💡 Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about TweePorter.ca

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🚀 Getting Started

Q: What is TweePorter.ca?
TweePorter.ca is a web-based compiler that converts interactive stories written in Twee format into pure HTML/CSS files. These files can be embedded on any website platform, including those that block JavaScript like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace.
Q: How is TweePorter different from Twine?
While Twine creates interactive stories that require JavaScript to run, TweePorter compiles stories into pure HTML/CSS that works everywhere—even on restrictive platforms like WordPress.com, Wix, and Squarespace that block JavaScript. TweePorter is specifically designed for website embedding, while Twine is better for standalone story files.
Q: Do I need to know how to code?
No! TweePorter uses simple Twee syntax that's easy to learn. You can write stories using basic formatting like **bold** and [[links]]. We also provide AI-assisted prompt templates and a visual story planner to help you get started.
Q: What is Twee format?
Twee is a simple text format for writing interactive stories. It uses :: PassageName to create story sections and [[Link Text|Destination]] to create clickable links between passages. TweePorter supports SugarCube-style Twee syntax.
Q: How do I create my first story?
Simple 4-step process:
  • Step 1: Write your story in Twee format (or use our AI prompt helper)
  • Step 2: Customize colors and layout options
  • Step 3: Click "Compile Story" to generate HTML
  • Step 4: Choose your export format and embed on your website
Q: Can I use AI to help write my stories?
Yes! We provide an AI Suggested Prompt template specifically designed for generating Twee stories with ChatGPT, Claude, or other AI assistants. The prompt helps AI understand SugarCube syntax and create properly formatted interactive stories.

🌐 Platform Support

Q: Which website platforms are supported?
TweePorter works on virtually any platform that accepts HTML, including:
  • WordPress (WordPress.com and self-hosted)
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • Shopify
  • Webflow
  • Notion (with embed blocks)
  • Ghost
  • Any static HTML website
Q: How do I add a story to WordPress?
For WordPress, use the "WordPress Custom HTML Block" export format:
  • Compile your story in TweePorter
  • Click "WordPress Custom HTML Block" to download
  • In WordPress, add a "Custom HTML" block
  • Open the downloaded file and copy the entire content
  • Paste into the Custom HTML block
  • Save and publish!
Q: How do I add a story to Wix?
For Wix, use the "Universal Raw HTML Snippet" or "Responsive iFrame Template":
  • Compile and download your story
  • Upload the HTML file to Wix's Media Manager
  • Add an "Embed Code" element to your page
  • Use an iframe pointing to the uploaded file URL
Q: Does it work on Squarespace?
Yes! Squarespace supports HTML embedding through Code Blocks. Use the "Universal Raw HTML Snippet" export, then add a Code Block to your Squarespace page and paste the content.
Q: Why doesn't regular Twine work on these platforms?
Many website platforms (especially WordPress.com, Wix, and Squarespace) block JavaScript for security reasons. Twine stories rely heavily on JavaScript to function. TweePorter solves this by compiling stories into pure HTML/CSS that doesn't require JavaScript.

⚙️ Technical Questions

Q: What export formats are available?
TweePorter offers 8 different export formats:
  • Full HTML Page - Standalone story file
  • WordPress Custom HTML Block - Direct paste into WordPress
  • WordPress CMS Pack (ZIP) - Separate HTML/CSS files with README
  • Universal Raw HTML Snippet - Generic CMS-compatible code
  • Standalone HTML + CSS Files - Separate files for flexibility
  • Minified Single-File HTML - Compressed version for faster loading
  • Responsive iFrame Template - Embed code with instructions
  • Email-Safe Static Preview - First passage only for email campaigns
Q: What layout options are available?
TweePorter supports multiple layout styles:
  • Classic/Standard - Traditional centered story text with links below
  • Left/Right Columns - Story text in center (60%) with navigational links in side columns (20% each)
  • Mind Map - Visual breadcrumb navigation showing story path
Q: Can I customize the appearance?
Yes! You can customize:
  • Text colors (bold, italic, headings)
  • Link colors and hover effects
  • Background colors for text and frame
  • Layout type (Classic, Left/Right, Mind Map)
  • Typography and formatting styles
Q: What Twee/Twine syntax is supported?
TweePorter supports SugarCube syntax:
  • Passages: :: PassageName
  • Links (pipe): [[Display Text|Destination]]
  • Links (arrow): [[Display Text->Destination]]
  • Simple links: [[Destination]]
  • Bold: **text**
  • Italic: *text* or _text_
  • Headings: !Title or # Title
  • Strikethrough: ~~text~~
We also maintain backward compatibility with Twine 1 arrow syntax.
Q: Are there file size limits?
TweePorter itself has no file size limits. However, your target platform may have upload restrictions (WordPress typically limits file uploads to 2-10MB depending on your hosting). The minified export option can help reduce file sizes by up to 30%.
Q: Is my story data saved?
Your story is saved in your browser's local storage, so you can close the tab and come back later. However, we recommend downloading your Twee source code regularly as a backup. Clearing browser data will erase local saves.

💰 Pricing & Features

Q: How much does TweePorter cost?
TweePorter is currently completely free with no account required. All features including the compiler, visual editor, and all export formats are available at no cost.
Q: Do I need to create an account?
No account is required! You can use TweePorter immediately without signing up. All features work directly in your browser.
Q: Can I use TweePorter for commercial projects?
Yes! You can use TweePorter to create interactive stories for any purpose, including commercial websites, educational content, marketing campaigns, and business presentations.
Q: Are there any usage limits?
Currently, there are no limits on the number of stories you can create or compile. You can generate as many exports as you need.
Q: What visual tools are available?
TweePorter includes two visual tools:
  • Visual Story Planner: AI-powered chapter planning with branching story structure visualization
  • Visual Editor (Beta): Node-based graph editor for creating and editing story passages
Both tools export to Twee format compatible with the compiler.

🔧 Troubleshooting

Q: My links aren't working after embedding. What's wrong?
This usually means the HTML wasn't pasted correctly. Make sure you:
  • Used the correct export format for your platform (WordPress Custom HTML Block for WordPress, etc.)
  • Copied the entire content from the downloaded file
  • Pasted into a Custom HTML or Code Block (not a regular text block)
  • Didn't modify the code after pasting
Q: The styling looks broken on my website. Help!
CSS conflicts with your website theme can cause styling issues. Try:
  • Use the WordPress Custom HTML Block format which has scoped CSS
  • Use the iFrame Template to completely isolate the story from your site's styles
  • Contact us with a screenshot and we can help troubleshoot specific issues
Q: My story won't compile. What should I check?
Common compilation issues:
  • Make sure you have at least one passage starting with :: Start
  • Check that all link destinations match actual passage names (case-sensitive)
  • Verify link syntax: [[Text|Passage]] not [[Text | Passage]] (no spaces around pipe)
  • Make sure passage names don't contain special characters like | or ]]
Q: The Left/Right layout isn't distributing links correctly.
The Left/Right layout automatically splits unmarked links (first half left, second half right). For manual control, add markers:
  • [[Link Text {{{left}}}|Destination]] - Forces link to left column
  • [[Link Text {{{right}}}|Destination]] - Forces link to right column
Q: My story looks different on mobile devices.
All TweePorter exports are mobile-responsive by default. If you're experiencing issues, make sure your website platform isn't adding conflicting mobile styles. The iFrame Template export works best for mobile compatibility.
Q: Where can I get help if I'm stuck?
We're here to help! You can:
  • Check our example stories on the homepage for inspiration
  • Review the Quick Guide in the compiler for syntax reference
  • Contact us through the website with specific questions

🎓 Advanced Usage

Q: Can I import existing Twine stories?
Yes! If your Twine story uses SugarCube format, you can export it as a .twee file from Twine, then paste the code into TweePorter. Note that advanced JavaScript features from Twine won't work in TweePorter's HTML/CSS output.
Q: Can I use images in my stories?
Currently, TweePorter focuses on text-based interactive fiction. Image support is planned for a future update. For now, you can include image URLs in your story text as regular links.
Q: How do I create branching stories with multiple endings?
Simply create passages for each branch and ending:
  • Create a passage for each decision point
  • Add links to different paths based on choices
  • Create separate ending passages with no outgoing links
  • Use descriptive passage names to keep track of story branches
The Visual Story Planner is perfect for planning complex branching narratives.
Q: Can I track user choices or save progress?
Currently, TweePorter creates stateless interactive stories without save functionality. Each time a reader refreshes the page, they start from the beginning. This is a limitation of the pure HTML/CSS approach needed for platform compatibility.
Q: What's the best way to test my story before publishing?
  • Use the live preview in TweePorter to test all story paths
  • Download the Full HTML Page and open it locally in your browser
  • Check all links to ensure they lead to correct destinations
  • Test on mobile devices to verify responsive design
  • Have someone else play through your story to find issues you might miss
Q: Can I embed multiple stories on the same page?
Yes, but it's best to use the iFrame Template export for each story to prevent CSS conflicts. The WordPress Custom HTML Block format also has scoped styles that should work for multiple stories on one page.