CATUG wiki - User contributions [en]

Bible reading plans on iOS

2013-01-03T10:28:38Z

Krakowian: /* The Finalists */

:''This article is a condensed version of [[Jon Glass]]' search for an app to help us '''track our own Bible reading.''' The original ''[http://macsnmin.catug.org/2011/12/ three-part article]'' can be found on our blog.

[[file:Iphone-bible-2.jpg|thumb|300px]]
For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year is an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.

I managed to read through the entire Bible for the first time in a dozen years when I discovered an app to set up reminders and track progress on my Palm handheld, and subsequently I've only succeeded in the years when I used an app. Since getting an iPhone in 2009, I've paid close attention to Bible reading apps on iOS. Sadly, many Bible apps have tacked on this feature with little thought as to how to make daily reading truly useful. At the end of 2010, I did a [http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=134957259899114 review on FaceBook] of the then-current crop of [[Bible software for iOS|iPhone Bible apps]] that could be used for daily reading. I’m updating that review to take into account of improvements, and to introduce a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
For those who may be skeptical, here's why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to daily Bible reading:

# My phone is '''always with me''', wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
# Using good software, you can '''keep track''' of what you have read.
# You can set '''reminder alarms''' for yourself, even if your preferred Bible app doesn’t provide that facility.
# '''Backlit display!''' You can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in a car at night, etc.)

=What to look for in a Bible reader=
My goal in this article is to compare eight Bible apps, and a separate app dedicated to reading plans, according to how they meet the following requirements.

# '''Flexibility:''' multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps include plans for reading the Bible over multiple years, or just portions of the Bible. A good Bible reading app will allow you flexibility on days when you aren't able to finish the daily reading, or days when you want to read more.
# '''Progress tracking:''' This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, or build up progress reports. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, you can pick up from there.
# '''Note taking and other annotations:''' when you are reading, you don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note regarding a question, observation or cross-reference allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
# '''Usability:''' This aspect covers how easy it is to use the above features. (Disclaimer: my assessment is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience.)

=The Runners-Up=
[[File:Logos.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Logos]]]] [[File:Accordance.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Accordance]]]]

The runner-up apps do not meet all of the criteria. Some don’t have all the features; for others, the implementation is lacking in usability. I will also introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.

The first four apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance).

==Logos and Accordance==

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial desktop apps. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. [[Logos]] is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and [[Accordance]] is Macintosh-only. I shan’t discuss the strengths of the desktop applications here. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer.

The Logos app limits what version you can read to the ESV, but does offer a rudimentary system for checking off what you’ve read. The daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. Logos has the ability to mark favorites, but no note-taking capability. Note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection to use it as intended.

Accordance does not track your reading, so you would have to keep track yourself. It only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot, reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words.

:'''''2012 update:''' for further options on Accordance, see note on [[#Enscriptured|Enscriptured]] at end of this page.

==PocketSword==
[[File:PocketSword.jpg|thumb|200px|PocketSword]]

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the [[Eloquent|Sword Project]], and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). The options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of 2011, it lacks any sort of note-taking or progress-tracking ability.

==Blue Letter Bible==
[[File:BLB.jpg|thumb|200px|Blue Letter Bible–day view]]

BlueLetterBible is actually a [http://www.blueletterbible.org web resource] that contains a rich set of options and capabilities, of which its iOS app offers only a subset. Ironically, the [http://www.blueletterbible.org/ web version] of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app there are only six, and no way to log in to your BLB account or add more reading plans. Despite that, it offers all the features that a full-featured Bible app offers: annotations, including notes, verse highlighting and chapter bookmarking. However, the way it implements daily reading hampers its usability to the point that, in my opinion, puts it in the second tier.

The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then on the “Daily Bible Reading” button below. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading: tapping the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen; there is no way to cancel. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them, and what you should do next isn’t clear either.

BLB also has one more, unique feature. Under Preferences, there is a screen, where you can backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a local web server, accessed like any web site in your computer's web browser. On the Macintosh, Safari makes this feature very accessible. First turn on web serving in BLB, then in Safari on your Mac, click the “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, and find your iPhone, from which you can download and upload backup files. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, you could easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike some other apps. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible back-ups. As it is, it is on par with the rest, although I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan==
[[File:ReadingPlan-overview.jpg|thumb|200px|ReadingPlan Overview view]]

This app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function: creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It has the ability to open various web-based Bible resources from a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)

Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a distant third. ReadingPlan allows you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While there is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, you can keep them all synced together. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.

As for tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a night-time setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app.

=The Finalists=
[[File:Laridian-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view]] [[File:Laridian-prefs.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian PocketBible reading plan preferences]]

Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress, and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes. All of these apps save your data via an online service. With the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version (and is working on a Windows version), so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well.

==Laridian PocketBible==

This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. I count seven free plans covering a broad variety of options, and the store has a whole category of devotionals from around $8 to $15. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the “Today” icon. Once you have selected a plan, tapping this icon opens the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon again, you can change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your progress. To mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button, then tap on days to toggle their read status. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you have to return to this menu to mark it off.

When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on “Go To” allows you to navigate to the first unread, today’s, previous unread, previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful, but a little complex, and I do find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. Still, it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms such as Windows, it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface.

Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing.

==Mantis Bible Study==
[[File:Mantis.jpg|thumb|200px|Daily reading view for Mantis]]

Honestly, this app was probably the most complex to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has eight integrated Bible reading plans. It tracks your progress with check marks, accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a check box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Unfortunately, Mantis has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade it, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules on one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and i hope they do.

==YouVersion==
[[File:YouVersion-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|YouVersion daily reading view]]

If all you are interested in is daily Bible reading, this app is probably absolutely the best option. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans (38), to partial Bible plans (56), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24). There are plans lasting from a few days to multiple years. Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (all the main smartphones are supported), online notes, and more; as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–-with one caveat: everything is stored in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out (they are attempting to fix this). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially as the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worth serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion automatically keeps track of the chapters you have read. When you have read the last chapter for the day, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. You access notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse (or multiple verses), and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day. Together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Study App==
[[File:OliveTree.jpg|thumb|200px|OliveTree daily reading view]]

(Note: In 2012, OliveTree changed the name of this app from Bible Reader to Bible Study App. You can read the announcement here: [http://blog.olivetree.com/2012/10/08/the-bible-study-app/ OliveTree Blog Announcement])

While this is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (e.g. in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button to tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is automatically checked off as read. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with own servers, so your notes are always available to you within the Bible Study app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with the recent release of their Macintosh Bible Study app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your OliveTree-purchased modules.

OliveTree has also incorporated tags into their system. Tagging is more flexible than highlighting a verse, which works in only one color, or categorizing a note into only one category. Tags can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries etc. You can apply multiple tags to a verse, passage or even a word. You can tag your own note on a passage with the same tag, such as “Promises”, and then tag a description in a commentary. Then, you can view all of the items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for by specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee.

OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item, and then on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to do so here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, tap “View List of Days” on the Daily Reading screen to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. Also on the Daily Reading screen is an overview of your progress. It is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it offers a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

=Conclusion=
So, which do I recommend?

Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible app, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.

Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use.
[[File:OliveTree-Finished!.jpg|thumb|300px|Finished!!!]]
Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

=Credits=
Contributed by [[Jon Glass]], December 27–29, 2011 on the CATUG blog, [http://macsnmin.catug.org/ Of Macs -n- Min], and condensed by Neville Reid.

Enscriptured (see below) was recommended by David Voth in 2012.

=See also=
*[[Bible software for iOS]], a general review not centred on reading plans

=External links=
*[http://www.logos.com/mobile Logos]
*[http://www.accordancebible.com/Accordance/iOS Accordance for iOS]
*[http://crosswire.org/pocketsword/PocketSword/PocketSword/PocketSword.html PocketSword]
*[http://www.blueletterbible.org/iphone/ Blue Letter Bible]
*[http://pricejh.com/readingplan/ ReadingPlan]
*[http://www.laridian.com/iphone/ Laridian PocketBible]
*[http://mantisbible.com/ Mantis Bible]
*[http://www.youversion.com/mobile/iphone YouVersion]
*[http://www.olivetree.com/iphone/ OliveTree Bible Study App]

==Alternatives not tested above==
* '''[http://truthproclaimed.com/category/apps/bible-bookmarks/ Bible Bookmarks]''' by Truth Proclaimed; this does the [http://www.wbfva.org/files/professor_grant_horners_bible_reading_system.pdf Grant Horner reading system], which takes you through ten lists of books by genre. As of 2012 it has two new alternatives: the McCheyne plan and a chronological sequence. It is day-based (Day 1, Day 2…) rather than calendar-based.
*{{anchor|Enscriptured}} '''[http://www.enscriptured.com Enscriptured]''' by Chris Roberts allows you to tailor-make your own reading plan. This can be saved, printed or imported into Accordance as a User Tool, as explained [http://www.accordancebible.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8733 here]. From the Mac, the user tool can then be synced to an iOS copy of Accordance.
*'''[http://freegroups.net/groups/emaildevotionals/ emaildevotionals]''' offers twice-daily devotional emails from CATUG member Don Ruhl, taking you through the Bible each year.

[[Category:Bible Software|IOS Bible Reading Plans]]

Bible reading plans on iOS

2013-01-01T13:34:45Z

Krakowian: /* The Finalists */

:''This article is a condensed version of [[Jon Glass]]' search for an app to help us '''track our own Bible reading.''' The original ''[http://macsnmin.catug.org/2011/12/ three-part article]'' can be found on our blog.

[[file:Iphone-bible-2.jpg|thumb|300px]]
For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year is an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.

I managed to read through the entire Bible for the first time in a dozen years when I discovered an app to set up reminders and track progress on my Palm handheld, and subsequently I've only succeeded in the years when I used an app. Since getting an iPhone in 2009, I've paid close attention to Bible reading apps on iOS. Sadly, many Bible apps have tacked on this feature with little thought as to how to make daily reading truly useful. At the end of 2010, I did a [http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=134957259899114 review on FaceBook] of the then-current crop of [[Bible software for iOS|iPhone Bible apps]] that could be used for daily reading. I’m updating that review to take into account of improvements, and to introduce a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
For those who may be skeptical, here's why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to daily Bible reading:

# My phone is '''always with me''', wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
# Using good software, you can '''keep track''' of what you have read.
# You can set '''reminder alarms''' for yourself, even if your preferred Bible app doesn’t provide that facility.
# '''Backlit display!''' You can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in a car at night, etc.)

=What to look for in a Bible reader=
My goal in this article is to compare eight Bible apps, and a separate app dedicated to reading plans, according to how they meet the following requirements.

# '''Flexibility:''' multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps include plans for reading the Bible over multiple years, or just portions of the Bible. A good Bible reading app will allow you flexibility on days when you aren't able to finish the daily reading, or days when you want to read more.
# '''Progress tracking:''' This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, or build up progress reports. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, you can pick up from there.
# '''Note taking and other annotations:''' when you are reading, you don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note regarding a question, observation or cross-reference allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
# '''Usability:''' This aspect covers how easy it is to use the above features. (Disclaimer: my assessment is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience.)

=The Runners-Up=
[[File:Logos.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Logos]]]] [[File:Accordance.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Accordance]]]]

The runner-up apps do not meet all of the criteria. Some don’t have all the features; for others, the implementation is lacking in usability. I will also introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.

The first four apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance).

==Logos and Accordance==

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial desktop apps. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. [[Logos]] is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and [[Accordance]] is Macintosh-only. I shan’t discuss the strengths of the desktop applications here. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer.

The Logos app limits what version you can read to the ESV, but does offer a rudimentary system for checking off what you’ve read. The daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. Logos has the ability to mark favorites, but no note-taking capability. Note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection to use it as intended.

Accordance does not track your reading, so you would have to keep track yourself. It only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot, reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words.

:'''''2012 update:''' for further options on Accordance, see note on [[#Enscriptured|Enscriptured]] at end of this page.

==PocketSword==
[[File:PocketSword.jpg|thumb|200px|PocketSword]]

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the [[Eloquent|Sword Project]], and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). The options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of 2011, it lacks any sort of note-taking or progress-tracking ability.

==Blue Letter Bible==
[[File:BLB.jpg|thumb|200px|Blue Letter Bible–day view]]

BlueLetterBible is actually a [http://www.blueletterbible.org web resource] that contains a rich set of options and capabilities, of which its iOS app offers only a subset. Ironically, the [http://www.blueletterbible.org/ web version] of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app there are only six, and no way to log in to your BLB account or add more reading plans. Despite that, it offers all the features that a full-featured Bible app offers: annotations, including notes, verse highlighting and chapter bookmarking. However, the way it implements daily reading hampers its usability to the point that, in my opinion, puts it in the second tier.

The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then on the “Daily Bible Reading” button below. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading: tapping the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen; there is no way to cancel. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them, and what you should do next isn’t clear either.

BLB also has one more, unique feature. Under Preferences, there is a screen, where you can backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a local web server, accessed like any web site in your computer's web browser. On the Macintosh, Safari makes this feature very accessible. First turn on web serving in BLB, then in Safari on your Mac, click the “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, and find your iPhone, from which you can download and upload backup files. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, you could easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike some other apps. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible back-ups. As it is, it is on par with the rest, although I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan==
[[File:ReadingPlan-overview.jpg|thumb|200px|ReadingPlan Overview view]]

This app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function: creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It has the ability to open various web-based Bible resources from a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)

Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a distant third. ReadingPlan allows you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While there is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, you can keep them all synced together. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.

As for tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a night-time setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app.

=The Finalists=
[[File:Laridian-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view]] [[File:Laridian-prefs.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian PocketBible reading plan preferences]]

Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress, and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes. All of these apps save your data via an online service. With the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version (and is working on a Windows version), so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well.

==Laridian PocketBible==

This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. I count seven free plans covering a broad variety of options, and the store has a whole category of devotionals from around $8 to $15. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the “Today” icon. Once you have selected a plan, tapping this icon opens the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon again, you can change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your progress. To mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button, then tap on days to toggle their read status. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you have to return to this menu to mark it off.

When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on “Go To” allows you to navigate to the first unread, today’s, previous unread, previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful, but a little complex, and I do find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. Still, it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms such as Windows, it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface.

Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing.

==Mantis Bible Study==
[[File:Mantis.jpg|thumb|200px|Daily reading view for Mantis]]

Honestly, this app was probably the most complex to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has eight integrated Bible reading plans. It tracks your progress with check marks, accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a check box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Unfortunately, Mantis has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade it, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules on one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and i hope they do.

==YouVersion==
[[File:YouVersion-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|YouVersion daily reading view]]

If all you are interested in is daily Bible reading, this app is probably absolutely the best option. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans (38), to partial Bible plans (56), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24). There are plans lasting from a few days to multiple years. Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (all the main smartphones are supported), online notes, and more; as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–-with one caveat: everything is stored in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out (they are attempting to fix this). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially as the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worth serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion automatically keeps track of the chapters you have read. When you have read the last chapter for the day, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. You access notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse (or multiple verses), and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day. Together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Study App==
[[File:OliveTree.jpg|thumb|200px|OliveTree daily reading view]]

(Note: In 2012, OliveTree changed the name of this app from Bible Reader to Bible Study App)

While this is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (e.g. in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button to tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is automatically checked off as read. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with own servers, so your notes are always available to you within the Bible Study app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with the recent release of their Macintosh Bible Study app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your OliveTree-purchased modules.

OliveTree has also incorporated tags into their system. Tagging is more flexible than highlighting a verse, which works in only one color, or categorizing a note into only one category. Tags can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries etc. You can apply multiple tags to a verse, passage or even a word. You can tag your own note on a passage with the same tag, such as “Promises”, and then tag a description in a commentary. Then, you can view all of the items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for by specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee.

OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item, and then on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to do so here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, tap “View List of Days” on the Daily Reading screen to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. Also on the Daily Reading screen is an overview of your progress. It is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it offers a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

=Conclusion=
So, which do I recommend?

Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible app, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.

Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use.
[[File:OliveTree-Finished!.jpg|thumb|300px|Finished!!!]]
Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

=Credits=
Contributed by [[Jon Glass]], December 27–29, 2011 on the CATUG blog, [http://macsnmin.catug.org/ Of Macs -n- Min], and condensed by Neville Reid.

Enscriptured (see below) was recommended by David Voth in 2012.

=See also=
*[[Bible software for iOS]], a general review not centred on reading plans

=External links=
*[http://www.logos.com/mobile Logos]
*[http://www.accordancebible.com/Accordance/iOS Accordance for iOS]
*[http://crosswire.org/pocketsword/PocketSword/PocketSword/PocketSword.html PocketSword]
*[http://www.blueletterbible.org/iphone/ Blue Letter Bible]
*[http://pricejh.com/readingplan/ ReadingPlan]
*[http://www.laridian.com/iphone/ Laridian PocketBible]
*[http://mantisbible.com/ Mantis Bible]
*[http://www.youversion.com/mobile/iphone YouVersion]
*[http://www.olivetree.com/iphone/ OliveTree BibleReader]

==Alternatives not tested above==
* '''[http://truthproclaimed.com/category/apps/bible-bookmarks/ Bible Bookmarks]''' by Truth Proclaimed; this does the [http://www.wbfva.org/files/professor_grant_horners_bible_reading_system.pdf Grant Horner reading system], which takes you through ten lists of books by genre. As of 2012 it has two new alternatives: the McCheyne plan and a chronological sequence. It is day-based (Day 1, Day 2…) rather than calendar-based.
*{{anchor|Enscriptured}} '''[http://www.enscriptured.com Enscriptured]''' by Chris Roberts allows you to tailor-make your own reading plan. This can be saved, printed or imported into Accordance as a User Tool, as explained [http://www.accordancebible.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8733 here]. From the Mac, the user tool can then be synced to an iOS copy of Accordance.
*'''[http://freegroups.net/groups/emaildevotionals/ emaildevotionals]''' offers twice-daily devotional emails from CATUG member Don Ruhl, taking you through the Bible each year.

[[Category:Bible Software|IOS Bible Reading Plans]]

Posting guidelines

2012-10-17T07:02:11Z

Krakowian: /* Posting guidelines on the Mac Ministry List */

=Posting guidelines on the [[Mac Ministry List]]=
==Quoting of previous emails==
When replying, edit the quoted material to "just enough" to give other readers a context for your response. '''Never''' quote the boiler plate text that appears at the bottom of every email on the list, and '''never''' quote sig lines unless that is the focus of the response. If you are not sure how to edit quoted material, feel free to ask on list.

==Top and bottom posting==
There is no rule on this list requiring folks to bottom-post or interleave postings. However:
*if somebody else has already started doing so in a particular thread, it is usually best to follow suit;
*if you prefer to top-post, don't let that stop you remembering to edit quoted material (see above).

==Subject lines==
When posting to the list, please provide an appropriate subject.
Folks who receive the digest and reply to it should '''always''' change the subject line. [[#On and off topic discussions|Off topic]] items should have '''OT:''' added to the beginning of the Subject line.
If the thread of discussion changes and the content no longer reflects the current subject line, change the subject line.

If it's you that changes the subject, don't simply change the subject line, but create a new email to [mailto:mac-min@catug.org mac-min@catug.org].
If you need or want to reference the old subject, you can do so in the first paragraph, or cut and paste text from an email of the old thread.

The reason for the extra work is that Apple Mail and some email programs thread messages together based on a message ID in the header info, not on the subject line per se. Using "Reply" makes it appear to those programs that it is in the same thread, no matter the subject line. Using a new message for a new topic bypasses that problem.

So for a new topic, changing the subject line is good, but creating a brand new message (instead of using reply) is best. To make this easy for you, the message footer now has a link to start a new message.

==Images and other URLs==
If you want to share an image, it is best to upload it somewhere and send the URL. Many members will belong to a service that can be used for sharing images, e.g. iCloud, [http://www.dropbox.com DropBox], [http://www.flickr.com Flickr] or [http://www.photobucket.com PhotoBucket] to name a few.

These services (Dropbox in particular) may have specific ways to send a link to the image, and some (like Photobucket) are particularly well-suited for uploading images for linking. However, as a general instruction, after you have uploaded the image, look it it yourself on the relevant website – preferably in a browser session where you are not logged in to your own account, so that you see it as other people would see it. Select the whole web address line (this is called different things in different browsers, e.g. "location"). Copy it with ⌘C. Paste it into an email. If you have got it right, it will start with http://

If, however, you find it necessary to include an image, please try to keep the file size below 40 kilobytes, as all messages larger than 40KB (including the text, headers and images), are held for moderation. Depending on message size, you may find your message rejected, with a request to reduce the image size. Therefore, to assure timely delivery, keep the image size well below 40 kilobytes.

Feel free to also post other URLs that you think would be of interest to the group, e.g. Mac-related articles. Please add a comment so folks can decide if they really want to double click on them.

If the link is long, enclose it in < > characters without spaces. This should prevent the link from being broken even if it is split over multiple lines in the email. Alternatively, you can go to [http://tinyurl.com tinyurl.com] (or some other url-shortening service) and create a short url for your link.

==On and off topic discussions==
What is '''on topic''' is fairly broad. '''Anything''' relating to Mac/Apple/third Party hardware and software is '''on topic'''. Any usage techniques or troubleshooting issue or best practices are '''on topic'''. Anything related to industry news or Apple corporate or Mac advocacy is '''on topic'''. Sharing news on special deals and promotions on hardware or software and requests for help on a purchase decision on same are '''on topic'''. Any discussion of the content of the list or the operation of CATUG is '''on topic'''.

The '''off topic''' list is pretty straightforward as well. If the post focuses on current events, politics, Christian living, apologetics, theology, church life or style, or Bible interpretation then it is off topic and '''OT:''' should be added to the subject line so folks can filter or ignore as they please. Such discussions are not forbidden, we just ask for the '''OT:''' label in the subject line and we also ask for care in the length, frequency and tone of such discussions. The occasional disagreement is helpful as iron sharpens iron, as long as we continue to accept one another in the right spirit.

The only exceptions are announcements about significant life events and prayer requests. While technically off topic, prayer requests and updates are given a special dispensation.

As long as they are brief, funny and the threads don't go on too long, the list has traditionally tolerated other responses that are technically off topic as long as they invoke Monty Python, the Princess Bride or use puns.

==Items for sale==
There are better venues for selling hardware or software than this list. Items for sale may be offered if they are specifically relevant to ministry, or are being offered at a reduced cost or donated to the users of this list. If anyone is not sure, please ask Brian Braunschweiger or another of the Ops/[[board members]] in advance of posting.

==Prayer requests, and responses==

Requests for prayer are welcome on the Mac Ministry List. Although there are no limits on this, it is wise to be cautious about personal information, bearing in mind that the list goes to a few hundred people, many of whom you don't know at all. (For a more confidential alternative, consider the '''[[Mac Ministry List#Prayer list|Prov1522 List]]'''.)

As many subscribers to the main list both read it regularly and have a habit of prayer, writers can safely assume that their requests are being prayed for around the clock and around the world! As a reader, if you would like to encourage the writer by just letting them know that you are praying, please write to them off-list. On the other hand, if you have additional information about the subject matter, or counsel that could be valued by others, please do send it on-list. If the thread develops into a broader discussion, the subject line should be marked '''OT:'''

=Credits=
*Contributed mainly by Brian Braunschweiger, List-Thug, as "ADMIN" postings on [[Mac Ministry List]] since 2006

=See also=
*[[Talk:{{BASEPAGENAME}}]] for the rationale for some of these policies

[[Category:CATUG]]

Template:News

2012-05-03T21:43:16Z

Krakowian:

<noinclude>
:'''This page is used to display news items on the [[Main Page|front page]]. These can be links to new articles that are posted, external news items that are of interest, etc. This portion of the site can be used like a "micro-blog".'''

:'''Please place items in chronological order. Limit description to one sentence, using the concise style shown below, and start with the date (using our preferred format of "March 6, 2010").'''

:'''Note:''' old news items are archived on the page '''[[CATUG news archive]].''' </noinclude>

*'''May 3, 2012''': After several hours, it looks like the Mac Ministry Mailing list is back up and operational. It may be possible that there will be times in the next day or so, that it will be down again, but rest assured, if it happens, this will be part of the process of fixing things so this event doesn't repeat itself.
*'''May 3, 2012''': *'''Alert!*''' The Mac Ministry Mailing list is currently down, and not functioning, and emails sent to the list are bouncing. We are working on getting the list running again as soon as possible, and we thank you for your understanding.
*'''April 8, 2012''': Happy Easter from all of us at CATUG!
*'''April 6, 2012: Quick Tip # 6''': run Software Update from the  menu to check that you have installed Apple's security updates. The latest update for OS X 10.6 & 10.7 can protect your Mac from the Flashback trojan. See [http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/flashback_trojan_making_sure_youre_safe/?utm_source=macobserver&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_everything this MacObserver article] if you might be infected already.
*'''February 22, 2012''': "Do Not Track Plus" stops unwanted tracking by advertisers or social networks, and is one of our recommended '''[[Safari Extensions]]''' and '''[[Firefox add-ons]]'''.
*'''February 20, 2012''': CATUG warns people not to install a widely-advertised app called [[MacKeeper]]. See our '''[[list of recommended utilities]]''' for better alternatives.
*'''January 9, 2012''': We set up a [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-Apple-Technology-User-Group-CATUG/212793958809602 '''new Facebook page'''].
*'''January 8, 2012''': We started using the new CATUG logo.
*'''December 30. 2011''': Start the new year with a '''[[Bible reading plans on iOS|Bible reading plan]]''' for your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
*'''October 20, 2011: Quick Tip # 5''': Beware '''fake updaters''' for software which may pop up with a familiar logo, e.g. after clicking a video in social media. If in doubt, '''don't''' give it your password! Go to the official site (such as [http://www.adobe.com adobe.com]) and check there for updates.
*'''October 14, 2011: Quick Tip # 4''': in [[Address Book]], set up a Smart Group of all cards that are not in another group, to help you classify new contacts. Smart Groups are also the way to search a specific field.
*'''October 10, 2011''': We moved our blog to '''http://macsnmin.catug.org'''.
*'''September 2011''': We invited CATUG members to join a separate '''[[Mac Ministry List#Prayer list|prayer list]]'''.
*'''May 30, 2011: Quick Tip # 3''': extend your '''[[iPhone battery life]]''' by switching off subtle features that you probably don't need.
*'''May 12, 2011: Quick Tip # 2''': DO NOT install '''MacProtector''', the latest name for '''fake''' antivirus software previously named MacDefender and MacSecurity. Just google the name and you will see plenty of advice on removing it. [http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-mac-protector This one] looks thorough.

<noinclude>

[[Category:News]]
[[Category:Templates|News]]
</noinclude>

Template:News

2012-05-03T09:00:25Z

Krakowian:

<noinclude>
:'''This page is used to display news items on the [[Main Page|front page]]. These can be links to new articles that are posted, external news items that are of interest, etc. This portion of the site can be used like a "micro-blog".'''

:'''Please place items in chronological order. Limit description to one sentence, using the concise style shown below, and start with the date (using our preferred format of "March 6, 2010").'''

:'''Note:''' old news items are archived on the page '''[[CATUG news archive]].''' </noinclude>

*'''May 3, 2012''': *'''Alert!*''' The Mac Ministry Mailing list is currently down, and not functioning, and emails sent to the list are bouncing. We are working on getting the list running again as soon as possible, and we thank you for your understanding.
*'''April 8, 2012''': Happy Easter from all of us at CATUG!
*'''April 6, 2012: Quick Tip # 6''': run Software Update from the  menu to check that you have installed Apple's security updates. The latest update for OS X 10.6 & 10.7 can protect your Mac from the Flashback trojan. See [http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/flashback_trojan_making_sure_youre_safe/?utm_source=macobserver&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_everything this MacObserver article] if you might be infected already.
*'''February 22, 2012''': "Do Not Track Plus" stops unwanted tracking by advertisers or social networks, and is one of our recommended '''[[Safari Extensions]]''' and '''[[Firefox add-ons]]'''.
*'''February 20, 2012''': CATUG warns people not to install a widely-advertised app called [[MacKeeper]]. See our '''[[list of recommended utilities]]''' for better alternatives.
*'''January 9, 2012''': We set up a [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-Apple-Technology-User-Group-CATUG/212793958809602 '''new Facebook page'''].
*'''January 8, 2012''': We started using the new CATUG logo.
*'''December 30. 2011''': Start the new year with a '''[[Bible reading plans on iOS|Bible reading plan]]''' for your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
*'''October 20, 2011: Quick Tip # 5''': Beware '''fake updaters''' for software which may pop up with a familiar logo, e.g. after clicking a video in social media. If in doubt, '''don't''' give it your password! Go to the official site (such as [http://www.adobe.com adobe.com]) and check there for updates.
*'''October 14, 2011: Quick Tip # 4''': in [[Address Book]], set up a Smart Group of all cards that are not in another group, to help you classify new contacts. Smart Groups are also the way to search a specific field.
*'''October 10, 2011''': We moved our blog to '''http://macsnmin.catug.org'''.
*'''September 2011''': We invited CATUG members to join a separate '''[[Mac Ministry List#Prayer list|prayer list]]'''.
*'''May 30, 2011: Quick Tip # 3''': extend your '''[[iPhone battery life]]''' by switching off subtle features that you probably don't need.
*'''May 12, 2011: Quick Tip # 2''': DO NOT install '''MacProtector''', the latest name for '''fake''' antivirus software previously named MacDefender and MacSecurity. Just google the name and you will see plenty of advice on removing it. [http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-mac-protector This one] looks thorough.

<noinclude>

[[Category:News]]
[[Category:Templates|News]]
</noinclude>

Template:News

2012-05-03T08:59:21Z

Krakowian:

<noinclude>
:'''This page is used to display news items on the [[Main Page|front page]]. These can be links to new articles that are posted, external news items that are of interest, etc. This portion of the site can be used like a "micro-blog".'''

:'''Please place items in chronological order. Limit description to one sentence, using the concise style shown below, and start with the date (using our preferred format of "March 6, 2010").'''

:'''Note:''' old news items are archived on the page '''[[CATUG news archive]].''' </noinclude>

*'''May 3, 2012''': *Alert!* The Mac Ministry Mailing list is currently down, and not functioning, and emails sent to the list are bouncing. We are working on getting the list running again as soon as possible, and we thank you for your understanding.
*'''April 8, 2012''': Happy Easter from all of us at CATUG!
*'''April 6, 2012: Quick Tip # 6''': run Software Update from the  menu to check that you have installed Apple's security updates. The latest update for OS X 10.6 & 10.7 can protect your Mac from the Flashback trojan. See [http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/flashback_trojan_making_sure_youre_safe/?utm_source=macobserver&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_everything this MacObserver article] if you might be infected already.
*'''February 22, 2012''': "Do Not Track Plus" stops unwanted tracking by advertisers or social networks, and is one of our recommended '''[[Safari Extensions]]''' and '''[[Firefox add-ons]]'''.
*'''February 20, 2012''': CATUG warns people not to install a widely-advertised app called [[MacKeeper]]. See our '''[[list of recommended utilities]]''' for better alternatives.
*'''January 9, 2012''': We set up a [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-Apple-Technology-User-Group-CATUG/212793958809602 '''new Facebook page'''].
*'''January 8, 2012''': We started using the new CATUG logo.
*'''December 30. 2011''': Start the new year with a '''[[Bible reading plans on iOS|Bible reading plan]]''' for your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
*'''October 20, 2011: Quick Tip # 5''': Beware '''fake updaters''' for software which may pop up with a familiar logo, e.g. after clicking a video in social media. If in doubt, '''don't''' give it your password! Go to the official site (such as [http://www.adobe.com adobe.com]) and check there for updates.
*'''October 14, 2011: Quick Tip # 4''': in [[Address Book]], set up a Smart Group of all cards that are not in another group, to help you classify new contacts. Smart Groups are also the way to search a specific field.
*'''October 10, 2011''': We moved our blog to '''http://macsnmin.catug.org'''.
*'''September 2011''': We invited CATUG members to join a separate '''[[Mac Ministry List#Prayer list|prayer list]]'''.
*'''May 30, 2011: Quick Tip # 3''': extend your '''[[iPhone battery life]]''' by switching off subtle features that you probably don't need.
*'''May 12, 2011: Quick Tip # 2''': DO NOT install '''MacProtector''', the latest name for '''fake''' antivirus software previously named MacDefender and MacSecurity. Just google the name and you will see plenty of advice on removing it. [http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-mac-protector This one] looks thorough.

<noinclude>

[[Category:News]]
[[Category:Templates|News]]
</noinclude>

Mac Ministry List

2012-05-03T08:55:55Z

Krakowian:

=Alert!=
At the moment, the Mac-Ministry mailing list is down. We are working on bringing it back online as soon as possible. your patience in the mean time is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your understanding.

Christian Apple Technology User Group's '''mailing list''' has always been our central channel of communication and fellowship.
As our original name “Christian Mac User Group” implies, our goal has always been to support Christians using Macs, but with a particular concentration on those using Macs for ministry; hence the name '''“Mac Ministry”''' for the mailing list.

=History =
The CMUG mailing list was created to help Mac-using missionaries who had little access to technical support. Over the years, it has grown into CMUG's (now CATUG’s) online community forum.

Around January 2011 there were two Mac Ministry mailing lists, but these were merged back together on February 20.
The list server software was upgraded to a new program, known as Mailman, on February 19, 2011 with the aim of creating a more reliable and flexible list to serve this community's membership in the years to come. Please read "[[CATUG wiki:Transition Announcements#Letter from the CMUG Board|Letter from the CMUG Board]]" for more information.

Join the conversation by subscribing.

=How to subscribe and post=

==Addresses==
To subscribe and receive individual e-mails, [mailto:mac-min-request@catug.org?subject=subscribe click this link] and send the e-mail it creates.

To unsubscribe from the list, [mailto:mac-min-request@catug.org?subject=unsubscribe click this link] and send the e-mail it creates.

Alternatively, or to change your options e.g. to a single daily e-mail digest of messages, use this web page for subscriptions:
:http://catug.org/mailman/listinfo/mac-min_catug.org

To change your email address, you'll have to subscribe with the new email address and unsubscribe the old one.

As a member, to send a message to the main list, email [mailto:mac-min@catug.org mac-min@catug.org]. The old posting address [mailto:mac-ministry@list.macministry.org mac-ministry@list.macministry.org] also still works.

==Posting guidelines==
Please see the separate page on [[posting guidelines]].

=Filtering your emails=
To filter your emails into a separate folder, a simple rule for subject lines containing <code>[Mac-Min]</code> will continue to work as it has in the past. However, this would mix off-list replies sent to you into the list traffic.

A more specific way to filter Mac-Min messages is to filter by Mailman's <code>list-id </code> header. All messages sent through Mac-Min will have a list-id header that '''contains''' <code> mac-min_catug.org.catug.org</code>

To learn how to use this in Apple Mail, see the article [[Making the most of Apple Mail#Filtering your emails|Making the most of Apple Mail]].

Gmail supports filtering on List-id, see [http://journal.boblycat.org/node/2752 this blog] (no connection with us). Enter the following in Gmail's <code> Has the words </code> field:
:<code>listid: mac-min_catug.org.catug.org</code>

=Archives=
There are no online email archives of the List. This is intentional, and preferred by a significant number of CATUG members for reasons of privacy. Instead, this Wiki was set up partly to serve as a repository of some of the best advice which may be of lasting or wider value.

=Admin lists=
The CATUG Board and Ops Board have separate lists for administrative matters, to save stuff of a boring or technical nature from being sent to all members.

=Prayer list=
[[Drew Janssen]], longstanding CATUG member, started an online prayer list in 2007 called the '''Prov1522 List''' (after {{bibleref|Proverbs|15:22|KJV}}). It is not limited to prayer alone; members might also share wisdom, hence the verse.

Drew is the list moderator, and ensures that it is flame-free, private, non-preachy, and above all confidential. The list is hosted by another longstanding CATUG member, Jon Gardner.

CATUG members are still also welcome to post prayer requests on the Mac-Min list (see [[Posting guidelines]]). However, Prov1522 is a side-channel list focused on sharing requests and praying for each other. The requests, and the answers, will never be posted on any website or in any blog, and Drew hopes to keep the membership limited to those who take it seriously and will honor each other's confidentiality.

For more info about this list or to subscribe, see http://lists.kairosnet.com/mailman/listinfo/prov1522

=See also=
* [[Posting guidelines]]

[[Category:CATUG]]

Posting guidelines

2012-02-07T10:24:45Z

Krakowian: /* Images and other URLs */

=Posting guidelines on the [[Mac Ministry List]]=
==Quoting of previous emails==
When replying, edit the quoted material to "just enough" to give other readers a context for your response. '''Never''' quote the boiler plate text that appears at the bottom of every email on the list, and '''never''' quote sig lines unless that is the focus of the response. If you are not sure how to edit quoted material, feel free to ask on list.

==Top and bottom posting==
There is no rule on this list requiring folks to bottom-post or interleave postings. However:
*if somebody else has already started doing so in a particular thread, it is usually best to follow suit;
*if you prefer to top-post, don't let that stop you remembering to edit quoted material (see above).

==Subject lines==
When posting to the list, please provide an appropriate subject.
Folks who receive the digest and reply to it should '''always''' change the subject line. [[#On and off topic discussions|Off topic]] items should have '''OT:''' added to the beginning of the Subject line.
If the thread of discussion changes and the content no longer reflects the current subject line, change the subject line.

If it's you that changes the subject, don't simply change the subject line, but create a new email to [mailto:mac-min@catug.org mac-min@catug.org].
If you need or want to reference the old subject, you can do so in the first paragraph, or cut and paste text from an email of the old thread.

The reason for the extra work is that Apple Mail and some email programs thread messages together based on a message ID in the header info, not on the subject line per se. Using "Reply" makes it appear to those programs that it is in the same thread, no matter the subject line. Using a new message for a new topic bypasses that problem.

So for a new topic, changing the subject line is good, but creating a brand new message (instead of using reply) is best. To make this easy for you, the message footer now has a link to start a new message.

==Images and other URLs==
If you want to share an image, it is best to upload it somewhere and send the URL. Many members will belong to a service that can be used for sharing images, e.g. iCloud, [http://www.dropbox.com DropBox], [http://www.flickr.com Flickr] or [http://www.photobucket.com PhotoBucket] to name a few.

These services (Dropbox in particular) may have specific ways to send a link to the image, and some (like Photobucket) are particularly well-suited for uploading images for linking. However, as a general instruction, after you have uploaded the image, look it it yourself on the relevant website – preferably in a browser session where you are not logged in to your own account, so that you see it as other people would see it. Select the whole web address line (this is called different things in different browsers, e.g. "location"). Copy it with ⌘C. Paste it into an email. If you have got it right, it will start with http://

Feel free to also post other URLs that you think would be of interest to the group, e.g. Mac-related articles. Please add a comment so folks can decide if they really want to double click on them.

If the link is long, enclose it in < > characters without spaces. This should prevent the link from being broken even if it is split over multiple lines in the email. Alternatively, you can go to [http://tinyurl.com tinyurl.com] (or some other url-shortening service) and create a short url for your link.

==On and off topic discussions==
What is '''on topic''' is fairly broad. '''Anything''' relating to Mac/Apple/third Party hardware and software is '''on topic'''. Any usage techniques or troubleshooting issue or best practices are '''on topic'''. Anything related to industry news or Apple corporate or Mac advocacy is '''on topic'''. Sharing news on special deals and promotions on hardware or software and requests for help on a purchase decision on same are '''on topic'''. Any discussion of the content of the list or the operation of CATUG is '''on topic'''.

The '''off topic''' list is pretty straightforward as well. If the post focuses on current events, politics, Christian living, apologetics, theology, church life or style, or Bible interpretation then it is off topic and '''OT:''' should be added to the subject line so folks can filter or ignore as they please. Such discussions are not forbidden, we just ask for the '''OT:''' label in the subject line and we also ask for care in the length, frequency and tone of such discussions. The occasional disagreement is helpful as iron sharpens iron, as long as we continue to accept one another in the right spirit.

The only exceptions are announcements about significant life events and prayer requests. While technically off topic, prayer requests and updates are given a special dispensation.

As long as they are brief, funny and the threads don't go on too long, the list has traditionally tolerated other responses that are technically off topic as long as they invoke Monty Python, the Princess Bride or use puns.

==Items for sale==
There are better venues for selling hardware or software than this list. Items for sale may be offered if they are specifically relevant to ministry, or are being offered at a reduced cost or donated to the users of this list. If anyone is not sure, please ask Brian Braunschweiger or another of the Ops/[[board members]] in advance of posting.

==Prayer requests, and responses==

Requests for prayer are welcome on the Mac Ministry List. Although there are no limits on this, it is wise to be cautious about personal information, bearing in mind that the list goes to a few hundred people, many of whom you don't know at all. (For a more confidential alternative, consider the '''[[Mac Ministry List#Prayer list|Prov1522 List]]'''.)

As many subscribers to the main list both read it regularly and have a habit of prayer, writers can safely assume that their requests are being prayed for around the clock and around the world! As a reader, if you would like to encourage the writer by just letting them know that you are praying, please write to them off-list. On the other hand, if you have additional information about the subject matter, or counsel that could be valued by others, please do send it on-list. If the thread develops into a broader discussion, the subject line should be marked '''OT:'''

=Credits=
*Contributed mainly by Brian Braunschweiger, List-Thug, as "ADMIN" postings on [[Mac Ministry List]] since 2006

=See also=
*[[Talk:{{BASEPAGENAME}}]] for the rationale for some of these policies

[[Category:CATUG]]

Posting guidelines

2012-02-07T10:21:57Z

Krakowian: /* Images and other URLs */

=Posting guidelines on the [[Mac Ministry List]]=
==Quoting of previous emails==
When replying, edit the quoted material to "just enough" to give other readers a context for your response. '''Never''' quote the boiler plate text that appears at the bottom of every email on the list, and '''never''' quote sig lines unless that is the focus of the response. If you are not sure how to edit quoted material, feel free to ask on list.

==Top and bottom posting==
There is no rule on this list requiring folks to bottom-post or interleave postings. However:
*if somebody else has already started doing so in a particular thread, it is usually best to follow suit;
*if you prefer to top-post, don't let that stop you remembering to edit quoted material (see above).

==Subject lines==
When posting to the list, please provide an appropriate subject.
Folks who receive the digest and reply to it should '''always''' change the subject line. [[#On and off topic discussions|Off topic]] items should have '''OT:''' added to the beginning of the Subject line.
If the thread of discussion changes and the content no longer reflects the current subject line, change the subject line.

If it's you that changes the subject, don't simply change the subject line, but create a new email to [mailto:mac-min@catug.org mac-min@catug.org].
If you need or want to reference the old subject, you can do so in the first paragraph, or cut and paste text from an email of the old thread.

The reason for the extra work is that Apple Mail and some email programs thread messages together based on a message ID in the header info, not on the subject line per se. Using "Reply" makes it appear to those programs that it is in the same thread, no matter the subject line. Using a new message for a new topic bypasses that problem.

So for a new topic, changing the subject line is good, but creating a brand new message (instead of using reply) is best. To make this easy for you, the message footer now has a link to start a new message.

==Images and other URLs==
If you want to share an image, it is best to upload it somewhere and send the URL. Many members will belong to a service that can be used for sharing images, e.g. iCloud, DropBox, Flickr or Smugmug to name a few.

These services (Dropbox in particular) may have specific ways to send a link to the image. However, as a general instruction, after you have uploaded the image, look it it yourself on the relevant website – preferably in a browser session where you are not logged in to your own account, so that you see it as other people would see it. Select the whole web address line (this is called different things in different browsers, e.g. "location"). Copy it with ⌘C. Paste it into an email. If you have got it right, it will start with http://

Feel free to also post other URLs that you think would be of interest to the group, e.g. Mac-related articles. Please add a comment so folks can decide if they really want to double click on them.

If the link is long, enclose it in < > characters without spaces. This should prevent the link from being broken even if it is split over multiple lines in the email. Alternatively, you can go to [http://tinyurl.com tinyurl.com] (or some other url-shortening service) and create a short url for your link.

==On and off topic discussions==
What is '''on topic''' is fairly broad. '''Anything''' relating to Mac/Apple/third Party hardware and software is '''on topic'''. Any usage techniques or troubleshooting issue or best practices are '''on topic'''. Anything related to industry news or Apple corporate or Mac advocacy is '''on topic'''. Sharing news on special deals and promotions on hardware or software and requests for help on a purchase decision on same are '''on topic'''. Any discussion of the content of the list or the operation of CATUG is '''on topic'''.

The '''off topic''' list is pretty straightforward as well. If the post focuses on current events, politics, Christian living, apologetics, theology, church life or style, or Bible interpretation then it is off topic and '''OT:''' should be added to the subject line so folks can filter or ignore as they please. Such discussions are not forbidden, we just ask for the '''OT:''' label in the subject line and we also ask for care in the length, frequency and tone of such discussions. The occasional disagreement is helpful as iron sharpens iron, as long as we continue to accept one another in the right spirit.

The only exceptions are announcements about significant life events and prayer requests. While technically off topic, prayer requests and updates are given a special dispensation.

As long as they are brief, funny and the threads don't go on too long, the list has traditionally tolerated other responses that are technically off topic as long as they invoke Monty Python, the Princess Bride or use puns.

==Items for sale==
There are better venues for selling hardware or software than this list. Items for sale may be offered if they are specifically relevant to ministry, or are being offered at a reduced cost or donated to the users of this list. If anyone is not sure, please ask Brian Braunschweiger or another of the Ops/[[board members]] in advance of posting.

==Prayer requests, and responses==

Requests for prayer are welcome on the Mac Ministry List. Although there are no limits on this, it is wise to be cautious about personal information, bearing in mind that the list goes to a few hundred people, many of whom you don't know at all. (For a more confidential alternative, consider the '''[[Mac Ministry List#Prayer list|Prov1522 List]]'''.)

As many subscribers to the main list both read it regularly and have a habit of prayer, writers can safely assume that their requests are being prayed for around the clock and around the world! As a reader, if you would like to encourage the writer by just letting them know that you are praying, please write to them off-list. On the other hand, if you have additional information about the subject matter, or counsel that could be valued by others, please do send it on-list. If the thread develops into a broader discussion, the subject line should be marked '''OT:'''

=Credits=
*Contributed mainly by Brian Braunschweiger, List-Thug, as "ADMIN" postings on [[Mac Ministry List]] since 2006

=See also=
*[[Talk:{{BASEPAGENAME}}]] for the rationale for some of these policies

[[Category:CATUG]]

Posting guidelines

2012-02-07T10:21:01Z

Krakowian: /* Images and other URLs */

=Posting guidelines on the [[Mac Ministry List]]=
==Quoting of previous emails==
When replying, edit the quoted material to "just enough" to give other readers a context for your response. '''Never''' quote the boiler plate text that appears at the bottom of every email on the list, and '''never''' quote sig lines unless that is the focus of the response. If you are not sure how to edit quoted material, feel free to ask on list.

==Top and bottom posting==
There is no rule on this list requiring folks to bottom-post or interleave postings. However:
*if somebody else has already started doing so in a particular thread, it is usually best to follow suit;
*if you prefer to top-post, don't let that stop you remembering to edit quoted material (see above).

==Subject lines==
When posting to the list, please provide an appropriate subject.
Folks who receive the digest and reply to it should '''always''' change the subject line. [[#On and off topic discussions|Off topic]] items should have '''OT:''' added to the beginning of the Subject line.
If the thread of discussion changes and the content no longer reflects the current subject line, change the subject line.

If it's you that changes the subject, don't simply change the subject line, but create a new email to [mailto:mac-min@catug.org mac-min@catug.org].
If you need or want to reference the old subject, you can do so in the first paragraph, or cut and paste text from an email of the old thread.

The reason for the extra work is that Apple Mail and some email programs thread messages together based on a message ID in the header info, not on the subject line per se. Using "Reply" makes it appear to those programs that it is in the same thread, no matter the subject line. Using a new message for a new topic bypasses that problem.

So for a new topic, changing the subject line is good, but creating a brand new message (instead of using reply) is best. To make this easy for you, the message footer now has a link to start a new message.

==Images and other URLs==
If you want to share an image, it is best to upload it somewhere and send the URL. Many members will belong to a service that can be used for sharing images, e.g. iCloud, DropBox, Flickr or Smugmug to name a few.

These services (Dropbox in particular) may have specific ways to send a link to the image. However, as a general instruction, after you have uploaded the image, look it it yourself on the relevant website – preferably in a browser session where you are not logged in to your own account, so that you see it as other people would see it. Select the whole web address line (this is called different things in different browsers, e.g. "location"). Copy it with ⌘C. Paste it into an email. If you have got it right, it will start with http://

Feel free to also post other URLs that you think would be of interest to the group, e.g. Mac-related articles. Please add a comment so folks can decide if they really want to double click on them.

If the link is long, enclose it in < > characters without spaces. This should prevent the link from being broken even if it is split over multiple lines in the email. Alternatively, you can go to [http://www.tinyurl.com www.tinyurl.com] (or some other url-shortening service) and create a short url for your link.

==On and off topic discussions==
What is '''on topic''' is fairly broad. '''Anything''' relating to Mac/Apple/third Party hardware and software is '''on topic'''. Any usage techniques or troubleshooting issue or best practices are '''on topic'''. Anything related to industry news or Apple corporate or Mac advocacy is '''on topic'''. Sharing news on special deals and promotions on hardware or software and requests for help on a purchase decision on same are '''on topic'''. Any discussion of the content of the list or the operation of CATUG is '''on topic'''.

The '''off topic''' list is pretty straightforward as well. If the post focuses on current events, politics, Christian living, apologetics, theology, church life or style, or Bible interpretation then it is off topic and '''OT:''' should be added to the subject line so folks can filter or ignore as they please. Such discussions are not forbidden, we just ask for the '''OT:''' label in the subject line and we also ask for care in the length, frequency and tone of such discussions. The occasional disagreement is helpful as iron sharpens iron, as long as we continue to accept one another in the right spirit.

The only exceptions are announcements about significant life events and prayer requests. While technically off topic, prayer requests and updates are given a special dispensation.

As long as they are brief, funny and the threads don't go on too long, the list has traditionally tolerated other responses that are technically off topic as long as they invoke Monty Python, the Princess Bride or use puns.

==Items for sale==
There are better venues for selling hardware or software than this list. Items for sale may be offered if they are specifically relevant to ministry, or are being offered at a reduced cost or donated to the users of this list. If anyone is not sure, please ask Brian Braunschweiger or another of the Ops/[[board members]] in advance of posting.

==Prayer requests, and responses==

Requests for prayer are welcome on the Mac Ministry List. Although there are no limits on this, it is wise to be cautious about personal information, bearing in mind that the list goes to a few hundred people, many of whom you don't know at all. (For a more confidential alternative, consider the '''[[Mac Ministry List#Prayer list|Prov1522 List]]'''.)

As many subscribers to the main list both read it regularly and have a habit of prayer, writers can safely assume that their requests are being prayed for around the clock and around the world! As a reader, if you would like to encourage the writer by just letting them know that you are praying, please write to them off-list. On the other hand, if you have additional information about the subject matter, or counsel that could be valued by others, please do send it on-list. If the thread develops into a broader discussion, the subject line should be marked '''OT:'''

=Credits=
*Contributed mainly by Brian Braunschweiger, List-Thug, as "ADMIN" postings on [[Mac Ministry List]] since 2006

=See also=
*[[Talk:{{BASEPAGENAME}}]] for the rationale for some of these policies

[[Category:CATUG]]

Posting guidelines

2012-02-07T10:19:32Z

Krakowian: /* Images and other URLs */

=Posting guidelines on the [[Mac Ministry List]]=
==Quoting of previous emails==
When replying, edit the quoted material to "just enough" to give other readers a context for your response. '''Never''' quote the boiler plate text that appears at the bottom of every email on the list, and '''never''' quote sig lines unless that is the focus of the response. If you are not sure how to edit quoted material, feel free to ask on list.

==Top and bottom posting==
There is no rule on this list requiring folks to bottom-post or interleave postings. However:
*if somebody else has already started doing so in a particular thread, it is usually best to follow suit;
*if you prefer to top-post, don't let that stop you remembering to edit quoted material (see above).

==Subject lines==
When posting to the list, please provide an appropriate subject.
Folks who receive the digest and reply to it should '''always''' change the subject line. [[#On and off topic discussions|Off topic]] items should have '''OT:''' added to the beginning of the Subject line.
If the thread of discussion changes and the content no longer reflects the current subject line, change the subject line.

If it's you that changes the subject, don't simply change the subject line, but create a new email to [mailto:mac-min@catug.org mac-min@catug.org].
If you need or want to reference the old subject, you can do so in the first paragraph, or cut and paste text from an email of the old thread.

The reason for the extra work is that Apple Mail and some email programs thread messages together based on a message ID in the header info, not on the subject line per se. Using "Reply" makes it appear to those programs that it is in the same thread, no matter the subject line. Using a new message for a new topic bypasses that problem.

So for a new topic, changing the subject line is good, but creating a brand new message (instead of using reply) is best. To make this easy for you, the message footer now has a link to start a new message.

==Images and other URLs==
If you want to share an image, it is best to upload it somewhere and send the URL. Many members will belong to a service that can be used for sharing images, e.g. iCloud, DropBox, Flickr or Smugmug to name a few.

These services (Dropbox in particular) may have specific ways to send a link to the image. However, as a general instruction, after you have uploaded the image, look it it yourself on the relevant website – preferably in a browser session where you are not logged in to your own account, so that you see it as other people would see it. Select the whole web address line (this is called different things in different browsers, e.g. "location"). Copy it with ⌘C. Paste it into an email. If you have got it right, it will start with http://

Feel free to also post other URLs that you think would be of interest to the group, e.g. Mac-related articles. Please add a comment so folks can decide if they really want to double click on them.

If the link is long, enclose it in < > characters without spaces. This should prevent the link from being broken even if it is split over multiple lines in the email. Alternatively, you can go to [http://www.tinyurl.com] (or some other url-shortening service) and create a short url for your link.

==On and off topic discussions==
What is '''on topic''' is fairly broad. '''Anything''' relating to Mac/Apple/third Party hardware and software is '''on topic'''. Any usage techniques or troubleshooting issue or best practices are '''on topic'''. Anything related to industry news or Apple corporate or Mac advocacy is '''on topic'''. Sharing news on special deals and promotions on hardware or software and requests for help on a purchase decision on same are '''on topic'''. Any discussion of the content of the list or the operation of CATUG is '''on topic'''.

The '''off topic''' list is pretty straightforward as well. If the post focuses on current events, politics, Christian living, apologetics, theology, church life or style, or Bible interpretation then it is off topic and '''OT:''' should be added to the subject line so folks can filter or ignore as they please. Such discussions are not forbidden, we just ask for the '''OT:''' label in the subject line and we also ask for care in the length, frequency and tone of such discussions. The occasional disagreement is helpful as iron sharpens iron, as long as we continue to accept one another in the right spirit.

The only exceptions are announcements about significant life events and prayer requests. While technically off topic, prayer requests and updates are given a special dispensation.

As long as they are brief, funny and the threads don't go on too long, the list has traditionally tolerated other responses that are technically off topic as long as they invoke Monty Python, the Princess Bride or use puns.

==Items for sale==
There are better venues for selling hardware or software than this list. Items for sale may be offered if they are specifically relevant to ministry, or are being offered at a reduced cost or donated to the users of this list. If anyone is not sure, please ask Brian Braunschweiger or another of the Ops/[[board members]] in advance of posting.

==Prayer requests, and responses==

Requests for prayer are welcome on the Mac Ministry List. Although there are no limits on this, it is wise to be cautious about personal information, bearing in mind that the list goes to a few hundred people, many of whom you don't know at all. (For a more confidential alternative, consider the '''[[Mac Ministry List#Prayer list|Prov1522 List]]'''.)

As many subscribers to the main list both read it regularly and have a habit of prayer, writers can safely assume that their requests are being prayed for around the clock and around the world! As a reader, if you would like to encourage the writer by just letting them know that you are praying, please write to them off-list. On the other hand, if you have additional information about the subject matter, or counsel that could be valued by others, please do send it on-list. If the thread develops into a broader discussion, the subject line should be marked '''OT:'''

=Credits=
*Contributed mainly by Brian Braunschweiger, List-Thug, as "ADMIN" postings on [[Mac Ministry List]] since 2006

=See also=
*[[Talk:{{BASEPAGENAME}}]] for the rationale for some of these policies

[[Category:CATUG]]

User:Krakowian

2012-01-06T12:12:01Z

Krakowian: Created page with "Jon Glass is a missionary, who has been serving in Krakow, Poland since 1997. He's been a member of CMUG (now CATUG) and the mac-ministry mailing list since 1995. You can learn m..."

Jon Glass is a missionary, who has been serving in Krakow, Poland since 1997. He's been a member of CMUG (now CATUG) and the mac-ministry mailing list since 1995. You can learn more about him and his ministry at his own site [http://www.theglassfamily.net].

Bible reading plans on iOS

2012-01-01T16:04:23Z

Krakowian: /* The Finalists */

This article is a condensed version of [[Jon Glass]]' search for an app to help us '''track our own Bible reading.''' The original [http://macsnmin.catug.org/2011/12/ three-part article] can be found on our blog.

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=
[[file:Iphone-bible-2.jpg|thumb|300px]]
For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year is an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.

Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders, and track my progress. It started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years, to read through the entire Bible in a year. Since then, the only years I failed to read through the Bible were years I didn't use my handheld to help me. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Since 2009, and getting an iPhone, I've paid close attention to Bible reading apps on iOS. Sadly, it seemed that many Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make daily reading truly useful. The [[Bible software for iOS|iPhone Bible app]] category has grown since 2009, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a [http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=134957259899114 review on FaceBook] of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
For those who may be skeptical, here's why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to daily Bible reading:

# My phone is '''always with me''', wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
# Using good software, you can '''keep track''' of what you have read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up. A good Bible reading app will allow you flexibility on days when you aren't able to finish the daily reading, and days when you want to read more.
# You can set '''reminder alarms''' for yourself, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
# '''Backlit display!''' You can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What to look for in a Bible reader=
My goal in this article is to compare eight Bible apps, and a separate app dedicated to reading plans, according to how they meet the following requirements.

# '''Flexibility:''' multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
# '''Progress tracking:''' This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up from there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up.
# '''Note taking and other annotations:''' when you are reading, you don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
# '''Usability/accessibility:''' This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience.

=The Runners-Up=
[[File:Logos.jpg|thumb|200px|Logos]] [[File:Accordance.jpg|thumb|200px|Accordance]]

The runner-up apps do not meet all of the criteria. Some don’t have all the features; for others, the implementation is lacking in usability. I will also introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.

The first four apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance).

==Logos and Accordance==

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and [[Accordance]] is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however, at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read; Accordance does not do this, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot, reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. Note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection to use it as intended.

==PocketSword==
[[File:PocketSword.jpg|thumb|200px|PocketSword]]

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the [[Eloquent|Sword Project]], and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). The options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of 2011, it lacks any sort of note-taking or progress-tracking ability.

==Blue Letter Bible==
[[File:BLB.jpg|thumb|200px|Blue Letter Bible–day view]]

BlueLetterBible is actually a [http://www.blueletterbible.org web resource] that contains a rich set of options and capabilities, of which its iOS app offers only a subset. Ironically, the [http://www.blueletterbible.org/ web version] of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app there are only six, and no way to log in to your BLB account or add more reading plans. Despite that, it offers all the features that a full-featured Bible app offers: annotations, including notes, verse highlighting and chapter bookmarking. However, the way it implements daily reading hampers its usability to the point that, in my opinion, puts it in the second tier.

The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then on the “Daily Bible Reading” button below. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading: tapping the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen; there is no way to cancel. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them, and what you should do next isn’t clear either.

BLB also has one more, unique feature. Under Preferences, there is a screen, where you can backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a local web server, accessed like any web site in your computer's web browser. On the Macintosh, Safari makes this feature very accessible. First turn on web serving in BLB, then in Safari on your Mac, click the “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, and find your iPhone, from which you can download and upload backup files. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, you could easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike some other apps. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible back-ups. As it is, it is on par with the rest, although I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan==
[[File:ReadingPlan-overview.jpg|thumb|200px|ReadingPlan Overview view]]

This app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function: creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It has the ability to open various web-based Bible resources from a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)

Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a distant third. ReadingPlan allows you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While there is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, you can keep them all synced together. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.

As for tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a night-time setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app.

=The Finalists=
[[File:Laridian-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view]] [[File:Laridian-prefs.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian PocketBible reading plan preferences]]

Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress, and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes. All of these apps save your data via an online service. With the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version (and is working on a Windows version), so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well.

==Laridian PocketBible==

This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. I count seven free plans covering a broad variety of options, and the store has a whole category of devotionals from around $8 to $15. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the “Today” icon. Once you have selected a plan, tapping this icon opens the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon again, you can change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your progress. To mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button, then tap on days to toggle their read status. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you have to return to this menu to mark it off.

When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on “Go To” allows you to navigate to the first unread, today’s, previous unread, previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful, but a little complex, and I do find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. Still, it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms such as Windows, it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface.

Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing.

==Mantis Bible Study==
[[File:Mantis.jpg|thumb|200px|Daily reading view for Mantis]]

Honestly, this app was probably the most complex to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has eight integrated Bible reading plans. It tracks your progress with check marks, accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a check box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Unfortunately, Mantis has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade it, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules on one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and i hope they do.

==YouVersion==
[[File:YouVersion-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|YouVersion daily reading view]]

If all you are interested in is daily Bible reading, this app is probably absolutely the best option. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans (38), to partial Bible plans (56), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24). There are plans lasting from a few days to multiple years. Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (all the main smartphones are supported), online notes, and more; as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–-with one caveat: everything is stored in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out (they are attempting to fix this). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially as the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worth serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion automatically keeps track of the chapters you have read. When you have read the last chapter for the day, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. You access notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse (or multiple verses), and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day. Together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree BibleReader==
[[File:OliveTree.jpg|thumb|200px|OliveTree daily reading view]]

While this is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (e.g. in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button to tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is automatically checked off as read. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, on the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with the recent release of their Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.

OliveTree has also incorporated tags into their system. Tagging is more flexible than highlighting a verse, which works in only one color, or categorizing a note into only one category. Tags can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries etc. You can apply multiple tags to a verse, passage or even a word. You can tag your own note on a passage with the same tag, such as “Promises”, and then tag a description in a commentary. Then, you can view all of the items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for by specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee.

OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item, and then on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to do so here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, tap “View List of Days” on the Daily Reading screen to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. Also on the Daily Reading screen is an overview of your progress. It is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it offers a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

=Conclusion=
So, which do I recommend?

Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible app, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.

Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use.
[[File:OliveTree-Finished!.jpg|thumb|300px|Finished!!!]]
Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

=Credits=
Contributed by [[Jon Glass]], December 27–29, 2011 on the CATUG blog, [http://macsnmin.catug.org/ Of Macs -n- Min]

=See also=
*[[Bible software for iOS]], an earlier review

=External links=
*[http://www.logos.com/mobile Logos]
*[http://www.accordancebible.com/Accordance/iOS Accordance for iOS]
*[http://crosswire.org/pocketsword/PocketSword/PocketSword/PocketSword.html PocketSword]
*[http://www.blueletterbible.org/iphone/ Blue Letter Bible]
*[http://pricejh.com/readingplan/ ReadingPlan]
*[http://www.laridian.com/iphone/ Laridian PocketBible]
*[http://mantisbible.com/ Mantis Bible]
*[http://www.youversion.com/mobile/iphone YouVersion]
*[http://www.olivetree.com/iphone/ OliveTree BibleReader]

[[Category:Bible Software|IOS Bible Reading Plans]]

Bible reading plans on iOS

2012-01-01T14:53:06Z

Krakowian: /* The Runners-Up */

This article is a condensed version of [[Jon Glass]]' search for an app to help us '''track our own Bible reading.''' The original [http://macsnmin.catug.org/2011/12/ three-part article] can be found on our blog.

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=
[[file:Iphone-bible-2.jpg|thumb|300px]]
For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year is an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.

Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders, and track my progress. It started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years, to read through the entire Bible in a year. Since then, the only years I failed to read through the Bible were years I didn't use my handheld to help me. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Since 2009, and getting an iPhone, I've paid close attention to Bible reading apps on iOS. Sadly, it seemed that many Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make daily reading truly useful. The [[Bible software for iOS|iPhone Bible app]] category has grown since 2009, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a [http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=134957259899114 review on FaceBook] of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
For those who may be skeptical, here's why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to daily Bible reading:

# My phone is '''always with me''', wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
# Using good software, you can '''keep track''' of what you have read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up. A good Bible reading app will allow you flexibility on days when you aren't able to finish the daily reading, and days when you want to read more.
# You can set '''reminder alarms''' for yourself, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
# '''Backlit display!''' You can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What to look for in a Bible reader=
My goal in this article is to compare eight Bible apps, and a separate app dedicated to reading plans, according to how they meet the following requirements.

# '''Flexibility:''' multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
# '''Progress tracking:''' This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up from there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up.
# '''Note taking and other annotations:''' when you are reading, you don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
# '''Usability/accessibility:''' This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience.

=The Runners-Up=
[[File:Logos.jpg|thumb|200px|Logos]] [[File:Accordance.jpg|thumb|200px|Accordance]]

The runner-up apps do not meet all of the criteria. Some don’t have all the features; for others, the implementation is lacking in usability. I will also introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.

The first four apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance).

==Logos and Accordance==

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and [[Accordance]] is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however, at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read; Accordance does not do this, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot, reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. Note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection to use it as intended.

==PocketSword==
[[File:PocketSword.jpg|thumb|200px|PocketSword]]

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the [[Eloquent|Sword Project]], and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). The options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of 2011, it lacks any sort of note-taking or progress-tracking ability.

==Blue Letter Bible==
[[File:BLB.jpg|thumb|200px|Blue Letter Bible–day view]]

BlueLetterBible is actually a [http://www.blueletterbible.org web resource] that contains a rich set of options and capabilities, of which its iOS app offers only a subset. Ironically, the [http://www.blueletterbible.org/ web version] of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app there are only six, and no way to log in to your BLB account or add more reading plans. Despite that, it offers all the features that a full-featured Bible app offers: annotations, including notes, verse highlighting and chapter bookmarking. However, the way it implements daily reading hampers its usability to the point that, in my opinion, puts it in the second tier.

The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then on the “Daily Bible Reading” button below. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading: tapping the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen; there is no way to cancel. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them, and what you should do next isn’t clear either.

BLB also has one more, unique feature. Under Preferences, there is a screen, where you can backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a local web server, accessed like any web site in your computer's web browser. On the Macintosh, Safari makes this feature very accessible. First turn on web serving in BLB, then in Safari on your Mac, click the “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, and find your iPhone, from which you can download and upload backup files. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, you could easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike some other apps. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible back-ups. As it is, it is on par with the rest, although I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan==
[[File:ReadingPlan-overview.jpg|thumb|200px|ReadingPlan Overview view]]

This app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function: creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It has the ability to open various web-based Bible resources from a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)

Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a distant third. ReadingPlan allows you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While there is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, you can keep them all synced together. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.

As for tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a night-time setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app.

=The Finalists=
[[File:Laridian-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view]] [[File:Laridian-prefs.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian PocketBible reading plan preferences]]

Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress, and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes. All of these apps save your data via an online service. With the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version (and is working on a Windows version), so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well.

==Laridian PocketBible==

This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. I count seven free plans covering a broad variety, and the store has a whole category of devotionals from around $8 to $15. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the “Today” icon. Once you have selected a plan, tapping this icon opens the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon again, you can change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your progress. To mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button, then tap on days to toggle their read status. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you have to return to this menu to mark it off.

When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on “Go To” allows you to navigate to the first unread, today’s, previous unread, previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful, but a little complex, and I do find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. Still, it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms such as Windows, it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface.

Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing.

==Mantis Bible Study==
[[File:Mantis.jpg|thumb|200px|Daily reading view for Mantis]]

Honestly, this app was probably the most complex to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has eight integrated Bible reading plans. It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my own way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible.

Unfortunately, Mantis has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade it, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules on one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this.

==YouVersion==
[[File:YouVersion-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|YouVersion daily reading view]]

This app is probably absolutely the best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans (38), to partial Bible plans (56), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24). There are plans lasting from a few days to multiple years. Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (all the main smartphones are supported), online notes, and more; as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except that I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out (they are attempting to fix this). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially as the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worth serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion automatically keeps track of the chapters you have read. When you have read the last chapter for the day, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. You access notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse (or multiple verses), and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree BibleReader==
[[File:OliveTree.jpg|thumb|200px|OliveTree daily reading view]]

While this is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (e.g. in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is automatically checked off as read. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, on the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.

OliveTree has also incorporated tags into their system. Tagging is more flexible than highlighting a verse, which works in only one color, or categorizing a note into only one category. Tags can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries etc. You can apply multiple tags to a verse, passage or even a word. You can tag your own note on a passage with the same tag, such as “Promises”, and then tag a description in a commentary. Then, you can view all of the items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for by specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee.

OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item, and then on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to do so here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, tap “View List of Days” on the Daily Reading screen to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. Also on the Daily Reading screen is an overview of your progress. It is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it offers a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

=Conclusion=
So, which do I recommend?

Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible app, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.

Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use.
[[File:OliveTree-Finished!.jpg|thumb|300px|Finished!!!]]
Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

=Credits=
Contributed by [[Jon Glass]], December 27–29, 2011 on the CATUG blog, [http://macsnmin.catug.org/ Of Macs -n- Min]

=See also=
*[[Bible software for iOS]], an earlier review

=External links=
*[http://www.logos.com/mobile Logos]
*[http://www.accordancebible.com/Accordance/iOS Accordance for iOS]
*[http://crosswire.org/pocketsword/PocketSword/PocketSword/PocketSword.html PocketSword]
*[http://www.blueletterbible.org/iphone/ Blue Letter Bible]
*[http://pricejh.com/readingplan/ ReadingPlan]
*[http://www.laridian.com/iphone/ Laridian PocketBible]
*[http://mantisbible.com/ Mantis Bible]
*[http://www.youversion.com/mobile/iphone YouVersion]
*[http://www.olivetree.com/iphone/ OliveTree BibleReader]

[[Category:Bible Software|IOS Bible Reading Plans]]

Bible reading plans on iOS

2012-01-01T07:59:23Z

Krakowian: /* A journey of 365 days starts with a single step */

This article is a condensed version of [[Jon Glass]]' search for an app to help us '''track our own Bible reading.''' The original [http://macsnmin.catug.org/2011/12/ three-part article] can be found on our blog.

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=
[[file:Iphone-bible-2.jpg|thumb|300px]]
For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year is an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.

Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders, and track my progress. It started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years, to read through the entire Bible in a year. Since then, the only years I failed to read through the Bible were years I didn't use my handheld to help me. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Since 2009, and getting an iPhone, I've paid close attention to Bible reading apps on iOS. Sadly, it seemed that many Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make daily reading truly useful. The [[Bible software for iOS|iPhone Bible app]] category has grown since 2009, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a [http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/note.php?note_id=134957259899114 review on FaceBook] of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
For those who may be skeptical, here's why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to daily Bible reading:

# My phone is '''always with me''', wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
# Using good software, you can '''keep track''' of what you have read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up. A good Bible reading app will allow you flexibility on days when you aren't able to finish the daily reading, and days when you want to read more.
# You can set '''reminder alarms''' for yourself, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
# '''Backlit display!''' You can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What to look for in a Bible reader=
My goal in this article is to compare eight Bible apps, and a separate app dedicated to reading plans, according to how they meet the following requirements.

# '''Flexibility:''' multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
# '''Progress tracking:''' This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up from there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up.
# '''Note taking and other annotations:''' when you are reading, you don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
# '''Usability/accessibility:''' This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience.

=The Runners-Up=
[[File:Logos.jpg|thumb|200px|Logos]] [[File:Accordance.jpg|thumb|200px|Accordance]]

The runner-up apps do not meet all of the criteria. Some don’t have all the features; for others, the implementation is lacking in usability. I will also introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.

The first four apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance).

==Logos and Accordance==

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and [[Accordance]] is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however, at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read; Accordance does not do this, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot, reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. Note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection to use it as intended.

==PocketSword==
[[File:PocketSword.jpg|thumb|200px|PocketSword]]

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the [[Eloquent|Sword Project]], and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). The options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of 2011, it lacks any sort of note-taking or progress-tracking ability.

==Blue Letter Bible==
[[File:BLB.jpg|thumb|200px|Blue Letter Bible–day view]]

Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then on the “Daily Bible Reading” button below. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading: tapping the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen; there is no way to back out. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them, and what you should do next isn’t clear either.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser–but local, right on your iPhone. Safari which makes this feature very accessible. On your computer, you first turn on web serving. Then run Safari; click the “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So you can save periodic backups of your BLB data on your computer, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, you could easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan==
[[File:ReadingPlan-overview.jpg|thumb|200px|ReadingPlan Overview view]]

This app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function: creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It has the ability to open various web-based Bible resources from a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)

Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a distant third. ReadingPlan allows you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While there is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “Reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, you can keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.

As for tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a night-time setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app.

=The Finalists=
[[File:Laridian-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view]] [[File:Laridian-prefs.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian PocketBible reading plan preferences]]

Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress, and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes. All of these apps save your data via an online service. With the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version (and is working on a Windows version), so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well.

==Laridian PocketBible==

This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. I count seven free plans covering a broad variety, and the store has a whole category of devotionals from around $8 to $15. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the “Today” icon. Once you have selected a plan, tapping this icon opens the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon again, you can change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your progress. To mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button, then tap on days to toggle their read status. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you have to return to this menu to mark it off.

When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on “Go To” allows you to navigate to the first unread, today’s, previous unread, previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful, but a little complex, and I do find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. Still, it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms such as Windows, it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface.

Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing.

==Mantis Bible Study==
[[File:Mantis.jpg|thumb|200px|Daily reading view for Mantis]]

Honestly, this app was probably the most complex to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has eight integrated Bible reading plans. It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my own way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible.

Unfortunately, Mantis has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade it, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules on one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this.

==YouVersion==
[[File:YouVersion-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|YouVersion daily reading view]]

This app is probably absolutely the best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans (38), to partial Bible plans (56), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24). There are plans lasting from a few days to multiple years. Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (all the main smartphones are supported), online notes, and more; as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except that I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out (they are attempting to fix this). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially as the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worth serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion automatically keeps track of the chapters you have read. When you have read the last chapter for the day, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. You access notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse (or multiple verses), and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree BibleReader==
[[File:OliveTree.jpg|thumb|200px|OliveTree daily reading view]]

While this is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (e.g. in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is automatically checked off as read. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, on the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.

OliveTree has also incorporated tags into their system. Tagging is more flexible than highlighting a verse, which works in only one color, or categorizing a note into only one category. Tags can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries etc. You can apply multiple tags to a verse, passage or even a word. You can tag your own note on a passage with the same tag, such as “Promises”, and then tag a description in a commentary. Then, you can view all of the items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for by specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee.

OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item, and then on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to do so here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, tap “View List of Days” on the Daily Reading screen to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. Also on the Daily Reading screen is an overview of your progress. It is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it offers a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

=Conclusion=
So, which do I recommend?

Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible app, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.

Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use.
[[File:OliveTree-Finished!.jpg|thumb|300px|Finished!!!]]
Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

=Credits=
Contributed by [[Jon Glass]], December 27–29, 2011 on the CATUG blog, [http://macsnmin.catug.org/ Of Macs -n- Min]

=See also=
*[[Bible software for iOS]], an earlier review

=External links=
*[http://www.logos.com/mobile Logos]
*[http://www.accordancebible.com/Accordance/iOS Accordance for iOS]
*[http://crosswire.org/pocketsword/PocketSword/PocketSword/PocketSword.html PocketSword]
*[http://www.blueletterbible.org/iphone/ Blue Letter Bible]
*[http://pricejh.com/readingplan/ ReadingPlan]
*[http://www.laridian.com/iphone/ Laridian PocketBible]
*[http://mantisbible.com/ Mantis Bible]
*[http://www.youversion.com/mobile/iphone YouVersion]
*[http://www.olivetree.com/iphone/ OliveTree BibleReader]

[[Category:Bible Software|IOS Bible Reading Plans]]

Bible reading plans on iOS

2011-12-30T19:47:54Z

Krakowian:

;This article is a work in progress. indicates where an illustration will be placed.

This article is a summary of [[Jon Glass]]' search for an app to help us '''track our own Bible reading.''' The original [http://macsnmin.catug.org/2011/12/ three-part article] can be found on our blog.

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=
[[file:Iphone-bible-2.jpg|thumb|300px]]
For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even reading the Bible every day) is an inconceivable journey–an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.

Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders to read, and also allowed me to track my progress. It wasn’t the most flexible, but it started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years to read through the entire Bible in a year. I used this reading plan for a few years, until one year, I decided to try something different, and “fell off the wagon”. The next year, I tried on my Treo cell phone, but discovered the app no longer worked. Again, despite trying, I failed to read through the Bible in a year. In 2009, I bought an iPhone. Some of the first apps I sought out were Bible apps. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Sadly, it seemed that most Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make it truly useful. The [[Bible software for iPhone|iPhone Bible app]] category has grown since then, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a review on FaceBook of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
First of all, for those who may own an iPhone but who are skeptical about using it for daily Bible reading, or for the curious and unconvinced, an explanation for why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to this purpose:

# My phone is always with me, even if I’m standing in line at a government office, or riding a bus, or wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
# Using good software, you can keep track of what you have already read, and what you have yet to read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up with your reading. This is useful on days where you weren’t able to finish the daily reading, or worse, weren’t even able to start, of which I had a few. For myself, there have also been days when I knew that I wanted to read multiple chapters together (like the lives of some kings in the OT, for instance), so I would either wait, or read ahead. A good Bible reading app will allow you this flexibility.
# The fact that you probably carry your phone with you everywhere, and your Bible software is there can, in itself, serve as a reminder to read, but you can also set alarms to remind you, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
# Backlit display! Now, you can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What we are looking for in a Bible reader:=
These are just a few of the bonuses of using your mobile. So, what are some specific things we are looking for in a Bible reading app?

# Reading plans: We are looking for flexibility–multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
# Progress tracking: This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed, compared to where you should be. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, for instance, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up. My old Palm app had the ability to re-calculate a reading plan by adding chapters to daily readings to keep the same end date. I haven’t yet discovered this capability in an iPhone app, but I’m looking for it, and will note it if I find it.
# Note taking and other annotations: When reading large portions of Scripture at a time, it is wise to take quick notes that you can refer back to later. This is important because when you are reading, you really don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made, or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
# Usability/accessibility: This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are.

The specific iPhone apps I’ll be covering are as follows: BlueLetterBible, Laridian PocketBible, Logos, Accordance, PocketSword, Mantis, YouVersion Bible, and OliveTree, as well as an app called ReadingPlan, which is not a typical Bible app, but an app dedicated to reading plans, as its name states.
My main goal is to compare all of the apps according to how they meet the goals mentioned above.

=The Runners-Up=
[[File:Logos.jpg|thumb|200px|Logos]] [[File:Accordance.jpg|thumb|200px|Accordance]]

The runner-up apps are ones that do not meet all of the criteria for various reasons. Some don’t have all the features, or have most of them, but the implementation is lacking in usability. At the end, we will introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.
Before we discuss them in detail, I want to say that these apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance), so they are covered here in this article. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment of their usability is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience. Your experience and tastes will differ.

==Logos and Accordance==

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and [[Accordance]] is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read, which Accordance does not do, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. In Accordance, it is reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon, and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Since Accordance does nothing to help you keep track, you are on your own. However, there is hope for both these apps in this department, but more on that at the end of this article. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. I should also note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection in order to use it as intended.

==PocketSword==

[[File:PocketSword.jpg|thumb|200px|PocketSword]]

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the Sword Project, and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). Like Accordance and Logos, the options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, which are two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. There are others as well, so while there is a paucity of options, it’s not so bad as with the previous two programs. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of now, it still lacks any sort of note-taking ability. Like Accordance, it also has no progress tracking ability, but again, there is a third-party solution that shall be mentioned at the end of this article that can fill in this gap.

==BlueLetter Bible==

[[File:BLB.jpg|thumb|200px|BlueLetterBible-day view]]

Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app, there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then down below, on the “Daily Bible Reading” button. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading, by tapping on the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen. There is no way to back out by tapping "Cancel." You must choose one of the two presented options. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them. And what you should do after tapping the "Date" button also isn’t clear.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser--but local, right on your iPhone. So, you turn on web serving, and navigate to the file/web server via your web browser. Safari has a “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, which makes this feature very accessible. Once you’ve turned on the server, open up Safari, click on the Bonjour item, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So, if you are diligent, you can save periodic backups of your BLB data, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress right on your computer. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, using your backup files, you can easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike with some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan==

[[File:ReadingPlan-overview.jpg|thumb|200px|ReadingPlan Overview view]]

This last app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function, creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It does have the ability to open up various web-based Bible resources from within a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful, and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)
Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a far-off third place, with 8 free reading plans. ReadingPlan also allows for you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While There is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPodTouch and/or iPad, you can sync between the devices to keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.
As to tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a nighttime setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app. It can amply explain the features I have left unexplained here.

=The Finalists=
[[File:Laridian-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view]] [[File:Laridian-prefs.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian PocketBible reading plan preferences]]

Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress (or lack thereof), and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes, as well as save and preserve your progress and your work. Interestingly enough, all of these apps save your data via an online service, to which you can back up and sync your data in one way or another. Another interesting fact is that, with the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version, so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well. I should note that OliveTree is also working on a Windows version of its app.

==Laridian PocketBible==

This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. It has a quite a few reading plans. I count seven free plans, and in the store, there is a whole category devoted to devotionals that vary in price from around $8 to $15. However, the seven free plans cover a broad variety, so you are likely to find what you need there. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the little calendar icon at the bottom, named “Today.” If you haven’t yet selected a plan, you will be given the opportunity to select a plan. Once a reading plan has been set up, tapping the icon defaults to opening the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon while in today’s reading, a new screen pops up, allowing you to change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your reading progress by tapping "View Reading Progress". Tapping a day on this screen opens that day’s reading plan. If, instead, you want to mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button. Once tapped, you can tap on days to toggle their read status, tapping once again on Done when finished. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you will have to return to this menu to mark your day’s reading as “done.” There is yet other way of navigating your daily reading. When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on the “Go To” icon pops up a navigation screen that allows you to go to the first unread, today’s, previous unread, previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful. If all this sounds a little complex, well, in my opinion, it seems to be a bit more “fussy” than it could be, and certainly compared to the other apps of this calibre. In fact, to be honest, I find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. But it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms (specifically if you own a Windows computer, and would like to use your modules there as well), it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface. So it is worthy of being in this group.

Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing with other devices. It truly belongs among the heavy-hitters in this category.

==Mantis Bible Study==

[[File:Mantis.jpg|thumb|200px|Daily reading view for Mantis]]

Honestly, this app was probably the most complex one to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has the integrated Bible reading plans, and a fair number of them, to boot (I count eight of them). It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available, are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. All this is done without a need to switch views or tap through multiple screens etc. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve with this program, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible. But again, that’s just my personal perspective.

If I have to say anything negative about Mantis, it is this. Mantis, for some reason, has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules one one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and I hope they hurry. In this day, with people owning multiple iOS devices that they move between, this way of doing things is not acceptable. I bring this issue up, not to bash Mantis, but so you can be aware of what you are buying into, and know in advance so you aren’t surprised after the fact.

==YouVersion.com’s Bible==

[[File:YouVersion-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|YouVersion daily reading view]]

This app is probably the absolutely best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the absolute most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans, (38 of them), to partial Bible plans (56 of them!!!), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24) for teens. There is some overlap, but honestly, there is a Bible reading plan for literally everybody, from plans lasting a few days, to multiple years! Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (just about every smart phone platform is supported), online notes, and more, as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out, and may find you have to quit the app to get it working again (a bug they seem to be attempting to squash as of this writing). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially, since the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worthy serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion keeps track what you’ve read for you, and as you complete a chapter, it marks it off automatically. When you read the last chapter, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. Very convenient. You access the notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse, and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. There are several options on what to do with the selected verse or verses (tapping multiple verses selects them) besides creating a note. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Reader==

[[File:OliveTree.jpg|thumb|200px|OliveTree daily reading view]]

While it is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (like in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is checked off as read. This is very, very convenient. Massive kudos to OliveTree for this innovation. But they didn’t stop there. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, or the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. OliveTree has incorporated tags into their system. For some reason, tags seem to be something that people either really love, or entirely do not understand. I shall try to explain them. When you highlight a verse, you can essentially only highlight it with one color. If you categorize a note, you can essentially only categorize it into one category. There are built-in limitations with these ways of categorizing things. Tags, on the other hand, are more flexible, and can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. Here is an illustration. Suppose you have a bookmark category “Promises”. You could create sub-categories for various kinds of promises, or you could use tags. One advantage of tags is that you can apply multiple tags to one verse, passage or even a word. Plus, if you write a note on a passage, you can tag it with the same tag. As you read a commentary, you may find a particularly good description of a promise. Tag that description as well. Now, you can view all of these items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for, but specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee. It is worth implementing, and is yet one more innovation of the OliveTree BibleReader.

All of this may sound confusing, but OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item (for all your “stuff”), and tap on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, on the Daily Reading screen, tap the “View List of Days” button to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. You can also view the current day’s assignment by tapping its button. Also on the Daily reading screen, there is an overview of your progress. All in all, it is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it does offer a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

=Conclusion=
So, which do I recommend?

Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps, with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible reader, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.

Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use. Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:
[[File:OliveTree-Finished!.jpg|thumb|300px|Finished!!!]]

=Credits=
Contributed by Jon Glass in December 2011 on the CATUG blog, [http://macsnmin.catug.org/ Of Macs -n- Min]

=See also=
*[[Bible software for iPhone]], including links to the apps discussed above

[[Category:Bible Software|IOS Bible Reading Plans]]

Bible reading plans on iOS

2011-12-30T19:42:37Z

Krakowian:

;This article is a work in progress. indicates where an illustration will be placed.

This article is a summary of [[Jon Glass]]' search for an app to help us '''track our own Bible reading.''' The original [http://macsnmin.catug.org/2011/12/ three-part article] can be found on our blog.

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=
[[file:Iphone-bible-2.jpg|thumb|300px]]
For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even reading the Bible every day) is an inconceivable journey–an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.

Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders to read, and also allowed me to track my progress. It wasn’t the most flexible, but it started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years to read through the entire Bible in a year. I used this reading plan for a few years, until one year, I decided to try something different, and “fell off the wagon”. The next year, I tried on my Treo cell phone, but discovered the app no longer worked. Again, despite trying, I failed to read through the Bible in a year. In 2009, I bought an iPhone. Some of the first apps I sought out were Bible apps. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Sadly, it seemed that most Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make it truly useful. The [[Bible software for iPhone|iPhone Bible app]] category has grown since then, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a review on FaceBook of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
First of all, for those who may own an iPhone but who are skeptical about using it for daily Bible reading, or for the curious and unconvinced, an explanation for why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to this purpose:

# My phone is always with me, even if I’m standing in line at a government office, or riding a bus, or wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
# Using good software, you can keep track of what you have already read, and what you have yet to read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up with your reading. This is useful on days where you weren’t able to finish the daily reading, or worse, weren’t even able to start, of which I had a few. For myself, there have also been days when I knew that I wanted to read multiple chapters together (like the lives of some kings in the OT, for instance), so I would either wait, or read ahead. A good Bible reading app will allow you this flexibility.
# The fact that you probably carry your phone with you everywhere, and your Bible software is there can, in itself, serve as a reminder to read, but you can also set alarms to remind you, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
# Backlit display! Now, you can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What we are looking for in a Bible reader:=
These are just a few of the bonuses of using your mobile. So, what are some specific things we are looking for in a Bible reading app?

# Reading plans: We are looking for flexibility–multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
# Progress tracking: This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed, compared to where you should be. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, for instance, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up. My old Palm app had the ability to re-calculate a reading plan by adding chapters to daily readings to keep the same end date. I haven’t yet discovered this capability in an iPhone app, but I’m looking for it, and will note it if I find it.
# Note taking and other annotations: When reading large portions of Scripture at a time, it is wise to take quick notes that you can refer back to later. This is important because when you are reading, you really don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made, or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
# Usability/accessibility: This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are.

The specific iPhone apps I’ll be covering are as follows: BlueLetterBible, Laridian PocketBible, Logos, Accordance, PocketSword, Mantis, YouVersion Bible, and OliveTree, as well as an app called ReadingPlan, which is not a typical Bible app, but an app dedicated to reading plans, as its name states.
My main goal is to compare all of the apps according to how they meet the goals mentioned above.
=The Runners-Up=
The runner-up apps are ones that do not meet all of the criteria for various reasons. Some don’t have all the features, or have most of them, but the implementation is lacking in usability. At the end, we will introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.
Before we discuss them in detail, I want to say that these apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance), so they are covered here in this article. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment of their usability is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience. Your experience and tastes will differ.

==Logos and Accordance==

[[File:Logos.jpg|thumb|200px|Logos]] [[File:Accordance.jpg|thumb|200px|Accordance]]

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and [[Accordance]] is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read, which Accordance does not do, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. In Accordance, it is reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon, and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Since Accordance does nothing to help you keep track, you are on your own. However, there is hope for both these apps in this department, but more on that at the end of this article. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. I should also note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection in order to use it as intended.

==PocketSword==

[[File:PocketSword.jpg|thumb|200px|PocketSword]]

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the Sword Project, and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). Like Accordance and Logos, the options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, which are two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. There are others as well, so while there is a paucity of options, it’s not so bad as with the previous two programs. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of now, it still lacks any sort of note-taking ability. Like Accordance, it also has no progress tracking ability, but again, there is a third-party solution that shall be mentioned at the end of this article that can fill in this gap.

==BlueLetter Bible==

[[File:BLB.jpg|thumb|200px|BlueLetterBible-day view]]

Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app, there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then down below, on the “Daily Bible Reading” button. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading, by tapping on the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen. There is no way to back out by tapping "Cancel." You must choose one of the two presented options. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them. And what you should do after tapping the "Date" button also isn’t clear.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser--but local, right on your iPhone. So, you turn on web serving, and navigate to the file/web server via your web browser. Safari has a “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, which makes this feature very accessible. Once you’ve turned on the server, open up Safari, click on the Bonjour item, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So, if you are diligent, you can save periodic backups of your BLB data, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress right on your computer. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, using your backup files, you can easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike with some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan==

[[File:ReadingPlan-overview.jpg|thumb|200px|ReadingPlan Overview view]]

This last app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function, creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It does have the ability to open up various web-based Bible resources from within a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful, and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)
Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a far-off third place, with 8 free reading plans. ReadingPlan also allows for you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While There is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPodTouch and/or iPad, you can sync between the devices to keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.
As to tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a nighttime setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app. It can amply explain the features I have left unexplained here.

=The Finalists=
Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress (or lack thereof), and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes, as well as save and preserve your progress and your work. Interestingly enough, all of these apps save your data via an online service, to which you can back up and sync your data in one way or another. Another interesting fact is that, with the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version, so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well. I should note that OliveTree is also working on a Windows version of its app.

==Laridian PocketBible==

[[File:Laridian-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view]] [[File:Laridian-prefs.jpg|thumb|200px|Laridian PocketBible reading plan preferences]]

This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. It has a quite a few reading plans. I count seven free plans, and in the store, there is a whole category devoted to devotionals that vary in price from around $8 to $15. However, the seven free plans cover a broad variety, so you are likely to find what you need there. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the little calendar icon at the bottom, named “Today.” If you haven’t yet selected a plan, you will be given the opportunity to select a plan. Once a reading plan has been set up, tapping the icon defaults to opening the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon while in today’s reading, a new screen pops up, allowing you to change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your reading progress by tapping "View Reading Progress". Tapping a day on this screen opens that day’s reading plan. If, instead, you want to mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button. Once tapped, you can tap on days to toggle their read status, tapping once again on Done when finished. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you will have to return to this menu to mark your day’s reading as “done.” There is yet other way of navigating your daily reading. When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on the “Go To” icon pops up a navigation screen that allows you to go to the first unread, today’s, previous unread, previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful. If all this sounds a little complex, well, in my opinion, it seems to be a bit more “fussy” than it could be, and certainly compared to the other apps of this calibre. In fact, to be honest, I find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. But it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms (specifically if you own a Windows computer, and would like to use your modules there as well), it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface. So it is worthy of being in this group.

Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing with other devices. It truly belongs among the heavy-hitters in this category.

==Mantis Bible Study==

[[File:Mantis.jpg|thumb|200px|Daily reading view for Mantis]]

Honestly, this app was probably the most complex one to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has the integrated Bible reading plans, and a fair number of them, to boot (I count eight of them). It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available, are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. All this is done without a need to switch views or tap through multiple screens etc. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve with this program, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible. But again, that’s just my personal perspective.

If I have to say anything negative about Mantis, it is this. Mantis, for some reason, has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules one one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and I hope they hurry. In this day, with people owning multiple iOS devices that they move between, this way of doing things is not acceptable. I bring this issue up, not to bash Mantis, but so you can be aware of what you are buying into, and know in advance so you aren’t surprised after the fact.

==YouVersion.com’s Bible==

[[File:YouVersion-plan.jpg|thumb|200px|YouVersion daily reading view]]

This app is probably the absolutely best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the absolute most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans, (38 of them), to partial Bible plans (56 of them!!!), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24) for teens. There is some overlap, but honestly, there is a Bible reading plan for literally everybody, from plans lasting a few days, to multiple years! Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (just about every smart phone platform is supported), online notes, and more, as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out, and may find you have to quit the app to get it working again (a bug they seem to be attempting to squash as of this writing). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially, since the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worthy serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion keeps track what you’ve read for you, and as you complete a chapter, it marks it off automatically. When you read the last chapter, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. Very convenient. You access the notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse, and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. There are several options on what to do with the selected verse or verses (tapping multiple verses selects them) besides creating a note. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Reader==

[[File:OliveTree.jpg|thumb|200px|OliveTree daily reading view]]

While it is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (like in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is checked off as read. This is very, very convenient. Massive kudos to OliveTree for this innovation. But they didn’t stop there. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, or the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. OliveTree has incorporated tags into their system. For some reason, tags seem to be something that people either really love, or entirely do not understand. I shall try to explain them. When you highlight a verse, you can essentially only highlight it with one color. If you categorize a note, you can essentially only categorize it into one category. There are built-in limitations with these ways of categorizing things. Tags, on the other hand, are more flexible, and can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. Here is an illustration. Suppose you have a bookmark category “Promises”. You could create sub-categories for various kinds of promises, or you could use tags. One advantage of tags is that you can apply multiple tags to one verse, passage or even a word. Plus, if you write a note on a passage, you can tag it with the same tag. As you read a commentary, you may find a particularly good description of a promise. Tag that description as well. Now, you can view all of these items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for, but specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee. It is worth implementing, and is yet one more innovation of the OliveTree BibleReader.

All of this may sound confusing, but OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item (for all your “stuff”), and tap on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, on the Daily Reading screen, tap the “View List of Days” button to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. You can also view the current day’s assignment by tapping its button. Also on the Daily reading screen, there is an overview of your progress. All in all, it is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it does offer a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

=Conclusion=
So, which do I recommend?

Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps, with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible reader, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.

Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use. Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:
[[File:OliveTree-Finished!.jpg|thumb|300px|Finished!!!]]

=Credits=
Contributed by Jon Glass in December 2011 on the CATUG blog, [http://macsnmin.catug.org/ Of Macs -n- Min]

=See also=
*[[Bible software for iPhone]], including links to the apps discussed above

[[Category:Bible Software|IOS Bible Reading Plans]]

File:Iphone-bible-2.jpg

2011-12-30T19:20:33Z

Krakowian: iphone-bible together

iphone-bible together

File:OliveTree-Finished!.jpg

2011-12-30T19:14:04Z

Krakowian: Completed reading plan view in OliveTree

Completed reading plan view in OliveTree

File:OliveTree.jpg

2011-12-30T19:07:53Z

Krakowian: OliveTree's Daily reading screen

OliveTree's Daily reading screen

File:YouVersion-prefs.jpg

2011-12-30T19:04:19Z

Krakowian: YouVersion's reading plan preferences view

YouVersion's reading plan preferences view

File:YouVersion-plan.jpg

2011-12-30T19:03:14Z

Krakowian: Screenshot of YouVersion's reading plan view

Screenshot of YouVersion's reading plan view

File:Mantis.jpg

2011-12-30T19:01:46Z

Krakowian: Mantis Bible Study's reading plan view

Mantis Bible Study's reading plan view

File:Laridian-prefs.jpg

2011-12-30T18:59:43Z

Krakowian: Screenshot of Laridian's PocketBible's reading plan preferences view

Screenshot of Laridian's PocketBible's reading plan preferences view

File:Laridian-plan.jpg

2011-12-30T18:59:05Z

Krakowian: Screenshot of Laridian's PocketBible Reading plan view

Screenshot of Laridian's PocketBible Reading plan view

File:ReadingPlan-overview.jpg

2011-12-30T18:58:16Z

Krakowian: Screenshot of ReadingPlan's overview screen

Screenshot of ReadingPlan's overview screen

File:BLB.jpg

2011-12-30T18:57:48Z

Krakowian: BlueLetterBible reading plan view

BlueLetterBible reading plan view

File:PocketSword.jpg

2011-12-30T18:57:04Z

Krakowian: Screen shot of PocketSword's daily reading view

Screen shot of PocketSword's daily reading view

File:Accordance.jpg

2011-12-30T18:56:03Z

Krakowian: Screen shot of Accordance on the iPhone, reading plan view

Screen shot of Accordance on the iPhone, reading plan view

File:Logos.jpg

2011-12-30T18:55:07Z

Krakowian: screen shot of Logos' home page with reading plan visible

screen shot of Logos' home page with reading plan visible

Bible reading plans on iOS

2011-12-29T21:27:08Z

Krakowian: /* Laridian PocketBible: */

=(This article is a work in progress)=

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=

For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even reading the Bible every day) is an inconceivable journey–an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.
Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders to read, and also allowed me to track my progress. It wasn’t the most flexible, but it started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years to read through the entire Bible in a year. I used this reading plan for a few years, until one year, I decided to try something different, and “fell off the wagon”. The next year, I tried on my Treo cell phone, but discovered the app no longer worked. Again, despite trying, I failed to read through the Bible in a year. In 2009, I bought an iPhone. Some of the first apps I sought out were Bible apps. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Sadly, it seemed that most Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make it truly useful. The iPhone Bible app category has grown since then, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a review on FaceBook of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
First of all, for those who may own an iPhone but who are skeptical about using it for daily Bible reading, or for the curious and unconvinced, an explanation for why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to this purpose:

1. My phone is always with me, even if I’m standing in line at a government office, or riding a bus, or wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
2. Using good software, you can keep track of what you have already read, and what you have yet to read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up with your reading. This is useful on days where you weren’t able to finish the daily reading, or worse, weren’t even able to start, of which I had a few. For myself, there have also been days when I knew that I wanted to read multiple chapters together (like the lives of some kings in the OT, for instance), so I would either wait, or read ahead. A good Bible reading app will allow you this flexibility.
3. The fact that you probably carry your phone with you everywhere, and your Bible software is there can, in itself, serve as a reminder to read, but you can also set alarms to remind you, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
4. Backlit display! Now, you can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What we are looking for in a Bible reader:=
These are just a few of the bonuses of using your mobile. So, what are some specific things we are looking for in a Bible reading app?

1. Reading plans: We are looking for flexibility–multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
2. Progress tracking: This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed, compared to where you should be. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, for instance, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up. My old Palm app had the ability to re-calculate a reading plan by adding chapters to daily readings to keep the same end date. I haven’t yet discovered this capability in an iPhone app, but I’m looking for it, and will note it if I find it.
3. Note taking and other annotations: When reading large portions of Scripture at a time, it is wise to take quick notes that you can refer back to later. This is important because when you are reading, you really don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made, or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
4. Usability/accessibility: This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are.

The specific iPhone apps I’ll be covering are as follows: BlueLetterBible, Laridian PocketBible, Logos, Accordance, PocketSword, Mantis, YouVersion Bible, and OliveTree, as well as an app called ReadingPlan, which is not a typical Bible app, but an app dedicated to reading plans, as its name states.
My main goal is to compare all of the apps according to how they meet the goals mentioned above.
=The Runners-Up=
The runner-up apps are ones that do not meet all of the criteria for various reasons. Some don’t have all the features, or have most of them, but the implementation is lacking in usability. At the end, we will introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.
Before we discuss them in detail, I want to say that these apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance), so they are covered here in this article. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment of their usability is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience. Your experience and tastes will differ.

==First, let’s discuss Logos and Accordance:==

Logos

Accordance

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and Accordance is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read, which Accordance does not do, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. In Accordance, it is reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon, and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Since Accordance does nothing to help you keep track, you are on your own. However, there is hope for both these apps in this department, but more on that at the end of this article. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. I should also note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection in order to use it as intended.

==PocketSword:==

PocketSword

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the Sword Project, and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). Like Accordance and Logos, the options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, which are two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. There are others as well, so while there is a paucity of options, it’s not so bad as with the previous two programs. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of now, it still lacks any sort of note-taking ability. Like Accordance, it also has no progress tracking ability, but again, there is a third-party solution that shall be mentioned at the end of this article that can fill in this gap.

==BlueLetter Bible:==

BlueLetterBible-day view
Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app, there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then down below, on the “Daily Bible Reading” button. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading, by tapping on the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen. There is no way to back out by tapping "Cancel." You must choose one of the two presented options. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them. And what you should do after tapping the "Date" button also isn’t clear.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser--but local, right on your iPhone. So, you turn on web serving, and navigate to the file/web server via your web browser. Safari has a “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, which makes this feature very accessible. Once you’ve turned on the server, open up Safari, click on the Bonjour item, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So, if you are diligent, you can save periodic backups of your BLB data, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress right on your computer. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, using your backup files, you can easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike with some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan:==

ReadingPlan-overview
This last app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function, creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It does have the ability to open up various web-based Bible resources from within a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful, and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)
Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a far-off third place, with 8 free reading plans. ReadingPlan also allows for you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While There is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPodTouch and/or iPad, you can sync between the devices to keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.
As to tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a nighttime setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app. It can amply explain the features I have left unexplained here.

=The Finalists=
Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress (or lack thereof), and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes, as well as save and preserve your progress and your work. Interestingly enough, all of these apps save your data via an online service, to which you can back up and sync your data in one way or another. Another interesting fact is that, with the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version, so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well. I should note that OliveTree is also working on a Windows version of its app.

==Laridian PocketBible:==

Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view
This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. It has a quite a few reading plans. I count seven free plans, and in the store, there is a whole category devoted to devotionals that vary in price from around $8 to $15. However, the seven free plans cover a broad variety, so you are likely to find what you need there. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the little calendar icon at the bottom, named “Today.” If you haven’t yet selected a plan, you will be given the opportunity to select a plan. Once a reading plan has been set up, tapping the icon defaults to opening the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon while in today’s reading, a new screen pops up, allowing you to change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your reading progress by tapping "View Reading Progress". Tapping a day on this screen opens that day’s reading plan. If, instead, you want to mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button. Once tapped, you can tap on days to toggle their read status, tapping once again on Done when finished. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you will have to return to this menu to mark your day’s reading as “done.” There is yet other way of navigating your daily reading. When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on the “Go To” icon pops up a navigation screen that allows you to go to the first unread, today’s, previous unread, previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful. If all this sounds a little complex, well, in my opinion, it seems to be a bit more “fussy” than it could be, and certainly compared to the other apps of this calibre. In fact, to be honest, I find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. But it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms (specifically if you own a Windows computer, and would like to use your modules there as well), it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface. So it is worthy of being in this group.

Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing with other devices. It truly belongs among the heavy-hitters in this category.

==Mantis Bible Study:==

Daily reading view for Mantis
Honestly, this app was probably the most complex one to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has the integrated Bible reading plans, and a fair number of them, to boot (I count eight of them). It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available, are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. All this is done without a need to switch views or tap through multiple screens etc. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve with this program, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible. But again, that’s just my personal perspective.

If I have to say anything negative about Mantis, it is this. Mantis, for some reason, has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules one one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and I hope they hurry. In this day, with people owning multiple iOS devices that they move between, this way of doing things is not acceptable. I bring this issue up, not to bash Mantis, but so you can be aware of what you are buying into, and know in advance so you aren’t surprised after the fact.

==YouVersion.com’s Bible:==

YouVersion daily reading view
This app is probably the absolutely best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the absolute most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans, (38 of them), to partial Bible plans (56 of them!!!), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24) for teens. There is some overlap, but honestly, there is a Bible reading plan for literally everybody, from plans lasting a few days, to multiple years! Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (just about every smart phone platform is supported), online notes, and more, as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out, and may find you have to quit the app to get it working again (a bug they seem to be attempting to squash as of this writing). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially, since the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worthy serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion keeps track what you’ve read for you, and as you complete a chapter, it marks it off automatically. When you read the last chapter, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. Very convenient. You access the notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse, and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. There are several options on what to do with the selected verse or verses (tapping multiple verses selects them) besides creating a note. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Reader:==

OliveTree daily reading view
While it is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (like in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is checked off as read. This is very, very convenient. Massive kudos to OliveTree for this innovation. But they didn’t stop there. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, or the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. OliveTree has incorporated tags into their system. For some reason, tags seem to be something that people either really love, or entirely do not understand. I shall try to explain them. When you highlight a verse, you can essentially only highlight it with one color. If you categorize a note, you can essentially only categorize it into one category. There are built-in limitations with these ways of categorizing things. Tags, on the other hand, are more flexible, and can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. Here is an illustration. Suppose you have a bookmark category “Promises”. You could create sub-categories for various kinds of promises, or you could use tags. One advantage of tags is that you can apply multiple tags to one verse, passage or even a word. Plus, if you write a note on a passage, you can tag it with the same tag. As you read a commentary, you may find a particularly good description of a promise. Tag that description as well. Now, you can view all of these items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for, but specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee. It is worth implementing, and is yet one more innovation of the OliveTree BibleReader.

All of this may sound confusing, but OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item (for all your “stuff”), and tap on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, on the Daily Reading screen, tap the “View List of Days” button to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. You can also view the current day’s assignment by tapping its button. Also on the Daily reading screen, there is an overview of your progress. All in all, it is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it does offer a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

==So, which do I recommend?==
Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps, with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible reader, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.
Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use. Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

Bible reading plans on iOS

2011-12-29T21:26:15Z

Krakowian: /* OliveTree Bible Reader: */

=(This article is a work in progress)=

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=

For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even reading the Bible every day) is an inconceivable journey–an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.
Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders to read, and also allowed me to track my progress. It wasn’t the most flexible, but it started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years to read through the entire Bible in a year. I used this reading plan for a few years, until one year, I decided to try something different, and “fell off the wagon”. The next year, I tried on my Treo cell phone, but discovered the app no longer worked. Again, despite trying, I failed to read through the Bible in a year. In 2009, I bought an iPhone. Some of the first apps I sought out were Bible apps. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Sadly, it seemed that most Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make it truly useful. The iPhone Bible app category has grown since then, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a review on FaceBook of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
First of all, for those who may own an iPhone but who are skeptical about using it for daily Bible reading, or for the curious and unconvinced, an explanation for why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to this purpose:

1. My phone is always with me, even if I’m standing in line at a government office, or riding a bus, or wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
2. Using good software, you can keep track of what you have already read, and what you have yet to read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up with your reading. This is useful on days where you weren’t able to finish the daily reading, or worse, weren’t even able to start, of which I had a few. For myself, there have also been days when I knew that I wanted to read multiple chapters together (like the lives of some kings in the OT, for instance), so I would either wait, or read ahead. A good Bible reading app will allow you this flexibility.
3. The fact that you probably carry your phone with you everywhere, and your Bible software is there can, in itself, serve as a reminder to read, but you can also set alarms to remind you, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
4. Backlit display! Now, you can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What we are looking for in a Bible reader:=
These are just a few of the bonuses of using your mobile. So, what are some specific things we are looking for in a Bible reading app?

1. Reading plans: We are looking for flexibility–multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
2. Progress tracking: This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed, compared to where you should be. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, for instance, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up. My old Palm app had the ability to re-calculate a reading plan by adding chapters to daily readings to keep the same end date. I haven’t yet discovered this capability in an iPhone app, but I’m looking for it, and will note it if I find it.
3. Note taking and other annotations: When reading large portions of Scripture at a time, it is wise to take quick notes that you can refer back to later. This is important because when you are reading, you really don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made, or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
4. Usability/accessibility: This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are.

The specific iPhone apps I’ll be covering are as follows: BlueLetterBible, Laridian PocketBible, Logos, Accordance, PocketSword, Mantis, YouVersion Bible, and OliveTree, as well as an app called ReadingPlan, which is not a typical Bible app, but an app dedicated to reading plans, as its name states.
My main goal is to compare all of the apps according to how they meet the goals mentioned above.
=The Runners-Up=
The runner-up apps are ones that do not meet all of the criteria for various reasons. Some don’t have all the features, or have most of them, but the implementation is lacking in usability. At the end, we will introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.
Before we discuss them in detail, I want to say that these apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance), so they are covered here in this article. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment of their usability is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience. Your experience and tastes will differ.

==First, let’s discuss Logos and Accordance:==

Logos

Accordance

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and Accordance is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read, which Accordance does not do, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. In Accordance, it is reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon, and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Since Accordance does nothing to help you keep track, you are on your own. However, there is hope for both these apps in this department, but more on that at the end of this article. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. I should also note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection in order to use it as intended.

==PocketSword:==

PocketSword

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the Sword Project, and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). Like Accordance and Logos, the options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, which are two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. There are others as well, so while there is a paucity of options, it’s not so bad as with the previous two programs. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of now, it still lacks any sort of note-taking ability. Like Accordance, it also has no progress tracking ability, but again, there is a third-party solution that shall be mentioned at the end of this article that can fill in this gap.

==BlueLetter Bible:==

BlueLetterBible-day view
Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app, there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then down below, on the “Daily Bible Reading” button. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading, by tapping on the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen. There is no way to back out by tapping "Cancel." You must choose one of the two presented options. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them. And what you should do after tapping the "Date" button also isn’t clear.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser--but local, right on your iPhone. So, you turn on web serving, and navigate to the file/web server via your web browser. Safari has a “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, which makes this feature very accessible. Once you’ve turned on the server, open up Safari, click on the Bonjour item, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So, if you are diligent, you can save periodic backups of your BLB data, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress right on your computer. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, using your backup files, you can easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike with some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan:==

ReadingPlan-overview
This last app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function, creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It does have the ability to open up various web-based Bible resources from within a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful, and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)
Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a far-off third place, with 8 free reading plans. ReadingPlan also allows for you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While There is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPodTouch and/or iPad, you can sync between the devices to keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.
As to tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a nighttime setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app. It can amply explain the features I have left unexplained here.

=The Finalists=
Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress (or lack thereof), and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes, as well as save and preserve your progress and your work. Interestingly enough, all of these apps save your data via an online service, to which you can back up and sync your data in one way or another. Another interesting fact is that, with the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version, so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well. I should note that OliveTree is also working on a Windows version of its app.

==Laridian PocketBible:==

Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view
This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. It has a quite a few reading plans. I count seven free plans, and in the store, there is a whole category devoted to devotionals that vary in price from around $8 to $15. However, the seven free plans cover a broad variety, so you are likely to find what you need there. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the little calendar icon at the bottom, named “Today.” If you haven’t yet selected a plan, you will be given the opportunity to select a plan. Once a reading plan has been set up, tapping the icon defaults to opening the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon while in today’s reading, a new screen pops up, allowing you to change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your reading progress by tapping "View Reading Progress". Tapping a day on this screen opens that day’s reading plan. If, instead, you want to mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button. Once tapped, you can tap on days to toggle their read status, tapping once again on Done when finished. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you will have to return to this menu to mark your day’s reading as “done.” There is yet other way of navigating your daily reading. When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on the “Go To” icon pops up a navigation screen that allows you to go to the first unread, today’s, previous unread,

Laridian PocketBible Progress view
previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful. If all this sounds a little complex, well, in my opinion, it seems to be a bit more “fussy” than it could be, and certainly compared to the other apps of this calibre. In fact, to be honest, I find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. But it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms (specifically if you own a Windows computer, and would like to use your modules there as well), it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface. So it is worthy of being in this group.
Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing with other devices. It truly belongs among the heavy-hitters in this category.

==Mantis Bible Study:==

Daily reading view for Mantis
Honestly, this app was probably the most complex one to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has the integrated Bible reading plans, and a fair number of them, to boot (I count eight of them). It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available, are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. All this is done without a need to switch views or tap through multiple screens etc. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve with this program, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible. But again, that’s just my personal perspective.

If I have to say anything negative about Mantis, it is this. Mantis, for some reason, has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules one one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and I hope they hurry. In this day, with people owning multiple iOS devices that they move between, this way of doing things is not acceptable. I bring this issue up, not to bash Mantis, but so you can be aware of what you are buying into, and know in advance so you aren’t surprised after the fact.

==YouVersion.com’s Bible:==

YouVersion daily reading view
This app is probably the absolutely best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the absolute most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans, (38 of them), to partial Bible plans (56 of them!!!), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24) for teens. There is some overlap, but honestly, there is a Bible reading plan for literally everybody, from plans lasting a few days, to multiple years! Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (just about every smart phone platform is supported), online notes, and more, as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out, and may find you have to quit the app to get it working again (a bug they seem to be attempting to squash as of this writing). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially, since the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worthy serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion keeps track what you’ve read for you, and as you complete a chapter, it marks it off automatically. When you read the last chapter, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. Very convenient. You access the notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse, and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. There are several options on what to do with the selected verse or verses (tapping multiple verses selects them) besides creating a note. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Reader:==

OliveTree daily reading view
While it is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (like in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is checked off as read. This is very, very convenient. Massive kudos to OliveTree for this innovation. But they didn’t stop there. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, or the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. OliveTree has incorporated tags into their system. For some reason, tags seem to be something that people either really love, or entirely do not understand. I shall try to explain them. When you highlight a verse, you can essentially only highlight it with one color. If you categorize a note, you can essentially only categorize it into one category. There are built-in limitations with these ways of categorizing things. Tags, on the other hand, are more flexible, and can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. Here is an illustration. Suppose you have a bookmark category “Promises”. You could create sub-categories for various kinds of promises, or you could use tags. One advantage of tags is that you can apply multiple tags to one verse, passage or even a word. Plus, if you write a note on a passage, you can tag it with the same tag. As you read a commentary, you may find a particularly good description of a promise. Tag that description as well. Now, you can view all of these items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for, but specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee. It is worth implementing, and is yet one more innovation of the OliveTree BibleReader.

All of this may sound confusing, but OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item (for all your “stuff”), and tap on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, on the Daily Reading screen, tap the “View List of Days” button to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. You can also view the current day’s assignment by tapping its button. Also on the Daily reading screen, there is an overview of your progress. All in all, it is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it does offer a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

==So, which do I recommend?==
Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps, with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible reader, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.
Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use. Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

Bible reading plans on iOS

2011-12-29T21:25:48Z

Krakowian: /* Mantis Bible Study: */

=(This article is a work in progress)=

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=

For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even reading the Bible every day) is an inconceivable journey–an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.
Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders to read, and also allowed me to track my progress. It wasn’t the most flexible, but it started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years to read through the entire Bible in a year. I used this reading plan for a few years, until one year, I decided to try something different, and “fell off the wagon”. The next year, I tried on my Treo cell phone, but discovered the app no longer worked. Again, despite trying, I failed to read through the Bible in a year. In 2009, I bought an iPhone. Some of the first apps I sought out were Bible apps. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Sadly, it seemed that most Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make it truly useful. The iPhone Bible app category has grown since then, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a review on FaceBook of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
First of all, for those who may own an iPhone but who are skeptical about using it for daily Bible reading, or for the curious and unconvinced, an explanation for why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to this purpose:

1. My phone is always with me, even if I’m standing in line at a government office, or riding a bus, or wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
2. Using good software, you can keep track of what you have already read, and what you have yet to read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up with your reading. This is useful on days where you weren’t able to finish the daily reading, or worse, weren’t even able to start, of which I had a few. For myself, there have also been days when I knew that I wanted to read multiple chapters together (like the lives of some kings in the OT, for instance), so I would either wait, or read ahead. A good Bible reading app will allow you this flexibility.
3. The fact that you probably carry your phone with you everywhere, and your Bible software is there can, in itself, serve as a reminder to read, but you can also set alarms to remind you, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
4. Backlit display! Now, you can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What we are looking for in a Bible reader:=
These are just a few of the bonuses of using your mobile. So, what are some specific things we are looking for in a Bible reading app?

1. Reading plans: We are looking for flexibility–multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
2. Progress tracking: This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed, compared to where you should be. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, for instance, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up. My old Palm app had the ability to re-calculate a reading plan by adding chapters to daily readings to keep the same end date. I haven’t yet discovered this capability in an iPhone app, but I’m looking for it, and will note it if I find it.
3. Note taking and other annotations: When reading large portions of Scripture at a time, it is wise to take quick notes that you can refer back to later. This is important because when you are reading, you really don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made, or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
4. Usability/accessibility: This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are.

The specific iPhone apps I’ll be covering are as follows: BlueLetterBible, Laridian PocketBible, Logos, Accordance, PocketSword, Mantis, YouVersion Bible, and OliveTree, as well as an app called ReadingPlan, which is not a typical Bible app, but an app dedicated to reading plans, as its name states.
My main goal is to compare all of the apps according to how they meet the goals mentioned above.
=The Runners-Up=
The runner-up apps are ones that do not meet all of the criteria for various reasons. Some don’t have all the features, or have most of them, but the implementation is lacking in usability. At the end, we will introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.
Before we discuss them in detail, I want to say that these apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance), so they are covered here in this article. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment of their usability is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience. Your experience and tastes will differ.

==First, let’s discuss Logos and Accordance:==

Logos

Accordance

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and Accordance is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read, which Accordance does not do, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. In Accordance, it is reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon, and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Since Accordance does nothing to help you keep track, you are on your own. However, there is hope for both these apps in this department, but more on that at the end of this article. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. I should also note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection in order to use it as intended.

==PocketSword:==

PocketSword

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the Sword Project, and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). Like Accordance and Logos, the options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, which are two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. There are others as well, so while there is a paucity of options, it’s not so bad as with the previous two programs. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of now, it still lacks any sort of note-taking ability. Like Accordance, it also has no progress tracking ability, but again, there is a third-party solution that shall be mentioned at the end of this article that can fill in this gap.

==BlueLetter Bible:==

BlueLetterBible-day view
Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app, there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then down below, on the “Daily Bible Reading” button. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading, by tapping on the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen. There is no way to back out by tapping "Cancel." You must choose one of the two presented options. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them. And what you should do after tapping the "Date" button also isn’t clear.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser--but local, right on your iPhone. So, you turn on web serving, and navigate to the file/web server via your web browser. Safari has a “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, which makes this feature very accessible. Once you’ve turned on the server, open up Safari, click on the Bonjour item, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So, if you are diligent, you can save periodic backups of your BLB data, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress right on your computer. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, using your backup files, you can easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike with some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan:==

ReadingPlan-overview
This last app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function, creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It does have the ability to open up various web-based Bible resources from within a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful, and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)
Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a far-off third place, with 8 free reading plans. ReadingPlan also allows for you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While There is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPodTouch and/or iPad, you can sync between the devices to keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.
As to tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a nighttime setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app. It can amply explain the features I have left unexplained here.

=The Finalists=
Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress (or lack thereof), and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes, as well as save and preserve your progress and your work. Interestingly enough, all of these apps save your data via an online service, to which you can back up and sync your data in one way or another. Another interesting fact is that, with the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version, so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well. I should note that OliveTree is also working on a Windows version of its app.

==Laridian PocketBible:==

Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view
This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. It has a quite a few reading plans. I count seven free plans, and in the store, there is a whole category devoted to devotionals that vary in price from around $8 to $15. However, the seven free plans cover a broad variety, so you are likely to find what you need there. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the little calendar icon at the bottom, named “Today.” If you haven’t yet selected a plan, you will be given the opportunity to select a plan. Once a reading plan has been set up, tapping the icon defaults to opening the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon while in today’s reading, a new screen pops up, allowing you to change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your reading progress by tapping "View Reading Progress". Tapping a day on this screen opens that day’s reading plan. If, instead, you want to mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button. Once tapped, you can tap on days to toggle their read status, tapping once again on Done when finished. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you will have to return to this menu to mark your day’s reading as “done.” There is yet other way of navigating your daily reading. When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on the “Go To” icon pops up a navigation screen that allows you to go to the first unread, today’s, previous unread,

Laridian PocketBible Progress view
previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful. If all this sounds a little complex, well, in my opinion, it seems to be a bit more “fussy” than it could be, and certainly compared to the other apps of this calibre. In fact, to be honest, I find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. But it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms (specifically if you own a Windows computer, and would like to use your modules there as well), it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface. So it is worthy of being in this group.
Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing with other devices. It truly belongs among the heavy-hitters in this category.

==Mantis Bible Study:==

Daily reading view for Mantis
Honestly, this app was probably the most complex one to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has the integrated Bible reading plans, and a fair number of them, to boot (I count eight of them). It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available, are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. All this is done without a need to switch views or tap through multiple screens etc. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve with this program, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible. But again, that’s just my personal perspective.

If I have to say anything negative about Mantis, it is this. Mantis, for some reason, has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules one one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and I hope they hurry. In this day, with people owning multiple iOS devices that they move between, this way of doing things is not acceptable. I bring this issue up, not to bash Mantis, but so you can be aware of what you are buying into, and know in advance so you aren’t surprised after the fact.

==YouVersion.com’s Bible:==

YouVersion daily reading view
This app is probably the absolutely best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the absolute most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans, (38 of them), to partial Bible plans (56 of them!!!), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24) for teens. There is some overlap, but honestly, there is a Bible reading plan for literally everybody, from plans lasting a few days, to multiple years! Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (just about every smart phone platform is supported), online notes, and more, as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out, and may find you have to quit the app to get it working again (a bug they seem to be attempting to squash as of this writing). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially, since the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worthy serious consideration.

When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion keeps track what you’ve read for you, and as you complete a chapter, it marks it off automatically. When you read the last chapter, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. Very convenient. You access the notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse, and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. There are several options on what to do with the selected verse or verses (tapping multiple verses selects them) besides creating a note. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Reader:==

OliveTree daily reading view
While it is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (like in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is checked off as read. This is very, very convenient. Massive kudos to OliveTree for this innovation. But they didn’t stop there. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, or the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. OliveTree has incorporated tags into their system. For some reason, tags seem to be something that people either really love, or entirely do not understand. I shall try to explain them. When you highlight a verse, you can essentially only highlight it with one color. If you categorize a note, you can essentially only categorize it into one category. There are built-in limitations with these ways of categorizing things. Tags, on the other hand, are more flexible, and can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. Here is an illustration. Suppose you have a bookmark category “Promises”. You could create sub-categories for various kinds of promises, or you could use tags. One advantage of tags is that you can apply multiple tags to one verse, passage or even a word. Plus, if you write a note on a passage, you can tag it with the same tag. As you read a commentary, you may find a particularly good description of a promise. Tag that description as well. Now, you can view all of these items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for, but specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee. It is worth implementing, and is yet one more innovation of the OliveTree BibleReader.
All of this may sound confusing, but OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item (for all your “stuff”), and tap on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, on the Daily Reading screen, tap the “View List of Days” button to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. You can also view the current day’s assignment by tapping its button. Also on the Daily reading screen, there is an overview of your progress. All in all, it is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it does offer a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

==So, which do I recommend?==
Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps, with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible reader, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.
Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use. Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

Bible reading plans on iOS

2011-12-29T21:24:40Z

Krakowian: /* The Finalists */

=(This article is a work in progress)=

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=

For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even reading the Bible every day) is an inconceivable journey–an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.
Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders to read, and also allowed me to track my progress. It wasn’t the most flexible, but it started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years to read through the entire Bible in a year. I used this reading plan for a few years, until one year, I decided to try something different, and “fell off the wagon”. The next year, I tried on my Treo cell phone, but discovered the app no longer worked. Again, despite trying, I failed to read through the Bible in a year. In 2009, I bought an iPhone. Some of the first apps I sought out were Bible apps. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Sadly, it seemed that most Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make it truly useful. The iPhone Bible app category has grown since then, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a review on FaceBook of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
First of all, for those who may own an iPhone but who are skeptical about using it for daily Bible reading, or for the curious and unconvinced, an explanation for why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to this purpose:

1. My phone is always with me, even if I’m standing in line at a government office, or riding a bus, or wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
2. Using good software, you can keep track of what you have already read, and what you have yet to read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up with your reading. This is useful on days where you weren’t able to finish the daily reading, or worse, weren’t even able to start, of which I had a few. For myself, there have also been days when I knew that I wanted to read multiple chapters together (like the lives of some kings in the OT, for instance), so I would either wait, or read ahead. A good Bible reading app will allow you this flexibility.
3. The fact that you probably carry your phone with you everywhere, and your Bible software is there can, in itself, serve as a reminder to read, but you can also set alarms to remind you, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
4. Backlit display! Now, you can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What we are looking for in a Bible reader:=
These are just a few of the bonuses of using your mobile. So, what are some specific things we are looking for in a Bible reading app?

1. Reading plans: We are looking for flexibility–multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
2. Progress tracking: This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed, compared to where you should be. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, for instance, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up. My old Palm app had the ability to re-calculate a reading plan by adding chapters to daily readings to keep the same end date. I haven’t yet discovered this capability in an iPhone app, but I’m looking for it, and will note it if I find it.
3. Note taking and other annotations: When reading large portions of Scripture at a time, it is wise to take quick notes that you can refer back to later. This is important because when you are reading, you really don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made, or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
4. Usability/accessibility: This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are.

The specific iPhone apps I’ll be covering are as follows: BlueLetterBible, Laridian PocketBible, Logos, Accordance, PocketSword, Mantis, YouVersion Bible, and OliveTree, as well as an app called ReadingPlan, which is not a typical Bible app, but an app dedicated to reading plans, as its name states.
My main goal is to compare all of the apps according to how they meet the goals mentioned above.
=The Runners-Up=
The runner-up apps are ones that do not meet all of the criteria for various reasons. Some don’t have all the features, or have most of them, but the implementation is lacking in usability. At the end, we will introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.
Before we discuss them in detail, I want to say that these apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance), so they are covered here in this article. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment of their usability is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience. Your experience and tastes will differ.

==First, let’s discuss Logos and Accordance:==

Logos

Accordance

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and Accordance is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read, which Accordance does not do, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. In Accordance, it is reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon, and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Since Accordance does nothing to help you keep track, you are on your own. However, there is hope for both these apps in this department, but more on that at the end of this article. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. I should also note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection in order to use it as intended.

==PocketSword:==

PocketSword

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the Sword Project, and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). Like Accordance and Logos, the options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, which are two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. There are others as well, so while there is a paucity of options, it’s not so bad as with the previous two programs. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of now, it still lacks any sort of note-taking ability. Like Accordance, it also has no progress tracking ability, but again, there is a third-party solution that shall be mentioned at the end of this article that can fill in this gap.

==BlueLetter Bible:==

BlueLetterBible-day view
Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app, there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then down below, on the “Daily Bible Reading” button. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading, by tapping on the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen. There is no way to back out by tapping "Cancel." You must choose one of the two presented options. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them. And what you should do after tapping the "Date" button also isn’t clear.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser--but local, right on your iPhone. So, you turn on web serving, and navigate to the file/web server via your web browser. Safari has a “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, which makes this feature very accessible. Once you’ve turned on the server, open up Safari, click on the Bonjour item, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So, if you are diligent, you can save periodic backups of your BLB data, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress right on your computer. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, using your backup files, you can easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike with some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan:==

ReadingPlan-overview
This last app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function, creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It does have the ability to open up various web-based Bible resources from within a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful, and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)
Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a far-off third place, with 8 free reading plans. ReadingPlan also allows for you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While There is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPodTouch and/or iPad, you can sync between the devices to keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.
As to tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a nighttime setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app. It can amply explain the features I have left unexplained here.

=The Finalists=
Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress (or lack thereof), and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes, as well as save and preserve your progress and your work. Interestingly enough, all of these apps save your data via an online service, to which you can back up and sync your data in one way or another. Another interesting fact is that, with the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version, so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well. I should note that OliveTree is also working on a Windows version of its app.

==Laridian PocketBible:==

Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view
This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. It has a quite a few reading plans. I count seven free plans, and in the store, there is a whole category devoted to devotionals that vary in price from around $8 to $15. However, the seven free plans cover a broad variety, so you are likely to find what you need there. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the little calendar icon at the bottom, named “Today.” If you haven’t yet selected a plan, you will be given the opportunity to select a plan. Once a reading plan has been set up, tapping the icon defaults to opening the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon while in today’s reading, a new screen pops up, allowing you to change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your reading progress by tapping "View Reading Progress". Tapping a day on this screen opens that day’s reading plan. If, instead, you want to mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button. Once tapped, you can tap on days to toggle their read status, tapping once again on Done when finished. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you will have to return to this menu to mark your day’s reading as “done.” There is yet other way of navigating your daily reading. When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on the “Go To” icon pops up a navigation screen that allows you to go to the first unread, today’s, previous unread,

Laridian PocketBible Progress view
previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful. If all this sounds a little complex, well, in my opinion, it seems to be a bit more “fussy” than it could be, and certainly compared to the other apps of this calibre. In fact, to be honest, I find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. But it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms (specifically if you own a Windows computer, and would like to use your modules there as well), it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface. So it is worthy of being in this group.
Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing with other devices. It truly belongs among the heavy-hitters in this category.

==Mantis Bible Study:==

Daily reading view for Mantis
Honestly, this app was probably the most complex one to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has the integrated Bible reading plans, and a fair number of them, to boot (I count eight of them). It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available, are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. All this is done without a need to switch views or tap through multiple screens etc. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve with this program, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible. But again, that’s just my personal perspective.

If I have to say anything negative about Mantis, it is this. Mantis, for some reason, has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules one one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and I hope they hurry. In this day, with people owning multiple iOS devices that they move between, this way of doing things is not acceptable. I bring this issue up, not to bash Mantis, but so you can be aware of what you are buying into, and know in advance so you aren’t surprised after the fact.

==YouVersion.com’s Bible:==

YouVersion daily reading view
This app is probably the absolutely best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the absolute most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans, (38 of them), to partial Bible plans (56 of them!!!), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24) for teens. There is some overlap, but honestly, there is a Bible reading plan for literally everybody, from plans lasting a few days, to multiple years! Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (just about every smart phone platform is supported), online notes, and more, as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out, and may find you have to quit the app to get it working again (a bug they seem to be attempting to squash as of this writing). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially, since the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worthy serious consideration.
When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner

YouVersion progress view
of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion keeps track what you’ve read for you, and as you complete a chapter, it marks it off automatically. When you read the last chapter, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. Very convenient. You access the notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse, and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. There are several options on what to do with the selected verse or verses (tapping multiple verses selects them) besides creating a note. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Reader:==

OliveTree daily reading view
While it is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (like in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is checked off as read. This is very, very convenient. Massive kudos to OliveTree for this innovation. But they didn’t stop there. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, or the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. OliveTree has incorporated tags into their system. For some reason, tags seem to be something that people either really love, or entirely do not understand. I shall try to explain them. When you highlight a verse, you can essentially only highlight it with one color. If you categorize a note, you can essentially only categorize it into one category. There are built-in limitations with these ways of categorizing things. Tags, on the other hand, are more flexible, and can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. Here is an illustration. Suppose you have a bookmark category “Promises”. You could create sub-categories for various kinds of promises, or you could use tags. One advantage of tags is that you can apply multiple tags to one verse, passage or even a word. Plus, if you write a note on a passage, you can tag it with the same tag. As you read a commentary, you may find a particularly good description of a promise. Tag that description as well. Now, you can view all of these items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for, but specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee. It is worth implementing, and is yet one more innovation of the OliveTree BibleReader.
All of this may sound confusing, but OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item (for all your “stuff”), and tap on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, on the Daily Reading screen, tap the “View List of Days” button to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. You can also view the current day’s assignment by tapping its button. Also on the Daily reading screen, there is an overview of your progress. All in all, it is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it does offer a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

==So, which do I recommend?==
Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps, with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible reader, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.
Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use. Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

Bible reading plans on iOS

2011-12-29T21:24:15Z

Krakowian: /* The Finalists */

=(This article is a work in progress)=

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=

For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even reading the Bible every day) is an inconceivable journey–an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.
Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders to read, and also allowed me to track my progress. It wasn’t the most flexible, but it started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years to read through the entire Bible in a year. I used this reading plan for a few years, until one year, I decided to try something different, and “fell off the wagon”. The next year, I tried on my Treo cell phone, but discovered the app no longer worked. Again, despite trying, I failed to read through the Bible in a year. In 2009, I bought an iPhone. Some of the first apps I sought out were Bible apps. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Sadly, it seemed that most Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make it truly useful. The iPhone Bible app category has grown since then, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a review on FaceBook of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
First of all, for those who may own an iPhone but who are skeptical about using it for daily Bible reading, or for the curious and unconvinced, an explanation for why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to this purpose:

1. My phone is always with me, even if I’m standing in line at a government office, or riding a bus, or wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
2. Using good software, you can keep track of what you have already read, and what you have yet to read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up with your reading. This is useful on days where you weren’t able to finish the daily reading, or worse, weren’t even able to start, of which I had a few. For myself, there have also been days when I knew that I wanted to read multiple chapters together (like the lives of some kings in the OT, for instance), so I would either wait, or read ahead. A good Bible reading app will allow you this flexibility.
3. The fact that you probably carry your phone with you everywhere, and your Bible software is there can, in itself, serve as a reminder to read, but you can also set alarms to remind you, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
4. Backlit display! Now, you can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What we are looking for in a Bible reader:=
These are just a few of the bonuses of using your mobile. So, what are some specific things we are looking for in a Bible reading app?

1. Reading plans: We are looking for flexibility–multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
2. Progress tracking: This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed, compared to where you should be. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, for instance, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up. My old Palm app had the ability to re-calculate a reading plan by adding chapters to daily readings to keep the same end date. I haven’t yet discovered this capability in an iPhone app, but I’m looking for it, and will note it if I find it.
3. Note taking and other annotations: When reading large portions of Scripture at a time, it is wise to take quick notes that you can refer back to later. This is important because when you are reading, you really don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made, or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
4. Usability/accessibility: This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are.

The specific iPhone apps I’ll be covering are as follows: BlueLetterBible, Laridian PocketBible, Logos, Accordance, PocketSword, Mantis, YouVersion Bible, and OliveTree, as well as an app called ReadingPlan, which is not a typical Bible app, but an app dedicated to reading plans, as its name states.
My main goal is to compare all of the apps according to how they meet the goals mentioned above.
=The Runners-Up=
The runner-up apps are ones that do not meet all of the criteria for various reasons. Some don’t have all the features, or have most of them, but the implementation is lacking in usability. At the end, we will introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.
Before we discuss them in detail, I want to say that these apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance), so they are covered here in this article. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment of their usability is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience. Your experience and tastes will differ.

==First, let’s discuss Logos and Accordance:==

Logos

Accordance

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and Accordance is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read, which Accordance does not do, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. In Accordance, it is reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon, and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Since Accordance does nothing to help you keep track, you are on your own. However, there is hope for both these apps in this department, but more on that at the end of this article. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. I should also note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection in order to use it as intended.

==PocketSword:==

PocketSword

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the Sword Project, and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). Like Accordance and Logos, the options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, which are two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. There are others as well, so while there is a paucity of options, it’s not so bad as with the previous two programs. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of now, it still lacks any sort of note-taking ability. Like Accordance, it also has no progress tracking ability, but again, there is a third-party solution that shall be mentioned at the end of this article that can fill in this gap.

==BlueLetter Bible:==

BlueLetterBible-day view
Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app, there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then down below, on the “Daily Bible Reading” button. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading, by tapping on the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen. There is no way to back out by tapping "Cancel." You must choose one of the two presented options. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them. And what you should do after tapping the "Date" button also isn’t clear.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser--but local, right on your iPhone. So, you turn on web serving, and navigate to the file/web server via your web browser. Safari has a “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, which makes this feature very accessible. Once you’ve turned on the server, open up Safari, click on the Bonjour item, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So, if you are diligent, you can save periodic backups of your BLB data, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress right on your computer. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, using your backup files, you can easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike with some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan:==

ReadingPlan-overview
This last app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function, creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It does have the ability to open up various web-based Bible resources from within a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful, and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)
Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a far-off third place, with 8 free reading plans. ReadingPlan also allows for you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While There is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPodTouch and/or iPad, you can sync between the devices to keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.
As to tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a nighttime setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app. It can amply explain the features I have left unexplained here.

=The Finalists=
Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress (or lack thereof), and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes, as well as save and preserve your progress and your work. Interestingly enough, all of these apps save your data via an online service, to which you can back up and sync your data in one way or another. Another interesting fact is that, with the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version, so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well. I should note that OliveTree is also working on a Windows version of its app.

==Laridian PocketBible:==

[http://macsnmin.catug.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG_1483.jpg]
Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view
This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. It has a quite a few reading plans. I count seven free plans, and in the store, there is a whole category devoted to devotionals that vary in price from around $8 to $15. However, the seven free plans cover a broad variety, so you are likely to find what you need there. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the little calendar icon at the bottom, named “Today.” If you haven’t yet selected a plan, you will be given the opportunity to select a plan. Once a reading plan has been set up, tapping the icon defaults to opening the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon while in today’s reading, a new screen pops up, allowing you to change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your reading progress by tapping "View Reading Progress". Tapping a day on this screen opens that day’s reading plan. If, instead, you want to mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button. Once tapped, you can tap on days to toggle their read status, tapping once again on Done when finished. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you will have to return to this menu to mark your day’s reading as “done.” There is yet other way of navigating your daily reading. When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on the “Go To” icon pops up a navigation screen that allows you to go to the first unread, today’s, previous unread,

Laridian PocketBible Progress view
previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful. If all this sounds a little complex, well, in my opinion, it seems to be a bit more “fussy” than it could be, and certainly compared to the other apps of this calibre. In fact, to be honest, I find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. But it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms (specifically if you own a Windows computer, and would like to use your modules there as well), it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface. So it is worthy of being in this group.
Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing with other devices. It truly belongs among the heavy-hitters in this category.

==Mantis Bible Study:==

Daily reading view for Mantis
Honestly, this app was probably the most complex one to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has the integrated Bible reading plans, and a fair number of them, to boot (I count eight of them). It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.

Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available, are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. All this is done without a need to switch views or tap through multiple screens etc. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve with this program, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible. But again, that’s just my personal perspective.

If I have to say anything negative about Mantis, it is this. Mantis, for some reason, has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules one one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and I hope they hurry. In this day, with people owning multiple iOS devices that they move between, this way of doing things is not acceptable. I bring this issue up, not to bash Mantis, but so you can be aware of what you are buying into, and know in advance so you aren’t surprised after the fact.

==YouVersion.com’s Bible:==

YouVersion daily reading view
This app is probably the absolutely best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the absolute most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans, (38 of them), to partial Bible plans (56 of them!!!), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24) for teens. There is some overlap, but honestly, there is a Bible reading plan for literally everybody, from plans lasting a few days, to multiple years! Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (just about every smart phone platform is supported), online notes, and more, as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out, and may find you have to quit the app to get it working again (a bug they seem to be attempting to squash as of this writing). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially, since the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worthy serious consideration.
When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner

YouVersion progress view
of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion keeps track what you’ve read for you, and as you complete a chapter, it marks it off automatically. When you read the last chapter, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. Very convenient. You access the notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse, and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. There are several options on what to do with the selected verse or verses (tapping multiple verses selects them) besides creating a note. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Reader:==

OliveTree daily reading view
While it is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (like in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is checked off as read. This is very, very convenient. Massive kudos to OliveTree for this innovation. But they didn’t stop there. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, or the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. OliveTree has incorporated tags into their system. For some reason, tags seem to be something that people either really love, or entirely do not understand. I shall try to explain them. When you highlight a verse, you can essentially only highlight it with one color. If you categorize a note, you can essentially only categorize it into one category. There are built-in limitations with these ways of categorizing things. Tags, on the other hand, are more flexible, and can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. Here is an illustration. Suppose you have a bookmark category “Promises”. You could create sub-categories for various kinds of promises, or you could use tags. One advantage of tags is that you can apply multiple tags to one verse, passage or even a word. Plus, if you write a note on a passage, you can tag it with the same tag. As you read a commentary, you may find a particularly good description of a promise. Tag that description as well. Now, you can view all of these items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for, but specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee. It is worth implementing, and is yet one more innovation of the OliveTree BibleReader.
All of this may sound confusing, but OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item (for all your “stuff”), and tap on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, on the Daily Reading screen, tap the “View List of Days” button to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. You can also view the current day’s assignment by tapping its button. Also on the Daily reading screen, there is an overview of your progress. All in all, it is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it does offer a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

==So, which do I recommend?==
Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps, with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible reader, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.
Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use. Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

Bible reading plans on iOS

2011-12-29T21:12:55Z

Krakowian: Created page with "=(This article is a work in progress)= =A journey of 365 days starts with a single step= For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even readin..."

=(This article is a work in progress)=

=A journey of 365 days starts with a single step=

For many people, the task of reading through the entire Bible in a year (or even reading the Bible every day) is an inconceivable journey–an insurmountable mountain to climb. Having accomplished the task, I can attest to the fact that attempting it without a good, clear-cut plan, with which you can track your progress, can indeed be difficult.
Several years ago, I discovered an application for my Palm handheld that allowed me to create my own reading plan, set up reminders to read, and also allowed me to track my progress. It wasn’t the most flexible, but it started me on a systematic plan that allowed me, for the first time in a dozen years to read through the entire Bible in a year. I used this reading plan for a few years, until one year, I decided to try something different, and “fell off the wagon”. The next year, I tried on my Treo cell phone, but discovered the app no longer worked. Again, despite trying, I failed to read through the Bible in a year. In 2009, I bought an iPhone. Some of the first apps I sought out were Bible apps. For myself, the most important feature was a good system for daily Bible reading. Sadly, it seemed that most Bible apps tacked on this feature with little or no thought as to how to make it truly useful. The iPhone Bible app category has grown since then, and improved at the same time. At the end of 2010, I did a review on FaceBook of the then-current crop of Bible apps that could be used for daily Bible reading. I’m revisiting that review, revising it to take into account some of the maturing that has taken place in the market, and to introduce what, to me, at least, is a new app.

=Why use an iPhone or iPad?=
First of all, for those who may own an iPhone but who are skeptical about using it for daily Bible reading, or for the curious and unconvinced, an explanation for why I find using a tool like an iPhone to be excellently suited to this purpose:

1. My phone is always with me, even if I’m standing in line at a government office, or riding a bus, or wherever I am forced to wait or have down time.
2. Using good software, you can keep track of what you have already read, and what you have yet to read. Some apps even show a progress bar and statistics. The best apps remind you to read, and help you keep up with your reading. This is useful on days where you weren’t able to finish the daily reading, or worse, weren’t even able to start, of which I had a few. For myself, there have also been days when I knew that I wanted to read multiple chapters together (like the lives of some kings in the OT, for instance), so I would either wait, or read ahead. A good Bible reading app will allow you this flexibility.
3. The fact that you probably carry your phone with you everywhere, and your Bible software is there can, in itself, serve as a reminder to read, but you can also set alarms to remind you, even if your preferred Bible reading app doesn’t provide that facility.
4. Backlit display! Now, you can read your Bible in bed, and not disturb your spouse. (or outside in the evening, or in your car at night, etc.)

=What we are looking for in a Bible reader:=
These are just a few of the bonuses of using your mobile. So, what are some specific things we are looking for in a Bible reading app?

1. Reading plans: We are looking for flexibility–multiple reading plans to choose from, and flexible starting dates. The better apps have multiple through-the-Bible plans in a year or multiple years. They also offer plans for reading portions of the Bible in one year for those who don’t wish to read through the entire Bible.
2. Progress tracking: This can be as simple as check marks to show what you have and haven’t read, to progress reports, showing how far you’ve read, to even showing the days you have missed, compared to where you should be. Some apps also include the ability to reset your reading so, if you miss a week, for instance, you can reset the last read date to the current day, and pick up there. Yes, this means you won’t be able to accomplish your reading in one 365-day year, but if you are a month behind, you are not likely to catch up. My old Palm app had the ability to re-calculate a reading plan by adding chapters to daily readings to keep the same end date. I haven’t yet discovered this capability in an iPhone app, but I’m looking for it, and will note it if I find it.
3. Note taking and other annotations: When reading large portions of Scripture at a time, it is wise to take quick notes that you can refer back to later. This is important because when you are reading, you really don’t want to become too distracted from your reading. The ability to quickly jot down a note, regarding a question you may have, or an observation you make, or a cross-reference you may have made, or wish to seek out, allows you to quickly return to your reading, while also allowing you to go back and do further delving later. I include within this point the ability to highlight text, bookmark text, and other annotating features.
4. Usability/accessibility: This aspect covers how easy to use the features mentioned above are.

The specific iPhone apps I’ll be covering are as follows: BlueLetterBible, Laridian PocketBible, Logos, Accordance, PocketSword, Mantis, YouVersion Bible, and OliveTree, as well as an app called ReadingPlan, which is not a typical Bible app, but an app dedicated to reading plans, as its name states.
My main goal is to compare all of the apps according to how they meet the goals mentioned above.
=The Runners-Up=
The runner-up apps are ones that do not meet all of the criteria for various reasons. Some don’t have all the features, or have most of them, but the implementation is lacking in usability. At the end, we will introduce an app that can help you overcome some of their shortcomings.
Before we discuss them in detail, I want to say that these apps are excellent Bible programs in their own right. In fact, I use a couple of them as primary Bible study tools for sermon preparation and personal Bible study. They just happen to be lacking some of the above-mentioned features for daily Bible reading. I mention them, because you may wish to use them even though they lack some features. For instance, if you are very committed to an app like Logos, or Accordance, then you might want to consider using them for your daily Bible reading as well (keeping all your notes in one application, for instance), so they are covered here in this article. I should also add a disclaimer that my assessment of their usability is subjective, according to my own tastes and experience. Your experience and tastes will differ.

==First, let’s discuss Logos and Accordance:==

Logos

Accordance

These two apps have several characteristics in common, so will be discussed together. Both are free and offer a fair amount of free modules, which can make either one a great bargain. However, they are also primarily intended to be handheld counterparts to their commercial, desktop apps. Logos is cross-platform, offering both Windows and Macintosh products, and Accordance is Macintosh-only. Since users of these desktop applications understand what is going on there, and because they are desktop applications, we shan’t discuss their strengths, etc. Suffice to say that the free versions of their iOS apps are rather limited in the reading plans they offer. And the Logos app even limits, as far as I can tell, what version you can read to the ESV. Logos does, however at least offer a rudimentary system of checking off what you’ve read, which Accordance does not do, so you would have to keep track yourself. Accordance, it seems, only offers two free reading plans. Accordance has one nice feature, namely that the day’s reading is on the same screen as the list, so it’s all in one spot. In Logos, the daily reading is accessed from the Home screen. In Accordance, it is reached by tapping on the bookshelf icon, and choosing “Devotionals” from the main Library page, and then tapping on the plan you want to read. It automatically opens to the current calendar day’s reading, but you can navigate backward to catch up. Since Accordance does nothing to help you keep track, you are on your own. However, there is hope for both these apps in this department, but more on that at the end of this article. Both apps offer plenty of options for expanding on your study, with commentaries, dictionaries, etc. but I can’t find any note-taking capability in Logos, just the ability to mark favorites. Accordance has flexible note-taking capabilities (including syncing to the latest desktop version), as well as highlighting of both verses and words. I should also note that the free version of Logos is an online tool, which means that you have to have an active data connection in order to use it as intended.

==PocketSword:==

PocketSword

Pocketsword is Open-Source, based on the Sword Project, and uses its modules. Using the Sword repositories in the App (Under “More” and “Daily Devotionals”), you can download several reading plans (I found seven across four repositories). Like Accordance and Logos, the options are rather limited, but PocketSword does have at least the McCheyne and Chronological reading plans, which are two popular Bible-in-a-year plans. There are others as well, so while there is a paucity of options, it’s not so bad as with the previous two programs. PocketSword has adequate verse highlighting features, and can take full advantage of all the commentaries that Project Sword has to offer, so it is not lacking in the Bible study department either. However, as of now, it still lacks any sort of note-taking ability. Like Accordance, it also has no progress tracking ability, but again, there is a third-party solution that shall be mentioned at the end of this article that can fill in this gap.

==BlueLetter Bible:==

BlueLetterBible-day view
Ironically, the online version of BLB has many reading plans available once you sign up on the site, but in the app, there are only six, and no way I could find to log in to BLB. The reading plans are accessed in the app by tapping the “Bible Selection and Navigation” button in the top-left corner, and then down below, on the “Daily Bible Reading” button. Once you’ve selected one, you can start reading. Like the other apps discussed so far, there isn’t any provision for changing starting dates, or catching up a reading plan, etc. However, it does offer a means of keeping track of your reading, by tapping on the “Date” button on the main daily reading page brings up the progress screen. Tapping on an item in the progress screen, sadly, illustrates the clumsiness of the BLB interface. When you tap on an item, you are presented the choice of either marking the passage as “read” or loading the passage in the Daily Reading screen. There is no way to back out by tapping "Cancel." You must choose one of the two presented options. The app also doesn’t automatically check off what you’ve read as you read it. The end result is a lot more tapping and navigating around than there ought to be, as well as confusion as to what to do. It is not at all clear that tapping on the “Date” button will open up the progress screen where you need to manually check off daily readings as you accomplish them. And what you should do after tapping the "Date" button also isn’t clear.

On the positive side, BLB does have a note-taking facility, which I consider essential, as well as bookmarking. BLB also has one more seemingly-unique feature. Under Preferences, there is the option to backup, restore and share your backup files. This is done locally via the Bonjour web server feature that Apple has built into the iOS system. This means that BLB becomes a web server, accessed like any web site in your web browser--but local, right on your iPhone. So, you turn on web serving, and navigate to the file/web server via your web browser. Safari has a “Bonjour” item in the bookmark bar, which makes this feature very accessible. Once you’ve turned on the server, open up Safari, click on the Bonjour item, and find the BLB server, from which you can download and upload backup files. So, if you are diligent, you can save periodic backups of your BLB data, including notes, bookmarks and reading plan progress right on your computer. If you ever have to restore BLB to its factory settings, using your backup files, you can easily restore your progress. Because it’s local, you don’t need to be online to access your data, unlike with some other apps. Since the BLB web site has many useful features, though, it’s kind of sad that you can’t log on and access these features via the iOS app. If it offered both online and local backups, it would lead the pack in flexible backing up. As it is, it is on par with the rest, though I find its novel approach rather refreshing.

==ReadingPlan:==

ReadingPlan-overview
This last app is not a Bible reading app per se. It has one function, creating and tracking your Bible reading plans in the most flexible way possible. It does have the ability to open up various web-based Bible resources from within a built-in web browser, so can be a complete Bible-reading solution, but its real flexibility lies in its ability to open up several iOS Bible apps to display your Bible passage. These apps include Crossway (ESV Bible), Just1Word, Tecarta, as well as Logos, Mantis and PocketSword. With this combination, you can turn Logos or PocketSword into a powerful, and flexible daily Bible reading app. (The only app I see missing here that could stand to be integrated with RP is Accordance.)
Secondly, it offers a plethora of online plans that can be downloaded and added to the built-in six that it comes with. This increases its flexibility way beyond most of the competition. From what I have been able to ascertain, only YouVersion has more plans to choose from, with Mantis a far-off third place, with 8 free reading plans. ReadingPlan also allows for you to pick your starting date, and also has the facility to mark everything unread (to start over, if you wish) or to mark read up until today. While There is no facility to “catch up” your reading, it clearly marks what has and hasn’t been read, which can help, even if you can no longer keep “current” between what you are actually reading and the date. One feature that RP has that helps with that, though, is the ability to change the daily title to “reading XXX” (with XXX being a number between 1 and 365), which removes the date from the daily reading. RP has other display and functional preferences. For instance, you can sync your reading plan between iOS devices, so if you have an iPhone, iPodTouch and/or iPad, you can sync between the devices to keep them all on the same page. RP also offers the ability to display alerts and badges to remind you about your daily reading.
As to tracking progress, RP also has a feature I’ve not seen elsewhere. Since some reading plans have you reading in multiple portions of Scripture at the same time, the Progress screen shows the progress for each book of the Bible individually. One last feature adds a nice touch to complete the picture. At the bottom of the Settings screen is a dimmer slider, so you can dim the screen before you start reading, without opening the Apple Settings app. For those who like to read in bed, this is a real bonus feature, especially for those Bible apps that don’t have a nighttime setting. Lastly, there is extensive help built into the app. It can amply explain the features I have left unexplained here.

=The Finalists=
Now we are getting into the real contenders for daily Bible reading. All of these offer numerous and flexible reading plans plans, the means to mark off what has been read in order to track your progress (or lack thereof), and the ability to mark or highlight text and write notes, as well as save and preserve your progress and your work. Interestingly enough, all of these apps save your data via an online service, to which you can back up and sync your data in one way or another. Another interesting fact is that, with the exception of MantisBible, these apps are also available on a multitude of other platforms, and can sync your data between platforms. Laridian has a desktop Windows application, and OliveTree offers a Mac version, so depending on what desktop operating system you use, you can have your modules on your desktop as well. I should note that OliveTree is also working on a Windows version of its app.

==Laridian PocketBible:==

Laridian Pocket Bible daily reading view
This app is a long-standing Palm app that has been re-written for the iOS. It has a quite a few reading plans. I count seven free plans, and in the store, there is a whole category devoted to devotionals that vary in price from around $8 to $15. However, the seven free plans cover a broad variety, so you are likely to find what you need there. You access your reading plans from the main screen by tapping the little calendar icon at the bottom, named “Today.” If you haven’t yet selected a plan, you will be given the opportunity to select a plan. Once a reading plan has been set up, tapping the icon defaults to opening the current day's reading. If you tap the Today icon while in today’s reading, a new screen pops up, allowing you to change reading plan preferences, go to the first unread reading, or modify your reading plan. You can also view your reading progress by tapping "View Reading Progress". Tapping a day on this screen opens that day’s reading plan. If, instead, you want to mark something read or unread, tap the Edit button. Once tapped, you can tap on days to toggle their read status, tapping once again on Done when finished. This is very robust, but I can’t find a way to automatically mark a day’s reading as “done,” so when you finish, you will have to return to this menu to mark your day’s reading as “done.” There is yet other way of navigating your daily reading. When the reading plan is displayed, tapping on the “Go To” icon pops up a navigation screen that allows you to go to the first unread, today’s, previous unread,

Laridian PocketBible Progress view
previous, next unread or next reading, as well as having a wheel date picker. This is useful. If all this sounds a little complex, well, in my opinion, it seems to be a bit more “fussy” than it could be, and certainly compared to the other apps of this calibre. In fact, to be honest, I find the Laridian app in general to be confusing and obtuse to use. But it does have a good selection of free modules, despite being a commercial app. Also, if you have migrated to PocketBible from Palm or use it on other platforms (specifically if you own a Windows computer, and would like to use your modules there as well), it is an excellent way to keep everything in one app. Lastly, I know people who love how Laridian’s PocketBible works, and who are very happy with its interface. So it is worthy of being in this group.
Like all top-tier Bible apps, it has note-taking and bookmarking capabilities. All of this can sync to their servers for safekeeping and syncing with other devices. It truly belongs among the heavy-hitters in this category.

==Mantis Bible Study:==

Daily reading view for Mantis
Honestly, this app was probably the most complex one to set up and use. I had to go online, find the free modules I wanted, “purchase” them, and then download them into the app. Since it’s a commercial app, this is how they’ve chosen to do it. But once set up, it is amazing in action. It has the integrated Bible reading plans, and a fair number of them, to boot (I count eight of them). It tracks your progress with check marks, and is accessible as a popup from its Tools menu (the calendar icon). Each day’s reading shows each contiguous block of reading on one line, with a box next to it. If you tap the box, the reading will be marked as read, without opening the passage to read. If you tap the text, which is a hot link, it will open the passage for reading, simultaneously marking the passage as read. Some days contain multiple non-contiguous readings. To read them, you simply repeat the process, and it will mark them read as you read them. Mantis has no overview or progress tracking of daily readings like others, but you can choose to either open the daily reading view to the current day’s reading, or to the first unread day. The latter should be the default, but, unfortunately, it is not. Other than the lack of any overview of your daily reading progress, Mantis is quite capable, and I have used it for nearly two years’ worth of daily, through-the-Bible reading. It also has built-in notes that sync online for backup, and you can use Mantis’ own web page to view and edit them.
Mantis’ approach to Bible study seems to be more integrated than in other apps. While you can open all the various modules separately, they are also quickly accessible inline by tapping the verse number. This opens up a mini study Bible, showing all modules that relate to that verse. Plus, you can mark a verse, analyze it, or make a note right inline with the text. You can even mark a verse for memorization later. Also available, are commentaries and other Bible translations, all without disturbing your place in your reading. Since it is all raw text, it all operates very quickly. All this is done without a need to switch views or tap through multiple screens etc. It is probably the most streamlined system for serious work. Yes, there was a bit of a learning curve with this program, but not significantly worse than the others. It’s just a bit different, and to be honest, it fits with my way of thinking better than Laridian’s PocketBible. But again, that’s just my personal perspective.
If I have to say anything negative about Mantis, it is this. Mantis, for some reason, has decided to lock your data to one device. In other words, you can only use your modules and sync your data to one iOS device at a time. If you upgrade, you have to ask them to move your account info to your new device. Worse, if you own an iPhone and an iPad (or iPod Touch), you cannot sync your data and modules between them. The worst aspect of this is that if you have purchased modules one one device, you would have to repurchase to use them on another. Mantis is the only company to be so stringent in their terms. I have heard that they are looking into changing this, and I hope they hurry. In this day, with people owning multiple iOS devices that they move between, this way of doing things is not acceptable. I bring this issue up, not to bash Mantis, but so you can be aware of what you are buying into, and know in advance so you aren’t surprised after the fact.

==YouVersion.com’s Bible:==

YouVersion daily reading view
This app is probably the absolutely best Bible app for daily reading. This should be no surprise, since its primary purpose is to encourage and promote daily reading of the Bible. It has the absolute most reading plans I’ve seen, from devotional plans, (38 of them), to partial Bible plans (56 of them!!!), to topical plans (too many to number!), to whole Bible plans (19) and even a Youth category (24) for teens. There is some overlap, but honestly, there is a Bible reading plan for literally everybody, from plans lasting a few days, to multiple years! Add the benefit of being able to track your progress, sync everything with their web site and other platforms (just about every smart phone platform is supported), online notes, and more, as a daily reading app, it is just about the best one out there–except I’m not keen on keeping everything in the cloud. Thankfully, you can download some Bibles, but it seems that only Bibles are kept offline. You need a connection to access your daily reading, and to update your progress, which are stored solely in the cloud. In fact, if you lose internet access with the app open, you can find yourself locked out, and may find you have to quit the app to get it working again (a bug they seem to be attempting to squash as of this writing). You will also want to consider how comfortable you are keeping your private notes on someone else’s server, especially, since the service is free. Despite this small caveat, the app is worthy serious consideration.
When you are reading a passage from your daily reading, there is a little tab in the top-right corner

YouVersion progress view
of the text window. Tapping that opens up a summary of the day’s reading, from which you can tap on a passage and open it. YouVersion keeps track what you’ve read for you, and as you complete a chapter, it marks it off automatically. When you read the last chapter, tapping the “next” arrow at the bottom re-opens the day’s reading, and shows you everything checked off. Very convenient. You access the notes and bookmarks by tapping a verse, and then tapping the little arrow icon that pops up. There are several options on what to do with the selected verse or verses (tapping multiple verses selects them) besides creating a note. YouVersion also has a monthly calendar overview, with little dots on days that have unread passages. YouVersion allows you to “catch up” on your daily reading, by resetting the earliest unread to the current day, and together with the calendar overview, and the progress bar, it is sufficient for the task at hand. One unique feature is the ability to set up daily reminders to remind you to do your reading at the same time every day. In iOS 5, the alerts also show up in the Notification Center.

==OliveTree Bible Reader:==

OliveTree daily reading view
While it is a commercial app, it has a large number of free modules, including the KJV and OliveTree’s free reading plans. It takes the unique approach of actually walking you through your daily reading. When you get to the end of the current passage (like in the McCheyne plan, you read from four different places in the Bible each day), there is a button you tap to take you to the next passage, and when you get to the end, there is a big “Done” button to tap. At same time, the day's reading is checked off as read. This is very, very convenient. Massive kudos to OliveTree for this innovation. But they didn’t stop there. OliveTree has a built-in notes function which can back up to and sync with EverNote, as well as to their own servers, so your notes are always available to you, either within the Bible app, or the EverNote app on your phone (regardless of platform), on the web or on your desktop. In fact, with their recent release of the Macintosh BibleReader app, you can access all your notes and bookmarks on the desktop together with all your BibleReader-purchased modules.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. OliveTree has incorporated tags into their system. For some reason, tags seem to be something that people either really love, or entirely do not understand. I shall try to explain them. When you highlight a verse, you can essentially only highlight it with one color. If you categorize a note, you can essentially only categorize it into one category. There are built-in limitations with these ways of categorizing things. Tags, on the other hand, are more flexible, and can work across all types of Bible text and annotations, including verses, notes, bookmarks, commentaries, dictionaries, etc. Here is an illustration. Suppose you have a bookmark category “Promises”. You could create sub-categories for various kinds of promises, or you could use tags. One advantage of tags is that you can apply multiple tags to one verse, passage or even a word. Plus, if you write a note on a passage, you can tag it with the same tag. As you read a commentary, you may find a particularly good description of a promise. Tag that description as well. Now, you can view all of these items that have this tag. Furthermore, as you add multiple tags to items, you can even narrow down what you are looking for, but specifying multiple tags. Thoughtful application of tags to items can create a powerful cross-referencing and organizational structure that goes way beyond what you can foresee. It is worth implementing, and is yet one more innovation of the OliveTree BibleReader.
All of this may sound confusing, but OliveTree has gone a long way to make all of these potentially complex features as simple and as accessible as possible. For instance, to access your daily reading, tap on the little suitcase item (for all your “stuff”), and tap on “Reading plans”. If you haven’t yet created a plan, you will be able to here. Once you have a plan, you can simply tap on the “Continue Reading” button to start reading, and use the inline buttons to navigate through the entire day’s reading, and tap “Done” when complete. Everything will be checked off for you. If you have missed some days, on the Daily Reading screen, tap the “View List of Days” button to see which ones need to be read, and then tap on the day you want in the list to start reading. You can also view the current day’s assignment by tapping its button. Also on the Daily reading screen, there is an overview of your progress. All in all, it is a thorough system, though it does seem to lack the ability to modify the plan once begun. However, it does offer a quick way to mark off read passages via the overview, and since it automatically marks passages read as you read, this feature is less important than in some other apps.

==So, which do I recommend?==
Well, honestly, it is a personal choice. All of the above apps can be downloaded for free, and have enough free resources for you to at least try them out. But definitely, IMO, the most well thought-out apps, with the best interfaces would be OliveTree, YouVersion’s Bible reader, and Mantis Bible Study. For flexibility of reading plans and executing the plans, YouVersion wins, particularly if all you will use it for is daily Bible reading, executing a plan from start to finish. For overall integration as a complete solution to Bible Study, with many resources, OliveTree stands out. For serious Bible study with a Scripture-centric focus, Mantis is probably the best. For the most flexible control over your reading plan, especially for those who may not be the most faithful, Laridian leads the pack.
Of course, the whole point of all of this is to encourage you to read God’s Word! And the goal of reading His Word is to conform us into His image, that we will grow and mature, so it doesn’t matter which app, if any you use. The best app to help you accomplish that goal is the one you use. Now. January 1 is just around the corner. Time to get ready, and Lord willing, in a year’s time, your Bible app will look something like this:

Bible memorization

2011-08-24T14:00:28Z

Krakowian:

Recently, on the Mac-Ministry mailing list, the question was asked:

"Are there any good Bible verse memory apps for MacOS? iOS?

Are there any sites with good techniques that would help with Bible verse memorization? Not just memorization but also understanding." (Glen L.)

Below are some of the better suggestions:

The Navigators have an app called VerseMinder which takes you through their Bible memory verses but also I believe allows you to enter more.

Then there is also one called MemVerses which is worth checking out -- might be found by searching Memory Verses.

A cool evangelism app by The Mobile Jesus Project is called Jesus. You might have to search for it under the developer's name however. (Christi Milligan)

--

I came across this last week, and it comes highly recommended.

Fighter Verses ($2.99)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/children-desiring-god/id411711649 (Catanese Z)

--

I was just doing my daily Bible reading/studying in MantisBible, and
noticed its little "Memorize" button. I had forgotten that it has this
feature! In any case, I did a quick look, and it seems to implement
the memorize function in an interesting way. You tap on the "Memorize"
button to add a verse, and then, go to the "Notes" section of the app,
and tap on the verse to view it. You can then tap on words to make
them disappear as you go. Later, you can take a "test", which either
scrambles the words and you tap them in the proper order, or you tap
the first letter of the words in the proper order--your choice.

The one thing Mantis doesn't give you is verses to memorize. You have
to come up with those on your own. But if you are willing to take the
time to set it up, it could meet your needs for both of your specific
requests--I say "both" because Mantis is primarily a Bible study app,
with all the commentaries, etc. you will probably want.

Now, as to help with understanding, if I could humbly suggest one
commentary that I consider to be indispensable, and which should be in
everybody's biblical toolbox, I would suggest the following. Treasury
of Scripture Knowledge is typically listed as a commentary in Bible
software, but what it is is a thorough--and probably the most
exhaustive--system of cross references in existence. It breaks the
verse down by sections, and lists cross references that touch on that
part of the verse. Most verses in the Bible have numerous cross
references, frequently numbering in the tens of cross references per
verse. By doing this, the Bible becomes its own commentary, comparing
Scripture with Scripture, rather than man's interpretation of
Scripture (granted, men compiled the cross references, but they are so
deep and broad and carefully considered that it is hard to fault their
choices). If you used this tool alone, you would quickly find yourself
grasping the depth of what God's Word has to tell us.

As to MantisBible (and you can read about how much I like it on the
catug.org wiki page I wrote) and the TSK (the short name for Treasury
of Scripture Knowledge), it seems to be costing about $10. (Jon Glass)

--

Sorry to be so late to this party, but I have to chime in with what I think is the best iOS app for memory verses: "Bible Memory Verses"

http://www.eyebrowman.com/bible-memory-verses.html

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bible-memory-verses/id350185614?mt=8

Can't beat the price, and it has lots of features. Check it out! (Mark in Maine)

--

Well, here's the program I use. If it helps, great.

Bro. Bill

BIBLE MEMORIZATION

Memorize Topically -

1) Choose your topic.
2) List all your references in Biblical Order. (On a single sheet of paper.)
3) Memorize all references FIRST.
4) Make 3x5 cards with verses on one side and refs. and topic on the other.
5) Walk as you work (if possible).
6) Review regularly.

How To Actually Memorize -

READ the verse 20 times a day Sun. - Sat.
(Don’t try to memorize the verse, just read it. You will usually have it memorized by Wed. or Thurs.)
After this - Recite it once a day for 49 days
After this - Recite it once a week for 7 weeks.
After this - Recite it once a month for life!

 REVIEW IS THE KEY FOR RECALLING WHAT YOU HAVE MEMORIZED! 

Make a “MEMORY BOX” to keep your cards in for easy review -

Number 49 tabbed file cards 1 through 49 for daily review.
Number 7 tabbed file cards 1 through 7 for weekly review.
Number 30 tabbed file cards 1 through 30 for monthly review.
Divide each section with a card that is a little higher than the tabs and goes the length of the card (3 1/2 X 5)

--

For the record, this system could be implemented with any flashcard type system that you might find on the App Store, as David Larson suggested: "There are flip card apps for both MacOS and iOS and the same for memorization," -- as well as with physical index cards.

[[Category:Bible Software|IPhone]]

Bible memorization

2011-08-24T13:58:46Z

Krakowian: what programs for the iPhone/iPad are available for Bible memorization and comprehension?

Eloquent

2011-04-15T19:44:58Z

Krakowian: /* Using hot links in Nisus */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes–"Module fonts" and "Printing"–are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options–module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error–or, more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless–but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heroes of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes". This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it–in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course–not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of–for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly).

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it–"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

Here is the breakdown of what you see:

"a href" means that the following text is a url link. You will notice that this begins with an open caret. Next, you will see the equal sign and a quote mark. After those two, you will see the actual link. It has to start with the "sword://" part. Next, you would need to replace the "[Bible version short name]" with the short name for the version you want to use. You can find this in the Bible texts section in the left sidebar. The text you see there is what you will want to use. Some that I have are ESV, KJV, WEB, NET, WHNU and Tyndale. Next, after the "/" character, is the [reference], which you replace with the scripture reference you want. Unfortunately, in the personal commentary section, I have been unable to enter more than one verse or verse range (eg. John 1:1-18) in a reference at a time. So it seems you will need to enter each chapter and verse separately. However, it is worth experimenting and seeing what you can squeeze out. After the verse reference, is a closing quote and closing caret. These are '''essential'''. Do not forget them! After that, you enter your title, which should be the reference again, but you can give it another title if you wish. I have had mixed results with this. If I have to go back and edit later, sometimes the title I've given a reference has been replaced with the default verse reference. At the very end, you need to also ad the "/a" surrounded by the carets. This closes the "a href" code, and makes the link work. Again, DO NOT forget to add this!

Here is are some examples:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

<code><a href="sword://ESV/Rom%208:28">Romans 8:28</a> </code>

<code><a href="sword://PL_BW/Mat 6:33">Ewangelia Mateusza 6, 33</a></code>

A couple notes about the references above: In the second reference, you will see an odd bit of text added between the "Rom" nad the verse numbers. ("%20"). This is html code and represents the space character. url links are not allowed to contain a space character, so this is necessary for the link to work. However, Eloquent will actually perform this service for you--adding in this code, so you don't have to. I added it here so you can see what your link will look like properly formatted. In the third link, I have referenced a Polish Bible, and in the title wrote my verse reference in Polish, with Polish verse notation. This is to show that one need not write the title in English, or even write the reference. That said, as I mentioned above, this feature is a bit buggy, and I have found my titles changed back to English verse notation for a reference on occasion.

==== Summary ====
The personal commentary feature is quite useful and powerful, once you learn how to enter Scripture references. Do this a few times, and the html code necessary to use will become second nature. But the best part about learning to use the "a href" code stems from the fact that you can use this in ''any'' program that allows entering url hotlinks! But we will discuss that in the next section.

=== Hot links from other programs ===
This feature is one feature that really sets Eloquent apart from all the competition in the Mac market. As far as I know, no other Bible software offers this option. To summarize, this feature allows you to add a url hyperlink into just about any application that allows hot links, and then be able to click on that link to open up Eloquent to the desired location in just about any Sword module that you have in Eloquent (certainly any that uses Scripture references). More useful is that if someone else has a Sword Project application installed, and the same module, they can also open the link.

Since my main word processor application is Nisus Writer Pro, I have found this feature to be an essential tool for when I am writing. I can enter Scripture references as I go, and quickly look up a verse reference as I need it. What makes Nisus especially powerful, however, is that while on-screen the hyperlinks are colored and underlined, when I print, these are not visible. The Scripture reference looks just like the surrounding text, so for my own use, I have the hot links, but for printing, I have perfect and normal printout.

I have also had success with the sword url working in DevonThink products, TextEdit, and pdfs in Preview. If you are able to get this to work in other applications, we would encourage you to add your contribution to this section of the page, or at least contact the editors so they can add in your contribution. Some other word processors that immediately come to mind that are worth learning about are Mellel, Mariner Write and Microsoft Office. We would appreciate contributions regarding these programs.

Unfortunately, it seems that Pages has a very limited ability to enter hyperlinks, allowing only web pages, emails, bookmarks within a document or to other Pages documents. There does not seem to be any ability to link to other resources (even such as ftp urls!). If you figure out a way to get the sword:// url to work in Pages, please edit this page to share how you get it to work.

==== Using hot links in Nisus ====
First of all, we need to remember the syntax necessary for creating the hyperlinks that will open Eloquent. The syntax is typical html code:<code>

<a href="sword://[BibleVersionShortName]/[Reference 1:1">Link Title</a></code>

And an example:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

Now, let's create this link in Nisus Writer.

The first step is to write what will be your link title: John 1:1.

Next, we will select this reference. Once the text is selected, we go to the "Insert" menu. At the bottom of this menu, you will see the "Hyperlinks" sub menu. The very first item in the sub-menu is "Add Link..." Choosing that pops up an drop-down pane where you can enter the actual link, and its link title. (The nomenclature in Nisus Writer Pro is "Link destination" and "Display text" Into the top field is where we enter the html code, and the bottom field is where you enter the link title (reference, or whatever you want). Now, when you've highlighted the text before invoking the "Insert Link" menu item, the bottom field will already be filled out for you. Enter your link, and click on the "Insert" button, and your hot link is now inserted into your text.

Now, you may ask if there is a keyboard shortcut. I don't remember if Nisus Writer Pro comes with one by default, but my copy uses Shift-Command-H. This is easy to add. First open Nisus' Preferences, and find the Menu Keys Preference Pane. Navigate to the "Insert" menu, and find the "Hyperlinks" sub-menu, and then the "Add link..." menu item, and add the keyboard shortcut you prefer.

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011.

= External Links =
*[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

*[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-13T06:44:25Z

Krakowian: /* Hot links from other programs */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes–"Module fonts" and "Printing"–are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options–module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error–or, more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless–but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heroes of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes". This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it–in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course–not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of–for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly).

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it–"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

Here is the breakdown of what you see:

"a href" means that the following text is a url link. You will notice that this begins with an open caret. Next, you will see the equal sign and a quote mark. After those two, you will see the actual link. It has to start with the "sword://" part. Next, you would need to replace the "[Bible version short name]" with the short name for the version you want to use. You can find this in the Bible texts section in the left sidebar. The text you see there is what you will want to use. Some that I have are ESV, KJV, WEB, NET, WHNU and Tyndale. Next, after the "/" character, is the [reference], which you replace with the scripture reference you want. Unfortunately, in the personal commentary section, I have been unable to enter more than one verse or verse range (eg. John 1:1-18) in a reference at a time. So it seems you will need to enter each chapter and verse separately. However, it is worth experimenting and seeing what you can squeeze out. After the verse reference, is a closing quote and closing caret. These are '''essential'''. Do not forget them! After that, you enter your title, which should be the reference again, but you can give it another title if you wish. I have had mixed results with this. If I have to go back and edit later, sometimes the title I've given a reference has been replaced with the default verse reference. At the very end, you need to also ad the "/a" surrounded by the carets. This closes the "a href" code, and makes the link work. Again, DO NOT forget to add this!

Here is are some examples:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

<code><a href="sword://ESV/Rom%208:28">Romans 8:28</a> </code>

<code><a href="sword://PL_BW/Mat 6:33">Ewangelia Mateusza 6, 33</a></code>

A couple notes about the references above: In the second reference, you will see an odd bit of text added between the "Rom" nad the verse numbers. ("%20"). This is html code and represents the space character. url links are not allowed to contain a space character, so this is necessary for the link to work. However, Eloquent will actually perform this service for you--adding in this code, so you don't have to. I added it here so you can see what your link will look like properly formatted. In the third link, I have referenced a Polish Bible, and in the title wrote my verse reference in Polish, with Polish verse notation. This is to show that one need not write the title in English, or even write the reference. That said, as I mentioned above, this feature is a bit buggy, and I have found my titles changed back to English verse notation for a reference on occasion.

==== Summary ====
The personal commentary feature is quite useful and powerful, once you learn how to enter Scripture references. Do this a few times, and the html code necessary to use will become second nature. But the best part about learning to use the "a href" code stems from the fact that you can use this in ''any'' program that allows entering url hotlinks! But we will discuss that in the next section.

=== Hot links from other programs ===
This feature is one feature that really sets Eloquent apart from all the competition in the Mac market. As far as I know, no other Bible software offers this option. To summarize, this feature allows you to add a url hyperlink into just about any application that allows hot links, and then be able to click on that link to open up Eloquent to the desired location in just about any Sword module that you have in Eloquent (certainly any that uses Scripture references). More useful is that if someone else has a Sword Project application installed, and the same module, they can also open the link.

Since my main word processor application is Nisus Writer Pro, I have found this feature to be an essential tool for when I am writing. I can enter Scripture references as I go, and quickly look up a verse reference as I need it. What makes Nisus especially powerful, however, is that while on-screen the hyperlinks are colored and underlined, when I print, these are not visible. The Scripture reference looks just like the surrounding text, so for my own use, I have the hot links, but for printing, I have perfect and normal printout.

I have also had success with the sword url working in DevonThink products, TextEdit, and pdfs in Preview. If you are able to get this to work in other applications, we would encourage you to add your contribution to this section of the page, or at least contact the editors so they can add in your contribution. Some other word processors that immediately come to mind that are worth learning about are Mellel, Mariner Write and Microsoft Office. We would appreciate contributions regarding these programs.

Unfortunately, it seems that Pages has a very limited ability to enter hyperlinks, allowing only web pages, emails, bookmarks within a document or to other Pages documents. There does not seem to be any ability to link to other resources (even such as ftp urls!). If you figure out a way to get the sword:// url to work in Pages, please edit this page to share how you get it to work.

==== Using hot links in Nisus ====

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011.

= External Links =
*[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

*[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-12T09:51:33Z

Krakowian: /* Hot links from other programs */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes–"Module fonts" and "Printing"–are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options–module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error–or, more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless–but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heroes of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes". This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it–in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course–not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of–for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly).

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it–"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

Here is the breakdown of what you see:

"a href" means that the following text is a url link. You will notice that this begins with an open caret. Next, you will see the equal sign and a quote mark. After those two, you will see the actual link. It has to start with the "sword://" part. Next, you would need to replace the "[Bible version short name]" with the short name for the version you want to use. You can find this in the Bible texts section in the left sidebar. The text you see there is what you will want to use. Some that I have are ESV, KJV, WEB, NET, WHNU and Tyndale. Next, after the "/" character, is the [reference], which you replace with the scripture reference you want. Unfortunately, in the personal commentary section, I have been unable to enter more than one verse or verse range (eg. John 1:1-18) in a reference at a time. So it seems you will need to enter each chapter and verse separately. However, it is worth experimenting and seeing what you can squeeze out. After the verse reference, is a closing quote and closing caret. These are '''essential'''. Do not forget them! After that, you enter your title, which should be the reference again, but you can give it another title if you wish. I have had mixed results with this. If I have to go back and edit later, sometimes the title I've given a reference has been replaced with the default verse reference. At the very end, you need to also ad the "/a" surrounded by the carets. This closes the "a href" code, and makes the link work. Again, DO NOT forget to add this!

Here is are some examples:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

<code><a href="sword://ESV/Rom%208:28">Romans 8:28</a> </code>

<code><a href="sword://PL_BW/Mat 6:33">Ewangelia Mateusza 6, 33</a></code>

A couple notes about the references above: In the second reference, you will see an odd bit of text added between the "Rom" nad the verse numbers. ("%20"). This is html code and represents the space character. url links are not allowed to contain a space character, so this is necessary for the link to work. However, Eloquent will actually perform this service for you--adding in this code, so you don't have to. I added it here so you can see what your link will look like properly formatted. In the third link, I have referenced a Polish Bible, and in the title wrote my verse reference in Polish, with Polish verse notation. This is to show that one need not write the title in English, or even write the reference. That said, as I mentioned above, this feature is a bit buggy, and I have found my titles changed back to English verse notation for a reference on occasion.

==== Summary ====
The personal commentary feature is quite useful and powerful, once you learn how to enter Scripture references. Do this a few times, and the html code necessary to use will become second nature. But the best part about learning to use the "a href" code stems from the fact that you can use this in ''any'' program that allows entering url hotlinks! But we will discuss that in the next section.

=== Hot links from other programs ===
This feature is one feature that really sets Eloquent apart from all the competition in the Mac market. As far as I know, no other Bible software offers this option. To summarize, this feature allows you to add a url hyperlink into just about any application that allows hot links, and then be able to click on that link to open up Eloquent to the desired location in just about any Sword module that you have in Eloquent (certainly any that uses Scripture references). More useful is that if someone else has a Sword Project application installed, and the same module, they can also open the link.

Since my main word processor application is Nisus Writer Pro, I have found this feature to be an essential tool for when I am writing. I can enter Scripture references as I go, and quickly look up a verse reference as I need it. What makes Nisus especially powerful, however, is that while on-screen the hyperlinks are colored and underlined, when I print, these are not visible. The Scripture reference looks just like the surrounding text, so for my own use, I have the hot links, but for printing, I have perfect and normal printout.

==== Using hot links in Nisus ====

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011.

= External Links =
*[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

*[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-12T09:36:06Z

Krakowian: /* Hot links within Personal commentary modules */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes–"Module fonts" and "Printing"–are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options–module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error–or, more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless–but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heroes of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes". This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it–in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course–not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of–for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly).

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it–"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

Here is the breakdown of what you see:

"a href" means that the following text is a url link. You will notice that this begins with an open caret. Next, you will see the equal sign and a quote mark. After those two, you will see the actual link. It has to start with the "sword://" part. Next, you would need to replace the "[Bible version short name]" with the short name for the version you want to use. You can find this in the Bible texts section in the left sidebar. The text you see there is what you will want to use. Some that I have are ESV, KJV, WEB, NET, WHNU and Tyndale. Next, after the "/" character, is the [reference], which you replace with the scripture reference you want. Unfortunately, in the personal commentary section, I have been unable to enter more than one verse or verse range (eg. John 1:1-18) in a reference at a time. So it seems you will need to enter each chapter and verse separately. However, it is worth experimenting and seeing what you can squeeze out. After the verse reference, is a closing quote and closing caret. These are '''essential'''. Do not forget them! After that, you enter your title, which should be the reference again, but you can give it another title if you wish. I have had mixed results with this. If I have to go back and edit later, sometimes the title I've given a reference has been replaced with the default verse reference. At the very end, you need to also ad the "/a" surrounded by the carets. This closes the "a href" code, and makes the link work. Again, DO NOT forget to add this!

Here is are some examples:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

<code><a href="sword://ESV/Rom%208:28">Romans 8:28</a> </code>

<code><a href="sword://PL_BW/Mat 6:33">Ewangelia Mateusza 6, 33</a></code>

A couple notes about the references above: In the second reference, you will see an odd bit of text added between the "Rom" nad the verse numbers. ("%20"). This is html code and represents the space character. url links are not allowed to contain a space character, so this is necessary for the link to work. However, Eloquent will actually perform this service for you--adding in this code, so you don't have to. I added it here so you can see what your link will look like properly formatted. In the third link, I have referenced a Polish Bible, and in the title wrote my verse reference in Polish, with Polish verse notation. This is to show that one need not write the title in English, or even write the reference. That said, as I mentioned above, this feature is a bit buggy, and I have found my titles changed back to English verse notation for a reference on occasion.

==== Summary ====
The personal commentary feature is quite useful and powerful, once you learn how to enter Scripture references. Do this a few times, and the html code necessary to use will become second nature. But the best part about learning to use the "a href" code stems from the fact that you can use this in ''any'' program that allows entering url hotlinks! But we will discuss that in the next section.

=== Hot links from other programs ===

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011.

= External Links =
*[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

*[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-12T09:35:18Z

Krakowian: /* Summary */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes–"Module fonts" and "Printing"–are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options–module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error–or, more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless–but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heroes of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes". This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it–in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course–not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of–for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly).

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it–"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

Here is the breakdown of what you see:

"a href" means that the following text is a url link. You will notice that this begins with an open caret. Next, you will see the equal sign and a quote mark. After those two, you will see the actual link. It has to start with the "sword://" part. Next, you would need to replace the "[Bible version short name]" with the short name for the version you want to use. You can find this in the Bible texts section in the left sidebar. The text you see there is what you will want to use. Some that I have are ESV, KJV, WEB, NET, WHNU and Tyndale. Next, after the "/" character, is the [reference], which you replace with the scripture reference you want. Unfortunately, in the personal commentary section, I have been unable to enter more than one verse or verse range (eg. John 1:1-18) in a reference at a time. So it seems you will need to enter each chapter and verse separately. However, it is worth experimenting and seeing what you can squeeze out. After the verse reference, is a closing quote and closing caret. These are _essential_. Do not forget them! After that, you enter your title, which should be the reference again, but you can give it another title if you wish. I have had mixed results with this. If I have to go back and edit later, sometimes the title I've given a reference has been replaced with the default verse reference. At the very end, you need to also ad the "/a" surrounded by the carets. This closes the "a href" code, and makes the link work. Again, DO NOT forget to add this!

Here is are some examples:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

<code><a href="sword://ESV/Rom%208:28">Romans 8:28</a> </code>

<code><a href="sword://PL_BW/Mat 6:33">Ewangelia Mateusza 6, 33</a></code>

A couple notes about the references above: In the second reference, you will see an odd bit of text added between the "Rom" nad the verse numbers. ("%20"). This is html code and represents the space character. url links are not allowed to contain a space character, so this is necessary for the link to work. However, Eloquent will actually perform this service for you--adding in this code, so you don't have to. I added it here so you can see what your link will look like properly formatted. In the third link, I have referenced a Polish Bible, and in the title wrote my verse reference in Polish, with Polish verse notation. This is to show that one need not write the title in English, or even write the reference. That said, as I mentioned above, this feature is a bit buggy, and I have found my titles changed back to English verse notation for a reference on occasion.

==== Summary ====
The personal commentary feature is quite useful and powerful, once you learn how to enter Scripture references. Do this a few times, and the html code necessary to use will become second nature. But the best part about learning to use the "a href" code stems from the fact that you can use this in ''any'' program that allows entering url hotlinks! But we will discuss that in the next section.

=== Hot links from other programs ===

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011.

= External Links =
*[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

*[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-12T09:32:19Z

Krakowian: /* Personal Commentary */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes–"Module fonts" and "Printing"–are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options–module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error–or, more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless–but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heroes of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes". This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it–in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course–not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of–for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly).

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it–"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

Here is the breakdown of what you see:

"a href" means that the following text is a url link. You will notice that this begins with an open caret. Next, you will see the equal sign and a quote mark. After those two, you will see the actual link. It has to start with the "sword://" part. Next, you would need to replace the "[Bible version short name]" with the short name for the version you want to use. You can find this in the Bible texts section in the left sidebar. The text you see there is what you will want to use. Some that I have are ESV, KJV, WEB, NET, WHNU and Tyndale. Next, after the "/" character, is the [reference], which you replace with the scripture reference you want. Unfortunately, in the personal commentary section, I have been unable to enter more than one verse or verse range (eg. John 1:1-18) in a reference at a time. So it seems you will need to enter each chapter and verse separately. However, it is worth experimenting and seeing what you can squeeze out. After the verse reference, is a closing quote and closing caret. These are _essential_. Do not forget them! After that, you enter your title, which should be the reference again, but you can give it another title if you wish. I have had mixed results with this. If I have to go back and edit later, sometimes the title I've given a reference has been replaced with the default verse reference. At the very end, you need to also ad the "/a" surrounded by the carets. This closes the "a href" code, and makes the link work. Again, DO NOT forget to add this!

Here is are some examples:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

<code><a href="sword://ESV/Rom%208:28">Romans 8:28</a> </code>

<code><a href="sword://PL_BW/Mat 6:33">Ewangelia Mateusza 6, 33</a></code>

A couple notes about the references above: In the second reference, you will see an odd bit of text added between the "Rom" nad the verse numbers. ("%20"). This is html code and represents the space character. url links are not allowed to contain a space character, so this is necessary for the link to work. However, Eloquent will actually perform this service for you--adding in this code, so you don't have to. I added it here so you can see what your link will look like properly formatted. In the third link, I have referenced a Polish Bible, and in the title wrote my verse reference in Polish, with Polish verse notation. This is to show that one need not write the title in English, or even write the reference. That said, as I mentioned above, this feature is a bit buggy, and I have found my titles changed back to English verse notation for a reference on occasion.

==== Summary ====
The personal commentary feature is quite useful and powerful, once you learn how to enter Scripture references. Do this a few times, and the html code necessary to use will become second nature. But the best part about learning to use the "a href" code stems from the fact that you can use this in _any_ program that allows entering url hotlinks! But we will discuss that in the next section.

=== Hot links from other programs ===

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011.

= External Links =
*[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

*[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-12T09:08:27Z

Krakowian: /* Summary */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes–"Module fonts" and "Printing"–are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options–module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error–or, more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless–but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heroes of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes". This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it–in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course–not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of–for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly).

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it–"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

Here is the breakdown of what you see:

"a href" means that the following text is a url link. You will notice that this begins with an open caret. Next, you will see the equal sign and a quote mark. After those two, you will see the actual link. It has to start with the "sword://" part. Next, you would need to replace the "[Bible version short name]" with the short name for the version you want to use. You can find this in the Bible texts section in the left sidebar. The text you see there is what you will want to use. Some that I have are ESV, KJV, WEB, NET, WHNU and Tyndale. Next, after the "/" character, is the [reference], which you replace with the scripture reference you want. Unfortunately, in the personal commentary section, I have been unable to enter more than one verse or verse range (eg. John 1:1-18) in a reference at a time. So it seems you will need to enter each chapter and verse separately. However, it is worth experimenting and seeing what you can squeeze out. After the verse reference, is a closing quote and closing caret. These are _essential_. Do not forget them! After that, you enter your title, which should be the reference again, but you can give it another title if you wish. I have had mixed results with this. If I have to go back and edit later, sometimes the title I've given a reference has been replaced with the default verse reference. At the very end, you need to also ad the "/a" surrounded by the carets. This closes the "a href" code, and makes the link work. Again, DO NOT forget to add this!

Here is are some examples:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

<code><a href="sword://ESV/Rom%208:28">Romans 8:28</a> </code>

<code><a href="sword://PL_BW/Mat 6:33">Ewangelia Mateusza 6, 33</a></code>

A couple notes about the references above: In the second reference, you will see an odd bit of text added between the "Rom" nad the verse numbers. ("%20"). This is html code and represents the space character. url links are not allowed to contain a space character, so this is necessary for the link to work. However, Eloquent will actually perform this service for you--adding in this code, so you don't have to. I added it here so you can see what your link will look like properly formatted. In the third link, I have referenced a Polish Bible, and in the title wrote my verse reference in Polish, with Polish verse notation. This is to show that one need not write the title in English, or even write the reference. That said, as I mentioned above, this feature is a bit buggy, and I have found my titles changed back to English verse notation for a reference on occasion.

===== Summary =====
The personal commentary feature is quite useful and powerful, once you learn how to enter Scripture references. Do this a few times, and the html code necessary to use will become second nature. But the best part about learning to use the "a href" code stems from the fact that you can use this in _any_ program that allows entering url hotlinks! But we will discuss that in the next section.

=== Hot links from other programs ===

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011.

= External Links =
*[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

*[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-12T09:07:56Z

Krakowian: /* Hot links within Personal commentary modules */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes–"Module fonts" and "Printing"–are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options–module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error–or, more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless–but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heroes of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes". This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it–in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course–not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of–for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly).

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it–"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

Here is the breakdown of what you see:

"a href" means that the following text is a url link. You will notice that this begins with an open caret. Next, you will see the equal sign and a quote mark. After those two, you will see the actual link. It has to start with the "sword://" part. Next, you would need to replace the "[Bible version short name]" with the short name for the version you want to use. You can find this in the Bible texts section in the left sidebar. The text you see there is what you will want to use. Some that I have are ESV, KJV, WEB, NET, WHNU and Tyndale. Next, after the "/" character, is the [reference], which you replace with the scripture reference you want. Unfortunately, in the personal commentary section, I have been unable to enter more than one verse or verse range (eg. John 1:1-18) in a reference at a time. So it seems you will need to enter each chapter and verse separately. However, it is worth experimenting and seeing what you can squeeze out. After the verse reference, is a closing quote and closing caret. These are _essential_. Do not forget them! After that, you enter your title, which should be the reference again, but you can give it another title if you wish. I have had mixed results with this. If I have to go back and edit later, sometimes the title I've given a reference has been replaced with the default verse reference. At the very end, you need to also ad the "/a" surrounded by the carets. This closes the "a href" code, and makes the link work. Again, DO NOT forget to add this!

Here is are some examples:

<code> <a href="sword://KJV/John 1:1">John 1:1</a></code>

<code><a href="sword://ESV/Rom%208:28">Romans 8:28</a> </code>

<code><a href="sword://PL_BW/Mat 6:33">Ewangelia Mateusza 6, 33</a></code>

A couple notes about the references above: In the second reference, you will see an odd bit of text added between the "Rom" nad the verse numbers. ("%20"). This is html code and represents the space character. url links are not allowed to contain a space character, so this is necessary for the link to work. However, Eloquent will actually perform this service for you--adding in this code, so you don't have to. I added it here so you can see what your link will look like properly formatted. In the third link, I have referenced a Polish Bible, and in the title wrote my verse reference in Polish, with Polish verse notation. This is to show that one need not write the title in English, or even write the reference. That said, as I mentioned above, this feature is a bit buggy, and I have found my titles changed back to English verse notation for a reference on occasion.

===== Summary =====
The personal commentary feature is quite useful and powerful, once you learn how to enter Scripture references. Do this a few times, and the html code necessary to use will become second nature. But the best part about learning to use the "a href" code stems from the fact that you can use this in _any_ program that allows entering url hotlinks! But we will discuss that in a further session.

=== Hot links from other programs ===

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011.

= External Links =
*[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

*[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-11T15:59:29Z

Krakowian:

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes--"Module fonts" and "Printing" are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options--module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
(This is a work in progress)

The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error--or which is more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless--but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heros of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's, "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes. This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it--in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course--not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of--for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly)

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==

=== Personal Commentary ===
It is possible to create your own personal commentary. The best way to do this is to not download the personal commentary file from the Sword repositories, but to create one via the File menu. Under the File menu, you will see a menu item named, "Create module" This item has a submenu with one item in it--"Personal Commentary". You need to give your personal commentary a name, and then you will have created a personal commentary module. You can find this module under the "Commentaries" subsection under "MODULES" in the left sidebar. However, the best way to access your personal commentary is probably in parallel with a Scripture module. So, when you have a Scripture reference opened to where you want it, click on the plus sign next to its name, just like you would for opening any other Bible version or commentary module in parallel, and choose your personal commentary module.

When your personal commentary opens, you will notice one minor difference between its display and a normal module. Next to the X sign, to the right of the module's name, you will see the word "Edit". When you click on this, you will be able to edit your personal commentary module. The word "Edit" will turn red, thus indicating that you are in Edit mode. Simply write your text under the verse reference you want to write about, and when you are done, click on "Edit" again, and your changes will be saved, and the word "Edit" will change to black text again.

Unfortunately, I must give a very large caveat in regards to editing personal commentary modules. While the author of the app has been working hard to stamp out all the bugs related with editing commentary modules, it seems that they are not so easy to fix. Navigating away from the verse you are editing will lose any changes you have made, if you do not first turn off editing mode. Unfortunately, it is very easy to accidentally navigate away from your verse without thinking, so when editing personal commentary modules, be very sure to be very careful to save your changes frequently. In fact, I would encourage you, if you find odd behavior when editing modules, that you document what happened, and contact the author. He is eager to receive these bug reports, and wishes to clear up all problems with the program. So, with the huge caveat of save early and save often, and be careful what you do, let's create user notes.

==== Hot links within Personal commentary modules ====
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module. However, the method for creating personal links while editing commentary modules is much different than from within Notes. The method for creating links within a personal commentary is done using Sword's url syntax. That's right, url syntax. In other words, you create a link, just like you would for a web page within html code. This may scare you at first, but honestly, it is very simple once you learn the syntax. The syntax, while simple, does need to be exact. A seemingly minor error (like forgetting to end a url with the quotation marks) can spell disaster, with further notes not appearing at all, in a worst-case scenario.

Here is the syntax:
<code> <a href="sword://[Bible version short name]/[reference]">Title</a></code>

=== Hot links from other programs ===

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011, and will hopefully be added to over the coming weeks.

= External Links =
[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-11T13:19:43Z

Krakowian: /* Hot links within Eloquent */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes--"Module fonts" and "Printing" are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options--module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
(This is a work in progress)

The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error--or which is more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless--but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heros of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's, "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes. This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it--in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course--not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of--for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly)

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==
=== Hot links within Eloquent ===
We have already discussed how you create hot-links from within the Notes editor. But you can also create them from withing the personal commentary module.

=== Hot links from other programs ===

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011, and will hopefully be added to over the coming weeks.

= External Links =
[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-11T13:18:17Z

Krakowian: /* Using Notes */

'''Eloquent''' is the new name for the Open Source Bible software for the Macintosh, '''MacSword'''. It is issued under the [http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html GNU General Public License], and is based on the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/index.jsp Sword Project]. Because of this, it is compatible with all of the Sword Project modules. (According to the MacSword/Eloquent web page, there are over 200 modules available in 50 languages.) The nature of the Sword Project is such that, with the right tools and a little effort, users can also create their own modules. It is the fact that MacSword/Eloquent is a part of the Sword Project that sets it apart from the other Bible software programs on the market. While all the rest rely on proprietary file formats, which are unique to themselves, MacSword/Eloquent, by relying on the Sword Project modules, enters the realm of cross-platform Bible tools, which allow for a common base of study tools, whether you are using a Mac, Windows-based or Linux-based computer. Furthermore, there are also programs for the iPhone ([[Bible_software_for_iPhone#PocketSword|PocketSword]]) and Android (AndBible), which likewise use the Sword Project modules. Because of its open-source nature, MacSword/Eloquent tends to rely on older, out-of-copyright works, but it is entirely capable of opening protected, copyrighted works. For instance, it is possible to purchase the NETBible for the Sword Project and MacSword/Eloquent. (For the sake of simplicity, from this point forward, we will refer to MacSword only as Eloquent.)

= Installing Eloquent =
Installing Eloquent is as simple as downloading a dmg file from the Eloquent web site's [http://www.macsword.com/download/ Eloquent Download Page]. This dmg download contains both the application and a movie that shows how to install modules. Of course, once you need to upgrade in the future, you don't need to download the dmg, and can just download the application file, which is about half the size, also from the same download page.

== Updating from MacSword 2 to Eloquent ==
If you are upgrading an install of MacSword 2 to Eloquent, and want to keep all of your preferences and data, you will need to change the names of a couple items in your Finder. Here's what you need to do, according to the official web site:

Just rename the preference file org.crosswire.MacSword.plist to org.crosswire.Eloquent.plist.
Also rename the “MacSword” part of the folder /Users//Application Support/MacSword before you start Eloquent for the first time.
If you already started Eloquent and the folder “Eloquent” already exists, just copy all data into this folder.

== Installing Modules ==
As stated, the full dmg download includes a movie showing how to install modules, but if you would like, you can watch the movie by clicking [http://www.macsword.com/macsword2/screencasts/MS2_ModuleInstaller.mov this link]. It is not immediately apparent where Eloquent installs the modules, so I shall say a word or two here. By default, Eloquent installs its module files in the following folder:
/Users/<username>/Library/Application Support/Sword

== Technical stuff you can ignore ==
''The following section contains some technical information for more unusual uses or advanced usages of Eloquent. It is only of interest if you use other Sword Project applications, such as Bible Desktop or BibleTime on your Mac, or if you need to install unusual modules that are not available from the usual module sources. If you would like, you can skip this section and the next, and move to the section "[[#Setting up Eloquent|Setting up Eloquent]]."''

Unlike earlier versions of MacSword (1.4 and earlier), it is not possible to change this folder's location. However, with a little effort, and the usage of what are called "symbolic links", it is possible to store the files elsewhere. However, if you just want easier access to this folder, you can simply make an alias using the Finder, and drag the folder to a more convenient location (for instance, your user folder or your Documents folder).

It is also possible to install your own modules, but it is a bit more complicated to do so. In fact, it is not recommended that you do this unless you absolutely have to. For instance, if you have a module that is not found on any repository, you would need to manually install a module. In order to install your own modules, you really need to have a good understanding of your Mac's file structure, and how the Finder works. If you feel uncomfortable following these instructions, it would be best to ask on the Mac-Ministry mailing list for help.

The very first thing you need to do is to quit Eloquent if it's running. Any modules you manually install won't be available to Eloquent until it's restarted, so it's best to quit it before you start installing the module.

For the sake of this example, I have downloaded the OSX version of the [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=SBLGNTApp SBLGNTApp] file. When the zip file is unzipped, there are two folders inside the .swd folder. The first is named "mods.d", and the second is named "modules". The mods.d folder contains the configuration file for this module, and must be placed in the folder with the same name within Sword folder mentioned above. The "modules" folder contains a tree of folders. In this case, the structure looks like this: /modules/comments/zcom/sblgntapp/. Inside that last folder are three files, "nt.bzs", "nt.bzv", and "nt.bzz". What we need to know is this. You need to find the "modules" inside your Sword folder, then find the "comments" folder, and then the "zcom" folder. Inside that folder, you can drop the folder named "sblgntapp". It is possible that you do not have a folder named "zcom" or a folder named "comments". In such a circumstance, it would be easiest to navigate to the last folder you have and copy the remaining folders into that. For instance, if you have a "comments" folder, but no "zcom" folder inside that, copy the "zcom" folder from the sblgntapp.swd folder, into your Sword's "comments" folder. Once all the files are copied, you will want to launch Eloquent to see the modules you've installed.

== More on file locations ==

If you have BibleTime installed (or BibleDesktop), you may want to share your modules between the programs. This will require the usage of the command line to make your Sword folder available to these other applications. The exact commands will depend on which program you have installed first, and where your Sword modules have been installed.

Before we begin, however, it is worth saying a word about symbolic links. Symbolic links are similar to the Macintosh "aliases" that have been around since sometime around System 7. An alias is a pointer file that merely points to the actual file location. Wherever you move the file, the alias can find it. This is very convenient, but Eloquent and other Sword Project programs do not recognize these aliases properly, so you need to use another form of "alias" called a symbolic link. These links are more "hard-wired" and don't follow the file around if you move it. You would have to recreate the symbolic link were you to move the original file. However, the advantage of a symbolic link is that it is more transparent than aliases. Where an alias may not work, a symbolic link will.

There are a few ways to create symbolic links. MacPilot, for instance (which has been part of a MacHeist bundle in the past, and which you may have), can create symbolic links, as can [http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/10433/symboliclinker SymbolicLinker] (link to www.macupdate.com), which is freeware.

However, there also exists the simple commandline tool, which is built into every Macintosh computer, and works with any version of OSX. All you need to know are the two locations where you want to the Sword folder to be accessible, and which location from which you want to create your symbolic link. Once this is known, you simply need to paste the proper command into your Terminal.app, and hit return. The first thing you need to do is find and launch your Terminal.app. This is found inside the "Utilities" folder inside your "Applications" folder, where all your applications are stored. Once you have launched your Terminal.app, you will see a window, and a line of text that ends with a dollar sign: $. Next to that, you should see a block cursor. This is where you will paste in one of the following commands.

To start with the Eloquent's "Sword" folder, located in the Application Support folder, and to create the symbolic link to the invisible ".sword" folder inside your user's Home folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword ~/.sword

To start with the invisible ".sword" folder (used by BibleTime and other apps), and to create a symbolic link for Eloquent to use, inside the Application Support folder, copy, and paste the following command into your Terminal window and hit return:

ln -s ~/.sword ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sword

= Setting up Eloquent =

When you first launch Eloquent, if you haven't had a chance to install any modules, the first thing you will need to do is install modules. The screencast you want to watch to help you through this process has already been mentioned, so we will skip over the module installation. All that is worth mentioning here is that if you wish to add modules in the future, you can access the module installer by looking for it in the "Eloquent" menu. The keyboard shortcut for it is <shift>-<command>-M. The next thing you will want to do is look at the preferences. As is normal for Macintosh applications, these are found in the "Eloquent" menu. The first pane you will see is the "General" preferences. Here you will want to choose your default Bible (which will be the Bible version you see when you hover the mouse over hot-clickable references, as well as on other occasions). You may also wish to change your default dictionary, but not necessarily your default Greek and Hebrew dictionaries. If you want to use Eloquent for daily Bible reading, you can add this here as well, under the "Daily Devotion" popup menu. If you do choose one, you can also check on the "Show on startup" check box, to have your reading show up when you start Eloquent.

Under the "Display" preferences tab, under the sub-section titled "Display defaults", you can choose what default font to use, as well as whether to display verses together in paragraph form, or separately. This option is titled "Show Verses on one line." Checking this option will separate the verses. Unchecking it will display them unbroken, in paragraph form. Verses on one line is better for displaying multiple versions in parallel, and unchecking this option is good for reading passages in one version. This option can also be toggled in the main window, as can other options, including the ones displayed on this page. For verse numbering, you can choose to always show full verse numbering (including book and chapter), or just the verse numbers, or hide them all together. Combining this last one, together with unchecking "Show Verses on one line" provides the most seamless experience for reading, and is heartily recommended if you wish to read the text without distraction.

Under the second sub-section, titled "Text display" are options that are best to leave alone until you are more familiar with Eloquent. The defaults should work fine.

The next two preference panes--"Module fonts" and "Printing" are also probably best left to explore later. The defaults should work for you. Under printing, you can change the margins, as well as change to printing centered both horizontally and vertically.

= Understanding the interface =

While Eloquent is simple enough to start working, but in order to get the most out of Eloquent, it is best to understand its understanding of windows, and the uses of each, as well as how to navigate around them.

To begin, it is best to understand a little big about the various kinds of Sword modules. There are four general kinds of Sword modules:
* Text modules: Bible texts in any of over 50 languages.
* Commentary: Bible commentaries, containing verse-by-verse or passage-by-passage comments. These can be displayed parallel with text modules.
* Dictionary: These are dictionary and glossary modules. They can be bi-lingual or for one language. The Strongs dictionaries and the KJV Dictionary are examples of the two different kinds of dictionary modules. These modules have a different kind of display window from text and commentary modules, and cannot be displayed in parallel with them.
* Genbook or general book. These are quite simply books. In the Sword project, these are frequently graphics and map resources, but there are also other general works available. One example is the book, [http://www.crosswire.org/sword/modules/ModInfo.jsp?modName=Pilgrim ''The Pilgrim's Progress''] by John Bunyan.

== Understanding WorkSpaces, Single windows and Sessions ==

There are two different kinds of windows in Eloquent. They are Workspace windows and Single windows. A Workspace window can contain multiple tabs, containing any one or more of the various types of Sword modules, hence the name "workspace" as you can contain several resources connected to a project in several tabs in one window. A Single window can only contain either text and commentaries, or a single commentary, or a single dictionary or general book. A single window is what opens when a link from another application is opened in Eloquent (more on that later), and is also useful if you wish to concentrate on book or text without distraction. We will be describing these two sorts of windows in greater detail below.

=== The Workspace Window ===
The Workspace window is the most flexible, and also potentially the most complicated. It also looks identical to a Single Bible host window, so we will cover that first. At the top of this window are several buttons, as well as a text entry box.
* Left Sidebar: toggles the display of installed modules, bookmarks and notes.
* Search type selector: Choose between verse reference or text search modes.
* Text entry box: Enter the reference text or search text, depending on mode selected.
* Add bookmark: Add a bookmark, or add a reference to a bookmark file.
* Refresh: Reloads the display in the window.
* Fullscreen: Turns on Fullscreen mode (option-command-F cancels this mode)
* Right sidebar: Toggles display of the table of contents for the current work.

==== Left Sidebar ====
The left sidebar contains a list of all installed modules beneath a hierarchy of disclosure triangles. Clicking on a triangle toggles the display of what's under it. The same is true for Bookmarks and Notes. Double-clicking on any item will open that item in a new tab. In a Single window, double-clicking will open a new Single window. It is worth noting that the two sidebars are both resizable by dragging the separator line between them and the main window.

==== Right Sidebar ====
The right sidebar displays a table of contents of the currently open work. For Scripture and commentaries, this displays the books and chapters of the Bible. For lexicons and dictionaries, this displays the entries, and for daily reading plans, the days of the year, and for general books, the original table of contents of the book.

==== Main Window ====
The main part of a Workspace window contains the text of whatever you are reading, while above the various toggles and options--module-specific options, display options, font size and for Scripture, text context. This last option is useful if you are searching or viewing single verses, and wish to see the verses surrounding the displayed verses. You can choose to view between no verses to an extra of ten verses before and after the displayed or found verses. This helps to see the context in which the verse lies, to aid in understanding, and without having to enlarge the selection or change modes or views.

Underneath these options are the tabs. Each tab can contain any module that Eloquent supports. Bible tabs can contain multiple versions displayed in parallel, as well as commentaries. The means of doing this is rather simple and obvious, but worth explaining.

First of all, under the tabs, there is a little text box, containing the short name of the displayed text. Clicking on this pops up a menu. Choosing an item from this popup will change the text displayed in the main window to that module. Next to that is a small plus sign. Clicking on that displays another popup menu. From this, you can choose either a new Bible text pane or a new commentary text pane. Bible text panes will display in parallel with the original text, and commentaries will display below. Once this happens, you will see these same elements repeated for the newly displayed module. Clicking on any plus sign displayed with a Scripture text pane will allow you to select either a new Bible or commentary to display. Clicking on the plus sign in a commentary pane will only allow opening a new commentary pane. You can display up to five texts in parallel, though on smaller screens, you will likely not want to have that many open. Next to the plus sign is an X. This allows for closing the particular module connected with the X. It is also worth noting that the separators between Scriptures and commentaries are grab-able, allowing for the resizing of each pane.

=== The Single Window ===
The single window for Bible texts is almost identical to the Workspace window with the exception that it is not possible to add tabs. You are limited to one tab.

There are, however, other kinds of windows available in Single window mode:

* Commentary host: allows showing of one commentary. The right sidebar defaults to being open.
* Dictionary host: Displays the selected dictionary, with the right sidebar also displayed by default, showing the entries contained in the current dictionary.
* Genbook (general book) host: Displays the text of the selected general book. Again, the right sidebar displays its table of contents.

An odd quirk of the program is that if you use the File menu to create a new Single window, you need to next select a module before anything actually displays, even though the first module of the selected type shows in the popup selector. If you open a new Single window, and wonder why it's blank, it's because you have not yet selected a module.

=== Sessions ===
Sessions are powerful tools which allow you to save all the currently open windows for use later. For instance, if you are working on three different sermons in a week, each of which is a multi-week series, and wish to keep them separate. You would use Sessions to accomplish this. When you wish to save your session, simply go to the File menu, and choose "Save Session As..." to give it a name, choose its location and save it. Now, you can later open the session, either by double-clicking on its file in the Finder, or by choosing "Open Session..." in the File menu. If you want to re-save a session, you will need to choose "Save Session As..." again. A shortcut to get the same name is to navigate to the file in the Save Session window, and click on the file name in the file list. This will automatically paste it into the "save as" name for you. Then it's a simple matter of clicking on "Save" to save the session. You can, of course, maintain multiple sessions. You might find it advantageous, if you find yourself using Sessions a lot, to create a folder just for your saved Session files.

== Navigating the Bible view and Search modes ==
Eloquent has two different modes for finding and viewing Bible texts. You can either find Bible text by entering the reference or by doing a text search. At the top of a workspace or text window, and to the left of the text search box, is a double-button. Clicking on the left side so it looks indented, allows for typing in references. You can enter non-contiguous sections of Scripture. For instance, you can type "Gen 1; John 1:1-12; John 3:16; Psalm 1:1" and view these verses in the order you entered them. This allows for very flexible display of Bible text.

== Working with tabs ==
Tabs are easy to work with. In fact, it's not even necessary to access the menu to create and delete them. Simply clicking on the small plus sign contained in a grey circle to the right of the last tab will create a new one, and clicking the X contained in a grey circle to the left of the tab's title will close that tab. While it is possible to right-click or control-click on a tab title and open a tab into its own Single window, it is not possible to rearrange tabs, nor move between workspaces. Also unfortunately, there is no way to navigate between tabs via the keyboard. Hopefully, these are features that will be added to a future version of the program.

= Digging deeper =
(This is a work in progress)

The following section shows how to get the most out of Eloquent. Like most useful software, there is a lot of power hidden under the simple interface. Unleashing this power is what this section is about.

== Searching ==
Most people, when they think of Bible software, think of searching the Bible. Eloquent, of course, meets the basic needs, and does so in its own way. It is excellent at searching, but it helps to understand and know its unique ways.

To start off, it may be that you have closed the right sidebar in Eloquent while in Bible view mode. When you search, you will probably want the right sidebar visible. First, let's set the window to search mode by clicking on the right side of the "search mode" button next to the text entry area (the magnifying glass in the circle). Next you can click on the right sidebar button to make the right sidebar visible. You will see that you will no longer see the table of contents, but a list of the Bible book names, with check boxes next to them. Above them a pop-up menu displaying the text "Temporary." Let's click on that, and see some preset search range values. They should be familiar: "All, Law, Prophets, Scriptures, Gospels, Letters". The OT divisions are, of course, the ancient Hebrew divisions. Selecting one of these will check and uncheck Bible books in the list below to match your selection. These check-marked books define your search range for when you perform searches, as you probably already guessed. You can also define your own search ranges. Let's create a range of just Paul's epistles. Let's start by finding the text entry field at the bottom of the right sidebar, below the text "Name". Enter the name for your range, and click on the "Add" button. Next, click on the checkboxes next to each of Paul's letters. That's it. If you wish to modify your selection, simply choose your custom range from the popup, and make your modifications. That's it. it is a bit backward, in that you don't select your books first, and then name the selection, but create the custom range by naming it, and then "filling it in."

Now that we understand search ranges, we can also move beyond simple searches. It is worth pointing out, that Eloquent does not perform searches in the same way that Accordance does. Accordance searches are predisposed to find exact matches to the search text. In other words, if you search for the phrase "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes), it will only find the exact phrase. In order to find verses that contain all three words, but not exactly in that order, one has to add search operators. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with Accordance's method, but it is different from how Eloquent performs searches. Eloquent is predisposed to performing searches more similar to how Google works, namely searching for all the words in your search criteria, but not an exact phrase match. So, "kingdom of heaven" (without the quotes) will find {{bibleverse|2|Chronicles|2:12|KJV}}, which reads: "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God '''of''' Israel, that made '''heaven''' and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his '''kingdom'''." Notice that all three words are in this verse, but in a completely different order, and not together. In order to search for an exact phrase in Eloquent, you need to surround the search text in quotation marks, like so: "kingdom of heaven" (with the quotes). Eloquent can use operators, namely AND and OR as well as AND NOT. Notice that they are in all capital letters, "AND" or "OR". Honestly, the AND operator is only essential if you use the OR and/or AND NOT operators in a search phrase as well. You can also use parentheses and the wildcard character (*) in search phrases. The wildcard needs to be either at the beginning or end of a word, and not in the middle. An example of a more complicated search is as such ["kingdom of" (heaven OR God)] A similar search, but one which will return a different result (101 hits instead of 105) is such: ["kingdom of heaven" OR "kingdom of God"]. This second search will only find exact matches, and is probably more what you would be interested in searching for, unless you actually wanted a broader search. The key to any complex search is to isolate the items you wish to search for. In our example above, we wanted to find "Kingdom of" in every verse, and then, either "Heaven" or "God" to find either "kingdom of heaven" or "kingdom of God". To achieve this, we isolated the first expression in quotes, as we needed to find these two words together. Then, we isolated via parentheses the next two words, and allowed the search to choose between either the one or the other with the OR operator. By putting them in the parentheses, we told Eloquent that one of the terms needed to be there, as well as the exact phrase that we isolated within the quotation marks. Now, if we had tried to put the quotation marks outside the entire phrase, the search would have failed to return any results. If we had removed the quotes (and kept the entire Bible as our search range, we would have gathered more results. This form of complex search certainly requires either a decent understanding of logic, or a lot of trial and error--or which is more likely, both. But this is a problem that would occur regardless of which software you chose. The more complex the query, the more careful you have to be, and the more you have to think through the query format. In other words, feel free to experiment, and try not to get frustrated if you don't get the results you think you are asking for.

== Using Bookmarks ==
The bookmark feature somewhat of a sleeper. By this, I mean that it hides a fair bit of power in a rather unassuming interface. You might not realize the power and flexibility contained therein. Hence this guide.

=== Overview ===
Let's start by looking quickly at the various elements you will see. Before you have added any bookmarks, all you will see in the left sidebar is the title "Bookmarks" with a disclosure triangle to its left. Clicking on the triangle to point it downwards will, of course, disclose nothing. We need to create a bookmark.

==== Creating a bookmark ====
There are two ways to create a new bookmark. The first is to first click on the "BOOKMARKS" sidebar text, then right-click or control-click on the title. This pops up a contextual menu, the first item of which is named "Add New Bookmark..." Choosing this opens a new window into which you can enter the Bookmark's name, its reference, and an optional comment field for comments. For instance, let's create a new one and call it "God so loved..." and for the reference, John 3:16. We can enter into the comments field whatever we like, but let's write "Verses concerning God's love toward mankind". Even better, you can see below the comments field the option to add highlight colors! You can choose both foreground and background using Apple's color picker tool. The default is, of course, the color wheel, but with its nearly infinite variety of colors, you may wish to choose another color palette. At the top of the color picker you should see several icons. Clicking on the icon with small blocks of color, you can choose among a few, simpler color palettes. I believe that Apple also provides a crayon box palette. This is a fun, and surprisingly simple palette from which to choose. With the ability to choose both foreground and background colors, the potential variety is endless--but it is best to not go overboard, and only save the highlight colors for more universal items, or potentially, for a long-term study project. But honestly, this depends on your imagination.

==== Adding verses to a bookmark ====
At this point you may ask, "How come, if we can only put one verse per bookmark, I named my bookmark as I did, and entered the comment field as I did?" The answer lies in the fact that bookmarks can contain any number of verses. Just like in the Scripture entry field above you can enter multiple references (using the normal conventions for separating verses, chapters and books), you can do this with bookmarks. But first, we will show you a simpler way to add verses to a bookmark. First, let's do a word search for "Christ AND love*". This returns several verses, starting with Romans 5:8. Suppose we want to add Rom. 5:8, 8:35 and 8:39 (I used the KJV text, so your search result may differ if you use a different version). Simply drag to highlight all three verses, making sure to include all three references in the selection. Now, you right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu, and find the "Add Verses to Bookmark" submenu, which will now show your Bookmark in the popup list. Select it, and the verses are now added. It's that simple. Any displayed verse can be added to any bookmark list on the fly with this method.

==== Editing a bookmark ====
Of course, you can also single-click to select the bookmark in the sidebar, and then right-click or control-click to open the contextual menu and manually edit a bookmark, but this method is much easier for adding. You will need to use the manual method to remove verses, so it is wise to remember this.

In fact, while we are looking at the contextual menu for the bookmark in the sidebar, notice all the options, including deleting, and opening a bookmark in a new view. Unless you always want to overwrite the current contents in a tab, you will want to remember this last option. The contextual menu is also the way you will delete a bookmark when it is no longer needed.

==== Creating Bookmark Folders ====
One last option in this contextual menu we have not yet discussed is that of folders. You can move bookmarks to folders you create using the contextual menu. With folders, you can group bookmarks based on topics, or maybe based on Bible books, or sections of the Bible, or based on sermons or Bible studies. Again, your imagination is the limit. As an example, I am doing a series of studies I call "Heros of faith in the OT". Each person gets his own bookmark file in a folder I've titled "Bohaterowie wiary" (the Polish title). When I'm not working on this series, the folder is closed with the disclosure triangle, so I don't need to be distracted by them when I don't need them (I will be doing 12 different people by the time I'm done, so 12 different bookmarks always visible would be quite distracting).

==== Summary ====
So, you can see that the bookmark facility, while quite simple, is also quite flexible and powerful. Bookmarks is one of my favorite features of Eloquent.

== Using Notes ==
The Notes feature is another unassuming and easily overlooked feature of Eloquent. However, it also hides a wealth of functionality that, while maybe not as simple in usage as the Bookmark feature, is nevertheless available. It also helps to be willing to navigate to a folder in your Library, should you ever want to view a particular note outside of Eloquent. Eloquent creates the notes as separate rtf files in its folder inside your user's Library's, "Application Support" folder. The exact location path is this: [your user home folder]/Library/Application Support/Eloquent/Notes/. If this geeky way of writing it confuses you, go to your Finder, click on your home folder in your Finder's sidebar, and find your "Library" folder. Next, inside there, locate your "Application Support" folder. Inside that folder, find the "Eloquent" folder, and inside there, you should find a folder named "Notes. This is where Eloquent will store all your notes files as rtf (rich text format) files. This is the file format that TextEdit also uses, and is Apple's default text format for read me files, etc. It is a simple, and universally-recognized format that was originally created by Microsoft! But now it is an open and cross-platform format. This format, however, hides a lot of formatting power inside, which Eloquent is able to take advantage of. So, let's take a look at what you can do.

=== Creating a note ===
First, we need to create a new note. The most obvious way is, of course, to go to the "File" menu. However, instead of the normal "New" option, you will find the menu item, "Create Study Note". This is the menu item you want. Choosing this opens a new, blank window. An alternate method for creating a new Note is to single-click on the "NOTES" title in the left sidebar, and then right-click or control-click on it to open up the contextual menu. You will notice two items that you can choose: "Add new note" and "Add new folder". Folders work just the same for notes as they do for bookmarks, and pretty much everywhere folders are used on the Mac. If you were to single-click on an already-created note, you would have other options available when you right-click on its name in the sidebar, which options are currently greyed-out, but you can quickly see what those options are now, while you have the contextual menu open. We will discuss those in depth later. For now, you only need to know that you can create either a new note or new note folder with this contextual menu in the sidebar.

=== Editing a note ===
At its simplest, a note is text. You can write to your heart's content, and even add formatting using Apple's conventional keyboard shortcuts. But above the large text entry area are two items, Rulers and the Font popup menu. The Rulers item displays the formatting ruler. If you use TextEdit much, you will immediately recognize this ruler, and know how to use it--in fact if you have spent any time editing documents in a word processor, you will recognize the ruler and how to use it. One item of note, however, is the "Lists" popup menu. You can actually use Eloquent's notes to create outlines. It is quite flexible, and works identically to how TextEdit works, because it is based on Apple's TextEdit engine. In fact, if you navigate to the note file in your Finder (see above), and double-click the file, it will open in TextEdit, and you can edit the file there, even on a Mac that doesn't contain Eloquent. In fact, you can email these files to people who use Windows computers, and the files should open up with their formatting intact, or at least nearly so (depending on their software, of course--not all applications open rtf files properly, and sometimes ignore certain formatting features that rtf files are capable of--for instance, TextEdit and Eloquent ignore footnotes and endnotes, which rtf handles perfectly)

Using the various lists, once you choose a particular list format for a particular level, that format will remain until you leave the outline. So, for instance, choosing the Roman numeral list for the top level will retain that list until you leave the outline. Choosing the capital letters for the next level will retain that format for the second level, and so on. Of course you can choose whatever list format you wish. The lists feature for outlining is flexible, but not structured. You will have to create your structure. Some people require more structure from their outlining software, so this may not be for you, but if you appreciate this flexibility and simplicity, you will appreciate Eloquent's outlining capability.

=== Entering Scripture links ===
You may ask why bother using Eloquent to write your sermons, or create extensive notes. Well, one good reason is because of the ease with which one can create hot-links to Scripture references. We will talk more about how Eloquent takes full advantage of the sword url capability, but for now, let is suffice to say that if you wish to create links from within Eloquent, the program does all the dirty work for you. All you have to do is write the reference, even using the common abbreviations for book names, highlight the text, and then right-click or control-click on the highlighted text, and from the contextual menu, choose "Create verse link". Eloquent will auto-sense the reference, and create a hot-link for you. Now, when you click on the link, a new Eloquent single window will open with the reference(s) showing. Now, the downside of this method exists for those who wish to write in another language, or maybe use labels that don't contain the verse reference. In such cases, you will want to read below about how to create links within other programs.

=== Summary ===
One point worth remembering is that above the main text entry area is a "Save" button. You need to remember to click on that on occasion. It is not worth risking losing any amount of work forgetting to save. Save frequently, as with any word processing software. Since the Notes editor is based on TextEdit, and normal word processing principles, its use should be familiar to most of us, and again, its simplicity allows for much exploration and experimentation. Taking full advantage of this will reward greatly. It is also worth remembering and using the folders feature for Notes, just like for Bookmarks.

== Even deeper ==
=== Hot links within Eloquent ===
=== Hot links from other programs ===

=Credits=
This page is a work in progress written by CMUG Board member [[Jon Glass]] in February–April 2011, and will hopefully be added to over the coming weeks.

= External Links =
[http://www.macsword.com MacSword Home]

[http://www.eloquent-bible-study.eu/ New Eloquent Home]

[[Category:Bible Software]]

Eloquent

2011-04-11T10:45:30Z

Krakowian: /* Using Bookmarks */