Reference
Quick lookup for supported files, exports, shortcuts, and product boundaries.
File support#
| Format | Open | Edit | Agent context | Native PDF export |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Markdown (.md) | Yes | Yes, Live Preview | Yes | Yes |
Text (.txt) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
LaTeX (.tex) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, after compile |
Word (.docx) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
PowerPoint (.pptx) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Excel (.xlsx) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Legacy Excel (.xls) | Yes | Yes; save as .xlsx | Yes | No |
| CSV / tabular data | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
PDF (.pdf) | Yes | Read-only | Yes, when attached or read | Not applicable |
PDFs are reference documents in Nebula Writer. The viewer does not edit PDFs in place or provide a general PDF conversion action.
Legacy .xls files can be opened and edited, but Nebula Writer cannot overwrite the original .xls file. Use Save As to create an .xlsx workbook.
Editor behavior#
- Markdown uses one in-place Live Preview surface, not a source/preview split.
- LaTeX provides Edit, Split, and Preview modes with compilation and diagnostics.
- DOCX uses a paginated WYSIWYG editor.
- Spreadsheets provide a grid, formula bar, sheets, charts, and structural warnings.
- PPTX provides slide thumbnails, canvas editing, notes, object controls, and audits.
Comments and tracked revisions in DOCX are not presented as a complete Microsoft Word Review-sidebar replacement.
General shortcuts#
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P | Open command palette |
Cmd/Ctrl + K | Open command palette when focus is outside the code editor |
Cmd/Ctrl + / | Show keyboard shortcuts |
Cmd/Ctrl + , | Open Settings |
Cmd/Ctrl + N | New document |
Cmd/Ctrl + S | Save document |
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + S | Save as |
Cmd/Ctrl + W | Close document |
Cmd/Ctrl + B | Toggle project sidebar |
Cmd/Ctrl + L | Toggle Nebula Agent |
Cmd/Ctrl + \ | Toggle assistant panel |
Cmd/Ctrl + F | Find in document |
Cmd/Ctrl + H | Find and replace |
The searchable Settings → Shortcuts page is the current source of truth. An editor can claim a shortcut while its native editing surface has focus.
LaTeX views#
Use the controls above the document to click Edit, Split, or Preview. Edit gives the source maximum space, Split places source beside the compiled PDF, and Preview focuses on the rendered document.
Trusted shell escape is off by default and should remain off for unfamiliar projects. It permits TeX to run external commands and requires the TeX Live workflow.
Agent shortcuts#
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Cmd/Ctrl + L | Toggle or focus agent |
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + H | Open agent action history |
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Z | Undo agent action |
Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Y | Redo agent action |
Agent action history and document version history are separate. Saved versions are supported for Markdown, LaTeX, DOCX, PPTX, and spreadsheet files.
Settings sections#
Settings includes Appearance, Editor, AI, Files, Shortcuts, Account, About, and Help. Planning is configured in AI settings. Nebula Writer uses managed models and does not currently expose personal provider API-key settings.
Collaboration access#
Shared folders use owner, editor, and viewer roles. Pro is required to create, edit, share, or manage cloud folders. Free users can accept invites and view shared folders; an editor invite remains read-only for a free user.
Important limits#
- Model availability and usage depend on the current account; check the in-app picker and Account settings.
- PPTX and spreadsheet PDF export are not built in.
- CSV exports one flat table and cannot preserve workbook features.
- Complex Office features may need final verification in Microsoft Office.
- Full TeX Live is an optional, large installation and can take substantial time.
- Shared project files synchronize to the cloud and require deliberate access control.