Troubleshooting
Find the problem below and try the fix. If it's still not right, report it from the app.
You can't get past the sign-in screen#
Nebula Writer needs a Google sign-in. Choose Continue with Google, finish signing in on the page that opens in your browser, and wait until it says you're signed in. Then switch back to the app. See Plans and sign-in.
A file is missing from the sidebar#
- Check that the right project is open. Its name is at the top of the sidebar.
- Clear the Filter files… box and expand the folders.
- Search for it with Find in Project (⌘⇧F or Ctrl+Shift+F).
- If you just deleted it, choose Undo in the notice. After 5 seconds the file goes to your system Trash, so look there.
- Make sure it's a type Nebula Writer opens. See File types and shortcuts.
The agent doesn't respond#
Look for a message in the agent pane:
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| "Your session has expired. Sign in again to continue." | Choose Sign in again. |
| "You've used all your AI requests this month." | You've used the Free plan's monthly AI allowance. Choose Upgrade to Pro, or wait for next month's allowance. |
| "You're sending requests too quickly. Please try again shortly." | Wait a moment, then send again. |
The agent needs an internet connection. If there's no message, try a small request against the open document:
Summarize the open document in three bullet points. Don't change it.
If that works, the first request was probably too broad. Split it into smaller steps.
The agent used the wrong file or changed too much#
- Choose Discard edit in the review bar.
- Start a fresh conversation with Start a new conversation at the top of the agent pane.
- Name the source with
@and say what not to touch.
Use only the Summary sheet in @forecast.xlsx. List the numbers you'll use before you edit anything.
Discard edit or Revert doesn't work#
If you edited the file after the agent did, Nebula Writer won't overwrite your newer work. You'll see "This file changed after the reviewed agent edit. Its review remains pending so newer work is not overwritten." Open History, compare the restore points and restore the one you want. See Review and undo.
You can't export to PDF#
- A Word, PowerPoint or Excel file can't be exported while an agent edit to it is waiting for review. Choose Keep edit or Discard edit, then export again.
- PowerPoint PDFs show text as images, and fonts or effects may look different from PowerPoint.
- Excel PDFs include visible worksheets only. Charts, drawings, print areas, scaling, headers and footers are left out.
- LaTeX export compiles the document, so fix any compile errors first.
A file changed in another app#
Word, PowerPoint and Excel files reload by themselves when they have no unsaved edits. If you have unsaved edits, Nebula Writer won't save over the newer file and shows "This file changed on disk. Reload it before saving your draft." Decide which version you want before you reload.
LaTeX won't compile#
Read the first error in the diagnostics, fix that one, and compile again. If the project needs packages the built-in engine can't provide, install TeX Live when the app offers it or from Settings → Files. Turn on Trusted executable build only for projects you trust, because it lets the project run programs on your computer. See LaTeX.
The agent can't check how slides look#
To render saved PowerPoint slides for a visual check, the agent needs LibreOffice. If you see "Headless LibreOffice is unavailable on this device", install LibreOffice and ask again.
Update the app#
Nebula Writer checks for updates a few seconds after it starts. When one is ready, choose Update Now, then Restart Now. To check yourself, choose Help → Check for Updates… or Settings → About → Check for Updates. Settings → About also shows your version.
Report a problem#
- Open Settings → About.
- Choose Copy System Info to copy details about your setup.
- Choose Report an Issue. It opens an email to admin@nebulawriter.com. Paste the system info into it.
Say what you did, what you expected and what happened, with the exact error text and the file type. Take personal or confidential details out of sample files and screenshots before you send them.