> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.scribeware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.scribeware.com/getting-started/scribeware-and-desktop-basics/understanding-chapters-and-sections.md). # Understanding Chapters and Sections {% embed url="" %} ## Understanding Chapters, Sections, and Data Fields ScribeWare reports are organized into three levels: * **Chapters** – The main categories in your report (Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, etc.). * **Sections** – Groups of related information within a chapter. * **Data Fields** – The individual fields where you enter inspection information. Understanding how these three components work together will help you customize templates and efficiently complete reports. ### Starting with a Blank Template You can create a report from a blank template if you want to build your own inspection template from scratch. A blank template starts with: * One blank chapter * One blank section From there, you can build your report however you'd like. ### Working with Chapters Chapters are the highest level of organization in a report. You can: * Rename a chapter * Copy a chapter * Delete a chapter * Reorder chapters by dragging and dropping them into a new position - use the pen at the top of the chapter toolbar on the left. For example, if you need another "Deck" chapter: 1. Open the chapter menu. 2. Select **Copy Chapter**. 3. Rename the new chapter. 4. Drag it into the desired position if necessary. ### Working with Sections Each chapter contains one or more sections. Like chapters, sections can be: * Renamed * Copied * Deleted * Reordered To reorder sections, simply drag them using the drag handle beside each section. You need to engage these using the pen at the top of the chapter bar on the left. #### Example If a property has multiple electrical subpanels: 1. Open the section menu for the existing **Sub Panel** section. 2. Select **Copy Section**. 3. Repeat as many times as needed. Each copied section can then be completed independently. ### Adding Data Fields Data fields are where inspection information is entered. To add a new data field: 1. Open the section menu (three dots). 2. Select **Add New**. 3. Enter a name for the field. 4. Choose the desired display type (such as checkboxes, text fields, or other options). 5. Save the field. Data fields can be customized in many ways, allowing each section to collect exactly the information you need. ### Reordering Content Almost everything in ScribeWare can be reordered. You can: * Drag chapters to change their order. Use the = * Drag sections within a chapter. * Rearrange items within a section using the drag handles. This makes it easy to organize your report exactly how you want it. ### Using Templates Efficiently Many templates include chapters or sections that won't apply to every inspection. For example, if a building does not have a crawl space, you have two options: #### Option 1: Leave the Chapter Blank If no data is entered into the Crawl Space chapter, it will not appear in the final report. #### Option 2: Document That It Doesn't Exist If you want to indicate that no crawl space was present, enter a comment such as **"None Found."** Only the information you enter will print. Empty fields remain hidden. ### Managing Required Fields Some templates use **required fields** to remind you to complete important inspection items. If an entire chapter or section does not apply: 1. Click the **green checkmark** for that chapter or section. 2. All required fields within that area will be cleared from your review list. For example, if there is no crawl space, marking the chapter complete removes those required items from your outstanding review count. ### Including Optional Sections Some sections are included in a template even though they're rarely used. Examples include: * Indoor Air Quality * Elevators These sections typically do not contain required fields because they only apply to certain inspections. When needed, simply enter information into the appropriate section. If left blank, the section will not appear in the finished report. ### Copying Chapters and Sections During an Inspection One of ScribeWare's most powerful features is the ability to duplicate content as needed. Common examples include: * Multiple water heaters * Multiple electrical panels * Multiple HVAC systems * Multiple decks or detached structures Instead of creating these items from scratch, simply copy the existing chapter or section and complete the new copy. ### Key Takeaways * Reports are organized into **Chapters**, **Sections**, and **Data Fields**. * Chapters and sections can be renamed, copied, deleted, and reordered. * Data fields are where inspection information is entered. * Empty chapters and sections do not print in the final report. * Required fields can be cleared for chapters or sections that do not apply. * Templates are designed to be flexible, allowing you to build one comprehensive template and use only the portions needed for each inspection. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. 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