✨ScribeWare and Desktop Basics

This video is a good place to get started. We create a new report and go through many of the most basic report writing actions.

The Home Page and Creating a New Report

ScribeWare overview of the finished report and back end

Creating a New Report

This guide explains the different ways to create a new report and introduces the basic layout of the report editor.

Creating a New Report

From the Home screen, you'll see your list of existing inspections along with several options for creating a new report.

Option 1: Create From Your Last Template

The Create Last Report button creates a new report using the same template you used most recently. If you primarily perform one type of inspection, this is usually the fastest option.

Option 2: Create From a Template

Select Create From Template to choose from any of your available templates, such as:

• Residential Inspection

• Sewer Scope

• Written Consultation

You can have as many templates as you like. For more information on template management, see the Templates video.

Option 3: Create From ISN, Keystone or Other Schedulers

If an inspection has been imported from ISN, Keystone, or another scheduling system, simply open the inspection and select the template you want to use for that job.

Option 4: Copy an Existing Report

You can also create a new report by copying an existing one.

1. Right-click an existing report.

2. Select Copy to New Template.

3. Choose the template you want.

This is especially useful when performing multiple inspection types for the same client. For example, after completing a home inspection, you can copy the report into a Sewer Scope template. The client's information is automatically carried over, eliminating duplicate data entry.

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Understanding the Report Editor

When a new report opens, ScribeWare loads all of the chapters and sections for your template.

Top Toolbar

The toolbar contains commonly used functions, including:

• Publish Report

• Template Management

• Settings

• Feedback

• Flagged Items

The Flagged Items counter shows required fields that still need to be completed before the report is finished.

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Report Organization

Reports are organized into three levels:

1. Chapters (Grounds, Roof, Exterior, etc.)

2. Sections within each chapter

3. Observations within each section

Every part of this structure can be customized. You can rename chapters, change their order, add or remove sections, and tailor the template to your workflow.

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Completing Required Fields

Many sections include descriptive dropdowns used to document the property's characteristics.

Required fields appear in red.

Each completed required field reduces the number shown in the Flagged Items counter, making it easy to track what still needs attention before publishing.

Every inspector can decide which fields are required. It's recommended that any information you want consistently included in every report be marked as required.

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Adding an Observation

To add a comment:

1. Open the appropriate section.

2. Click Add Observation.

3. Use the keyword search to find the desired comment.

For example, typing corrugated will display all comments related to corrugated storm drain piping.

Select the appropriate comment, then drag and drop your photos directly into the observation.

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Report Text vs. Inspector Notes

Each observation contains two types of information.

Report Fields (Bold)

The fields at the top are displayed in the final client report.

Inspector Notes (Italic)

The italicized fields below are for the inspector only. These notes never appear in the published report and serve as shortcuts to speed up report writing.

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Using Quick Checkboxes

Many comments include customizable checkboxes for common recommendations.

For example, if a drainage system needs servicing, simply check Recommend Cleaning and Servicing instead of typing the recommendation manually.

Inspectors can customize these checkboxes to match their own reporting style and common findings.

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Using Logic Trees

Many sections include expandable logic trees that organize related comments.

For example, selecting Catch Basins displays common observations such as:

• Clogged

• Keep Clear

• Missing Components

• Other related comments

Other categories, such as Rain Barrels, work the same way.

These logic trees provide quick access to related comments without requiring keyword searches.

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After learning these basics, you'll be ready to create reports, complete required fields, add observations, attach photos, and publish your inspection reports efficiently.