Convert SCRIVX to SCRIV

Understanding the scrivx and scriv file formats

Scrivx files are XML-based project files used by Scrivener, a popular writing software. The .scrivx file acts as the main project index, referencing all documents, folders, and metadata within a Scrivener project. However, it does not contain the actual content files; these are stored in subfolders within the project directory.

Scriv files, or more accurately, .scriv folders, are the complete Scrivener project packages. On macOS, a .scriv project appears as a single file but is actually a folder containing the .scrivx file, document files, settings, and other resources. On Windows, the .scriv folder is visible as a standard directory.

How to convert scrivx to scriv

Since a .scrivx file is only a part of a full .scriv project, conversion involves reconstructing the project folder structure. This is not a typical file conversion but rather a restoration or reassembly process.

1. Create a new folder and name it with the desired project name, ending with .scriv.
2. Place the .scrivx file inside this folder.
3. If you have the Files and Settings subfolders (from a backup or previous project), copy them into the same folder.
4. Open the folder in Scrivener by selecting File → Open and navigating to the .scrivx file inside the .scriv folder.

If you only have the .scrivx file and none of the content subfolders, you will only be able to recover the project structure and metadata, not the actual documents.

Best software for scrivx to scriv conversion

The best and only reliable software for this process is Scrivener itself, available for both Windows and macOS. Scrivener can open a .scrivx file within a properly structured .scriv folder and reconstruct the project as much as possible.

There are no third-party converters for this process, as it is specific to Scrivener's project management system.

Summary

To convert a .scrivx file to a .scriv project, you must place the .scrivx file (and any available subfolders) into a folder named with the .scriv extension, then open it with Scrivener. This process restores the project structure for further editing and management.