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Why is Everything so Slow?
Why is Everything so Slow?

Lag in your Writer's Desk can be frustrating! These tips will help.

Sean avatar
Written by Sean
Updated over 8 months ago

If you’re experiencing slow response times or performance issues while working in AutoCrit, try the following tips to get back to writing at top speed!

1. Deactivate Spelling and Grammar Browser extensions.

Some browser extensions, particularly those that check spelling and grammar, can consume significant resources, especially when working with large manuscripts (e.g., over 60,000 words). These extensions may cause delays as they scan and underline text. Try deactivating these extensions to see if performance improves. Follow these instructions to deactivate your Grammarly browser extension: Deactivating my Grammarly browser extension.

2. Use an Incognito/Private Browser Window

Browsers store data to speed up your browsing experience, but this data can sometimes interfere with updates to websites, causing performance issues. If you’re encountering errors, missing functions, or difficulty opening files, try accessing AutoCrit through a Private or Incognito window. This type of window bypasses the browser's cache and loads the latest version of the site. Note that you will need to log into AutoCrit each time you use it in this mode.

3. Switch to a Different Browser

If you’re experiencing issues with your current browser, switching to a different one might help. AutoCrit is compatible with all major browsers, but sometimes updates to browser software can introduce unexpected issues or lag.

4. Clear Your Browser's Cache

Clearing your browser’s cache regularly is a good practice when working with web apps. This ensures you’re accessing the latest version of AutoCrit and any updates that have been rolled out. Try clearing your browser’s cache to see if it improves program functionality.

5. Separate Your Manuscript into Chapter Files

Browsers generally perform well with text up to 150,000 to 250,000 words. If your manuscript is longer, consider splitting it into separate chapter files to maintain optimal performance. AutoCrit offers a feature that allows you to do this quickly, provided your chapters are identified in the program. Follow these instructions to save your manuscript as separate chapter files. If you need to combine the files again, this article will guide you through the process so you can use features like the Fiction or Non-Fiction Analyzers.

If you need further assistance, please reach out to us at [email protected] or via chat. We're here to help.

Happy Writing!

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