I paid for a full version, why does it say "Trial Version" after I install it?
Your full version is an unlocked trial version. When you open an un-registered version, you should get an initial popup box where you can enter your Registration Key. After that registration, you shouldn't get the trial popup any more.

How do I switch between Character and Story modes?
To switch modes between Character mode and Story mode, click the green "Switch to..." button on the toolbar. Clicking that button will switch you back and forth between Character and Story modes of the program.

I'm trying to install on Mac and get the error: "Damaged and can't be opened."

Character Writer is registered with Apple and you shouldn't have any issues installing and using the program on a Mac. However, there is a chance you may see an error silmilar to above that there is a problem with programs that don't come from the App Store and prevent them from working properly.

This is easily remedied by going to Apple > System Preferences > Security & Privacy:

Mac Screenshot

Switch the default "Mac App Store and identified developers" to "Anywhere." You will then be able to complete installation properly. This will allow you to be in control of what applications you would like to install on your Mac.

If you don't see above option on your Mac:
1)  In the Finder, locate the Character Writer app.
     Don’t use Launchpad to do this. Launchpad doesn’t allow you to access the shortcut menu.
2)  Control-click the app icon, then choose "Open" from the shortcut menu. The app is saved as an exception to your security settings, and you can open it in the future by double-clicking it just as you can any registered app.

How do I add characters?
Select a character in the upper left box where the character names appear. Either right-click the character and select "Add Character" or select "Add Character" on the Character menu. You can add as many characters as you need.

How do I change the names of my characters?
The default name when you first create a character is "Character Name." To change that name, go to the Basic Information tab in the Basics section. When you type a name into the First Name and Last Name boxes, the character name will change in the character list.

When I save my file and reopen, the document seems to be blank!
Make sure when you open a saved file that you click on one of your characters to see the data for that character. When a file opens, by default the "Story Title" node on the tree on the left is selected which often has no data associated with it. So the document appears blank but actually contains your saved data. You'll see the data when you click on a character name.

If you're still experiencing issues, please send us a note via our support page. Thank you.