Editor Basics
The HandsOfAi editor combines a powerful word processor with AI capabilities designed for academic writing. This guide covers the essentials.
Interface Overview
Toolbar
The top toolbar includes:
- Formatting - Bold, italic, underline, etc.
- Headings - H1, H2, H3 structure
- Lists - Bullet and numbered
- Insert - Images, tables, citations
- AI - AI writing assistance
Document Area
The main writing area features:
- Clean, distraction-free design
- Real-time word count
- Auto-save indicator
- Collaboration cursors (when sharing)
Sidebar
Right sidebar shows:
- Document outline
- Comments
- Version history
- AI suggestions
Basic Formatting
Text Styles
| Style | Shortcut | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | Cmd/Ctrl + B | Emphasis |
| Italic | Cmd/Ctrl + I | Terms, titles |
| Underline | Cmd/Ctrl + U | Sparingly |
| Strikethrough | Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + X | Deletions |
Headings
Structure your document:
- H1 - Document title
- H2 - Major sections
- H3 - Subsections
- H4 - Minor divisions
Lists
- Bullet lists - Unordered items
- Numbered lists - Sequential steps
- Checklists - Task tracking
Inserting Elements
Images
- Click Insert → Image
- Upload, paste URL, or search stock
- Add caption and alt text
- Resize as needed
Tables
- Click Insert → Table
- Select dimensions
- Enter data
- Format cells
Citations
- Highlight text needing citation
- Click Insert → Citation
- Search for paper
- Select and insert
Equations
- Click Insert → Equation
- Use LaTeX syntax
- Preview renders automatically
Saving and Exporting
Auto-Save
Documents save automatically:
- Every 30 seconds
- On every significant change
- Before closing
Manual Save
Press Cmd/Ctrl + S to save immediately
Export Formats
- Word (.docx) - Full formatting
- PDF - Print-ready
- Markdown - Plain text with formatting
- LaTeX - For academic publishing
Keyboard Shortcuts
Essential
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Save | Cmd/Ctrl + S |
| Undo | Cmd/Ctrl + Z |
| Redo | Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + Z |
| Find | Cmd/Ctrl + F |
| Replace | Cmd/Ctrl + H |
Formatting
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Bold | Cmd/Ctrl + B |
| Italic | Cmd/Ctrl + I |
| Heading 1 | Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + 1 |
| Heading 2 | Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + 2 |
| Bullet List | Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + 8 |
AI Features
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| AI Menu | Cmd/Ctrl + / |
| Improve | Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + I |
| Cite | Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + C |
Start writing: Open Editor →