BookForge 1.5.0 is the most significant update since launch. We've added powerful new tools for understanding your manuscript, organizing your structure, and building consistent writing habits — all while keeping the minimalist philosophy that makes BookForge special.
1. Manuscript Statistics: Know Your Book
Manuscript Statistics
Authors are notoriously bad at judging their own progress. "Is this too short? Too long? Do I use the same words too often?" Until now, getting real answers required copying your text into external analyzers or paying for expensive editing tools.
BookForge 1.5 introduces a comprehensive Statistics panel that gives you a complete picture of your manuscript:
Total words, unique words, and vocabulary size
Word count for every chapter, spot pacing issues
Catch repetitive language (common words excluded)
Average sentence length and readability insights
A visual progress bar showing how close you are to 80,000 words — the industry standard for a full-length novel. Perfect for knowing when you're in "finishing" territory versus "still drafting."
2. Enhanced Corkboard: Visual Story Architecture
Corkboard View
The Corkboard has been completely redesigned in 1.5. Previously a simple outline view, it's now a powerful visual planning tool that rivals dedicated storyboarding apps — but stays fully integrated with your manuscript.
- Static chapter list
- No visual overview
- Basic reordering only
- Draggable cards
- Synopsis for each chapter
- Visual story mapping
Use case: Before writing your novel, create cards for each chapter with brief synopses. Drag them around until the story arc feels right. Then click any card to jump directly to that chapter and start writing. The structure and the prose stay in perfect sync.
3. Sprint Timer: Build the Writing Habit
Sprint Timer
The hardest part of writing isn't crafting beautiful sentences — it's sitting down consistently. The new Sprint Timer in BookForge 1.5 helps you build a daily writing habit using proven time-boxing techniques:
Set a duration, click Start, and write. The timer runs in the corner — visible enough to keep you focused, unobtrusive enough to stay in flow. When time's up, BookForge shows your word count for that session, helping you track your output over time.
4. Export to DOCX, Markdown & Plain Text
5 Export Formats
Previously, BookForge exported to PDF and EPUB — perfect for final publication, but limiting for intermediate workflows. Version 1.5 adds three new export formats that completely change how you can use BookForge in your writing pipeline:
DOCX Export
Send to editors using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Preserves chapter structure and basic formatting.
Markdown Export
Perfect for static site generators, GitHub, or any Markdown-based publishing workflow.
Plain Text
Clean, portable text for maximum compatibility with any tool or platform.
Combined with existing PDF and EPUB export, BookForge now covers every stage of the publishing pipeline: drafting in BookForge → editing in Word (DOCX) → publishing to web (Markdown) → final print/ebook (PDF/EPUB).
5. Import DOCX & Markdown: Bring Your Existing Work
Import Support
The number one request from authors considering switching to BookForge: "Can I bring my existing manuscript?" With 1.5, the answer is yes — and it's seamless.
Import DOCX, Markdown, or plain text files directly into any chapter. BookForge preserves structure where possible and cleanly handles formatting conversion. No more copy-pasting chapter by chapter.
- Create your book structure in BookForge (chapters/parts)
- Import each existing chapter file into the appropriate slot
- BookForge handles the formatting cleanup automatically
- Start writing your next chapter with BookForge's tools
Plus: Images, Tables & Enhanced Find/Replace
Three more significant improvements in 1.5 deserve mention:
Images & Tables Support
Insert images and tables directly into chapters. Essential for non-fiction, illustrated books, and complex documents.
Upgraded Find & Replace
Case-sensitive matching, whole-word search, and manuscript-wide replacement with a cleaner, faster interface.
Expanded Appearance Settings
More control over fonts, sizes, line height, paragraph gap, column width, and page color.
How to Get BookForge 1.5
If you already own BookForge, 1.5 is a free update. The Microsoft Store will auto-update your installation. If you're new to BookForge, there's never been a better time to start:
BookForge 1.5 — $6.99 (discounted from $9.99)
One-time purchase. All features included. Free updates forever.
Get BookForge 1.5BookForge 1.5 represents a major leap forward while staying true to what makes BookForge special: powerful features, zero bloat, complete privacy, and a price that respects your budget.