Books and Schematics In 7 Days to Die
Many very useful items are created from recipes that must be unlocked using books and schematics looted in 7 Days to Die. The recipes will allow players to craft some of the best protective clothing, melee weapons, range weapons, and ammo. Adding these recipes are vital to surviving hordes of zombies and other players.
This Article Includes:
- Finding Books and Schematics
- Adding Recipes
- Books and Recipes They Unlock
- Schematics and Recipes They Unlock
Note: 7 Days to Die is current available for early access during their Alpha Testing. Continuous updates are made, which could change the information provided. This article was written based on version 9.3, it will be updated if changes in future versions affect this information.
Finding Books and Schematics
Books and Schematics can be found in several types of containers and inside various buildings. They are most commonly found in:
- Desk Safes
- Gun Safes
- Wall Safes
- Supply Crates
- Book Shelves

Text will appear on the screen, letting you know how many recipes you have unlocked.
Screenshot: 7 Days to Die
Adding Recipes in 7 Days to Die
After locating the book, you can add the recipe by following the steps below.
- Place the book in your Utility Belt.
- Select the book from your belt, so that you are holding it in your hands.
- Select your action button.
If done correctly, there will be a sound and the number of recipes unlocked will be displayed on the screen. Those recipes are now available and can be found in the crafting menu.
Books and The Recipes They Unlock
Books unlock the ability to make leather clothing, forge pistol parts, make shotgun parts, craft tools, and create bullets. Some books unlock a single recipe, while others unlike multiple recipes. Books are more common than schematics, and often are useful early in the game. There is a complete list of books below, which includes all the recipes each book unlocks.
Home Maintenance
- Repair Tool
Home Maintenance II
- Claw Hammer
Hunting Knife Book
Reloading Weekly Book
- Shotgun Shell
Leather Tanning
- Leather
- Leather Boots
- Leather Gloves
- Leather hat
- Leather Jacket
- Leather Pants
Urban Combat
- Shotgun Barrel Mold
- Shotgun Receiver Mold
- Shotgun Short Barrel Mold
- Pump Shotgun Stock
- Shotgun Pump
- Shotgun Short Barrel
- Shotgun Short Stock
Pistol Book
- Pistol Barrel Mold
- Pistol Receiver Mold
- Pistol Slide Mold
Ammunition Nation
- 10mm Bullet
- 762mm Bullet
- 9mm Bullet
Schematics and The Recipes They Unlock
Schematics are found in similar areas as books, but are not as common. They include the ability to build weapons and armor. The name of the schematic is the item it allows you to create, followed by the work schematic. For example, Iron Gloves Schematic will allow you to craft Iron Gloves. The SMG Schematic is the only one that unlocks more than one recipe.
Single Recipe Schematics:
- Iron Boots Schematic
- Iron Gloves Schematic
- Iron Leg Armor Schematic
- Iron Helmet Schematic
- Iron Chest Armor Schematic
SMG Schematic Recipes:
- SMG
- SMG Barrel Mold
- SMG Receiver Mold
- SMG Stock Mold