The Codex
A Story Bible That Writes With You
Seamlessly organize every story element in one searchable, intelligent system. Keep your world building consistent, and always accessible, without interrupting your flow.
- Join 157,000+ writers worldwide
- Unlimited Codex/Story Bible entries
- Free 21-day trial · Cancel anytime
Stop Tab-Hopping. Start Writing.
Automatic Tracking & Mentions
Never lose track of a villain’s first appearance or a subplot’s timeline. The Codex automatically indexes every mention of your characters, places, and objects directly inside your text.
- Smart DetectionNames, aliases, and nicknames are instantly recognized and linked as you type.
- Global MappingView every appearance of an element across your manuscript, chats, and snippets.
- One-Click NavigationJump instantly from your manuscript to any Codex entry to check facts fast.
Track Your Story’s Evolution
Character Arcs & Progressions
Static notes kill dynamic stories. Use Progressions to document how characters age, relationships shift, and world politics change throughout your narrative.
- Timeline TrackingAssign specific details to different points in your timeline.
- Dynamic UpdatesOverwrite outdated lore with new progressions to keep your series bible accurate to the current moment.
Polish Your Prose Faster
Smart Highlighting & Editing
Spot inconsistencies and repetitive phrasing instantly. Smart Highlighting flags weak points so you can focus on the story.
- Usage FrequencyIdentify overused words, crutch phrases, and repetitive metaphors.
- AI Writing DetectionFlag and refine common AI-generated patterns.
- Dialogue ControlTrack dialogue tags to ensure character voices remain distinct and fresh.
Build a Wiki That Matches Your Imagination
Custom Categories & Flexible Metadata
Escape the rigidity of spreadsheets. Create custom categories and define unique data fields to build a system that mirrors your brain.
Characters 
Locations 
Lore 
Objects/Items 
Subplots All the custom details
No more one-size-fits-all templates, simply add the fields you need to each entry.
- Rich Text DetailsBackstories, voice sheets, and physical descriptions
- Quick FactsAge, occupation, class, and more
- Standardized Tags/DropdownsSpecies, status, clans, MBTI, personality types
- Codex ReferencesLink to factions, locations, and related entries
Custom Categories
Group entries by tags and details that suit your genre.
Share entries across your series
Define details once and share them across every book in your series.
Your Genre, Your Rules
From dark romance to epic fantasy, the Codex adapts to your genre's unique demands.
Science Fiction
From Space Opera to Dystopian Future, the Codex keeps track of all the details.
- Political Factions/Governments
- Language/Translation Systems
- Star Systems and Planets
- Alien Species/Races and Cultures
- Ship Designs and Specifications
Fantasy
Track all the intricate details of your next High Fantasy Epic or LitRPG adventure.
- Magic System
- Deities and Pantheons
- Noble Houses and Bloodlines
- Beasts & Character Stats
- Historical Eras
Non-Fiction
From Memoirs to Marketing content, organize your research, and maintain consistency across projects.
- Historical Figures
- Contemporary Records
- Brand / Writing Style Guides
- Customer Analytics
- Market Research
Explore Further Use Cases
Check out our use case pages to see Novelcrafter and the Codex in action for different genres and workflows.
Brainstorm, Research, and Expand
AI-Powered World Building
Leverage AI to fill lore gaps, generate rich descriptions, and deepen your setting using your Codex as the source of truth.
- Character InterviewsChat with your characters to uncover voice, backstory, and inconsistencies.
- Assisted ResearchCombine web search with your Codex for historically or scientifically accurate details.
- Contextual ExpansionGenerate new content that strictly adheres to the rules established in your Codex.
Using AI is massively beneficial, providing the organization needed to manage my otherwise chaotic thoughts. It transforms my brain's mess into structured, actionable ideas. Thank you!
Why Writers Switch to Novelcrafter
Stop hacking general-purpose tools to do a writer’s job. See how the Codex compares to Scrivener, Excel, and Notion.
| Feature | Novelcrafter | Scrivener | Excel/Sheets | Notion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Automatic MentionsDetects and links entries mentioned in your writing. | Manual | |||
ProgressionsTrack changes to characters, locations, and more over time. | ||||
Codex DetailsPersonalize your Entry with rich text, dropdowns, references, and more. | Basic | |||
AI IntegrationLeverage AI for worldbuilding, character interviews, writing, and research. | ||||
Smart HighlightingMake editing easier with stand-out highlights for issues. |
I see Novelcrafter as a game changer for my writing. That is, taking novels from start to finish—with an emphasis on completion. Achieving this far quicker and with greater visibility than Word.
Powerful Plans for Every World Builder
The Codex is included in all plans. To integrate the power of AI, you will need the hobbyist or higher plan.
Scribe
Create unlimited Codex entries for your stories.
$4
USD
monthly
- Unlimited Books
- Series & Universes
- Basic Review features
Hobbyist
Write with AI powered by your Codex context.
$8
USD
monthly
- All from Scribe, plus:
- AI (Bring your own Key)
Artisan
Interview your characters using the AI Chat with Codex memory.
$14
USD
monthly
- All from Hobbyist, plus:
- Chat Features
- Advanced Review features
Specialist
Share your Codex entries and stories with others.
$20
USD
monthly
- All from Artisan, plus:
- Collaborative writing
- Create and manage teams
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We've got answers. Explore our FAQ section to learn more about the Codex.
Can I import a Codex from another software?
You cannot currently directly import Codexes from other software, but if you add the information into a Snippet, you can extract the entries into your Codex.
Can I export my Codex?
Yes! You can export your Codex as a standalone folder, or alongside your manuscript, and choose whether to export everything, or a standalone Codex type. Each Codex entry is exported as its own file.
Can I use my Codex entries in multiple stories?
You can share Codex entries with other books in your series by toggling on the ‘Create New Entries in Series’ button. You can also manually move entries between your book Codex and your Series Codex.
Can I share my Codex entries with others?
If you are on the Specialist plan (or working on a novel with another user on the Specialist plan), you can share your Codex entries with others working on that project.
Is there a limit to how much information I can include in a Codex entry?
Whilst there is technically a limit, it is rare for users to reach it. The more Codex details you have, the nearer you will reach the limit. If you are working with AI, it is best practice to include only the information that is essential for your request, to avoid confusing the AI.
Ready to Build Your World with The Codex?
Start your free trial today and experience the power of the Codex in organizing and enriching your storytelling process.