• continuity
• tone
• logical sequence
• adherence to Memory and Lorebook

Step 3 — Use Correction Tools if Needed

• Retry: rewrites the last output
• Regenerate: new output attempt
• Undo: deletes last generation
• Edit: manual corrections
• Continue: extends text without new prompt

Alternate between manual writing and AI writing for best structural control.

Using the Editor Tools Correctly

Undo

Removes recent AI text only.

Retry

Generates a new variation based on the same prompt area.

Regenerate

Creates a completely different continuation.

Edit Mode

Allows rewriting, merging, or removing text manually.

Continue

Generates text without additional input; may reduce coherence if overused.

Maintaining Continuity in Long Stories

Step 1 — Update Memory Frequently

Whenever character details change.

Step 2 — Expand Lorebook When Necessary

Add important locations, items, rules, etc.

Step 3 — Adjust Author’s Note When Tone Changes

Ensures consistent narration.

Step 4 — Split Large Stories into Chapters

Keeps context window manageable.

Step 5 — Watch for Drift

If continuity breaks:

• adjust memory
• rewrite inconsistent part
• regenerate forward text

Saving, Organizing, and Exporting

Auto-Save

All text saves as you type.

Manual Save (Optional)

Click save icon.

Organize Stories

Dashboard allows renaming, duplicating, deleting, and archiving.

Export Options

Export in:

• TXT
• HTML
• Backup JSON
• Story package

Move exported content to external editors if needed.

Optional: Using Image Generation

Available only on certain plans.

Step 1 — Open Image Panel

From the dashboard.

Step 2 — Enter Prompt

Describe character or scene.

Step 3 — Adjust Settings

Resolution and stylistic controls vary.

Step 4 — Generate

Images save automatically.

Conclusion

Novel AI includes multiple components that work together to produce text. For new users, the interface can feel complex because many of its most important tools, such as Memory, Presets, and the Lorebook, are located in side panels rather than the main workspace.
This guide centralizes every essential step so that beginners can navigate the platform without confusion, create organized stories, maintain continuity, and manage long-form writing effectively.

By following the steps in sequence, users can set up a controlled environment, provide clear initial input, and manage the AI’s output using the available tools. While the learning curve may be higher than simpler writing platforms, understanding each component up front ensures a more stable and predictable writing experience.