Frequently Asked Questions
What is FicMachine?
FicMachine is an application to write fictional stories using AI. As opposed to other chatbots, you and the AI write a story on the same page. You can write fanfic or original stories, or roleplay as a self-insert character. FicMachine offers free, private, and unrestricted AI, allowing you to express your creativity and immerse yourself in the fiction.
How do I start?
To start writing, you can browse scenarios or start a custom story. A few things worth keeping in mind:
- Be creative. Change the initial story and characters and make them yours. Make sure that you are invested and want to see where the story goes.
- The AI has no plan. The AI is an improv actor without a script or outline. Check and edit the AI Instructions, Cards, and the Story text itself to steer the AI output.
- Read the Tutorial for more advanced tips.
Do I need to make an account?
No. When you visit FicMachine you get an anonymous session stored in a cookie, which allows us to link the stories to your device. However, if you do not make an account, your stories will be lost after some days of inactivity or if you clear your browser’s cookies. When you make an account, any stories you started anonymously will be transferred to your registered account.
You do need an account if you want to see NSFW scenarios, create and publish scenarios, or use social features (comment, follow, etc).
Is my stuff private?
Yes. All your stories are private. No users or scenario creators can read your stories. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Is NSFW allowed?
Yes. There are no filters or moderation for private stories. However, public NSFW scenarios must be labeled as mature and they cannot contain explicit images regardless. Users must follow the Content Guidelines when publishing a Scenario. You also need to register an account and declare that you're an adult before you can access mature content.
If FicMachine free? Are there any generation limits or ads?
FicMachine is free with no ads and no generation limits as long as the developer doesn’t run out of money. You can subscribe to Premium to support the project and enjoy more memory and better models.
Can I publish a Scenario?
Yes. To create and publish scenarios, you need to register an account. See Creating Scenarios for instructions.
Will the AI remember the story?
All AI apps have limited memory because memory is the main cost of running AI models. In FicMachine, you can see and customize exactly what the AI remembers using Cards and AI Instructions. The Inspect Context button allows you to see exactly what is sent to the AI every turn. Check the Tutorial for more details.
Free users have a memory budget sufficient to write short stories with a modest amount of characters and lore at a time. Premium users have four times the memory budget, which allows the AI to remember many more details.
Is FicMachine better than [alternative]?
FicMachine is a few months old and is the hobby project of a solo developer. It’s missing many features and content that other similar platforms have. However, FicMachine is focused on immersive fiction narrative. If you’re looking to express your creativity and have the AI follow along, FicMachine may be the one for you.
Do you use my stories to train the AI?
No. We only use AI providers who don't train AI models. This means that we lag behind the latest model releases which are usually offered at a discount but use the inputs to train their models.
Is there a mobile app?
No, and no plans to make one at the time.
Can I make images?
No, and no plans to add this feature.
I need more help/I have a question, or feedback.
You can reach the developer via Discord or e-mail hello@ficmachine.com.