FAQ & Troubleshooting

You do not need to install anything, unzip a folder, run a local server, or open files on your computer.

Each tool runs through a Darkling Netlify link. The link for each tool is provided directly inside the classroom lesson or resource where that tool is assigned.

1. Go to the classroom module for the tool you want to use.
2. Click the tool link provided in that lesson.
3. The tool opens in your browser and is ready to use.

If a tool link is not opening, check that you are signed into the correct classroom account and that you are using the current link from the lesson.

Yes. The tools run through browser links, so you can open them on a phone or tablet. However, anything involving manuscript uploads, long copy generation, image exports, or large PDFs is usually faster and easier on a desktop or laptop.

Your files are not uploaded to a Darkling file-storage system. The tools run in your browser through secure Netlify links, and file reading happens inside the active browser session.

When a tool uses an AI model, your prompt, pasted text, uploaded manuscript text, and API key are sent directly to the selected AI provider through secure HTTPS requests. Darkling does not store your manuscript on a Darkling-owned database.

Most settings, saved project data, and keys are stored in your browser using localStorage. This means they stay attached to the browser and device where you entered them.

If you switch devices, clear browser storage, use private browsing, or open the tool in a different browser, you may need to enter your settings again.

This is the most common setup issue. Please verify the following:

• Billing Status: For Google AI Studio, OpenAI Console, or Anthropic Console, you must set up a developer account and prepay credits (often a minimum of $5). Having a paid consumer subscription (like ChatGPT Plus or Claude Pro) is separate and does not fund developer API access.
• Trailing Spaces: Ensure no extra spaces or line breaks were pasted along with the key string.
• Active Key: Check your provider's dashboard to confirm the key is active and has not been deleted or restricted.

A 429 Too Many Requests error indicates that you have exceeded the provider's request volume limits. This can occur if you try to submit a massive chapter audit too quickly. To resolve:

• Wait 60 seconds and attempt the run again.
• Check if your billing tier is set to the default "Free" plan, which has very tight request limit caps. Upgrading to the pay-as-you-go tier (Tier 1) dramatically increases limits.
• Switch the active model selection dropdown (e.g., using Gemini for bulk context and Claude for final editing).

Depending on the specific application:

• Text / Outlines / Captions: Exported as clean Markdown (.md) or plain text (.txt) files.
• Brand Sheets / PDF Layouts: Rendered directly inside the tool and downloadable as print-ready PDF files.
• Carousels / Social Media Graphics: Generated inside HTML Canvas elements and downloadable as high-resolution PNG image bundles.

Usually, no. Many tools save active project data, checklist progress, and configuration settings to your browser storage as you work.

For important outputs, always download or copy the finished result before closing the tab. Browser storage is convenient, but exported files are safer.