> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Frequently Asked Questions

> Common questions about data storage, update methods, fully automatic advancement, director version selection, and Knowledge Base

This page answers "what is it, how to choose, and can it" types of usage questions. For errors, connection failures, generation getting stuck, and other anomalies, please see [Troubleshooting](https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/en/troubleshooting.md) directly.

> [card] [I encountered an error or it got stuck](https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/en/troubleshooting.md)
>
> Troubleshooting steps for installation startup, model connection, generation pause, task records, and Knowledge Base retrieval

> [card] [It's my first time using it](https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/en/onboarding.md)
>
> Follow the creation wizard from configuring the model to getting Chapter 1 drafted

## Installation and Data

> [accordion] Where is data stored, and how to back it up
>
> See [Installation & Download](https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/en/installation.md) for "Where data is saved". Before backing up, completely exit the application, then copy the entire data directory.

> [accordion] Why can't the portable and Mac versions auto-update
>
> Only the Windows installer version supports in-app updates. For the portable version, download the new version and replace the program while keeping the `-data` folder; for the Mac version, download the new `.dmg` and overwrite the installation, data is unaffected.

> [accordion] Do I need to prepare my own model
>
> Yes. The workbench does not include built-in model quotas; it uses your own API configuration, or you can connect a local model. The quick setup will pop up on first open; see [Model Configuration](https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/en/model-configuration.md).

## Creation Process

> [accordion] Why does fully automatic also stop
>
> Fully automatic only executes the scope you authorized. For example, if you submit Chapters 1 to 3, it stops after writing them and will not write Chapter 4 on its own; you need to select the next segment.
>
> Additionally, it will pause when encountering model unavailability, needing to re-plan, reaching the usage protection limit, or data integrity issues. Pause does not equal failure; progress and saved body text are preserved. How to continue, see [Troubleshooting](https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/en/troubleshooting.md).

> [accordion] There are quality reminders on chapters, should I stop and fix them
>
> The default "prioritize completing the whole book" strategy records ordinary local issues as chapter reminders and continues writing. To be stricter, you can switch to "quality first" in **Settings → Auto Director** (设置 → 自动导演), or set it separately for a particular book.

> [accordion] Which should I choose, Director V1 or V2
>
> V2 is recommended for new books. Existing novels can continue using the original version; before switching, you need to first end current creation. Switching only saves the selection and will not automatically start generation. Comparison, see [Quick Start](https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/en/quickstart.md).

> [accordion] What is the single-chapter usage limit
>
> The V2 single-chapter default limit is 100,000 Tokens, accumulating generation, checking, text repair, and material organization calls for that chapter, used to prevent single-chapter consumption from spiraling out of control. Reaching the limit will pause and preserve progress; you can add more quota to continue. See [AI Usage](https://ai-novel-writing-assistant.mintlify.site/en/features/token-usage.md) for details.

## Knowledge Base

> [accordion] Can I use it without configuring Qdrant
>
> Yes. Qdrant is only used for Knowledge Base vector retrieval; it is not a prerequisite for starting a book and writing Chapter 1. To first run through the main line, set `RAG_ENABLED=false` when running from source.

## Reporting Issues

When submitting to [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/ExplosiveCoderflome/AI-Novel-Writing-Assistant/issues), try to include:

* Application version (version number in the top bar) and system
* Operation entry point and steps
* Model provider and model name used
* Pause reason or original error text, screenshots
* Desktop version log package (saved in "Version & Updates")


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.