TAB button!

[pbridges]

One of the other iPad writing apps has this, and it is its sole redeeming feature. They have it as a paste-up button above the keyboard.

 

Writers who work on desktops or laptops with the major writing programs are used to the 'hit Tab' to progress workflow.

 

You start writing INT. or EXT., the program automatically knows this a scene and formats it in CAPS as such.

 

Hit enter and you're straight into action description.

 

Hit enter again and you've got another paragraph of description. But if you hit Tab instead, the program knows to go immediately to Character Name.

 

Hit enter and you're in Dialogue. But hit Tab instead to write a Parenthetical.

 

Hit enter and you're in Action again, unless you start typing INT. or EXT., then the program knows you're on a new scene.

 

Rinse and repeat. I know you can select what category your current typing falls into, but don't underestimate the almighty Tab as a quick and intuitive drafting tool.

[Steve]

Hi pbridges,

 

Storyist for iPad does support tab key shortcuts. The screenplay template sets up appropriate defaults, and if you're editing an FDX file, it will use the sequence defined in the file.

 

If you've using a physical keyboard, pressing the tab key will cycles through the sequence.

 

If you're using the virtual keyboard, the general (non-screenplay) extended keyboard also provides a tab key. The extended keyboard in screenwriting mode instead provides direct access to the elements (scene heading, action, etc...) on the theory that direct manipulation is more intuitive, less prone to errors, and often requires fewer keystrokes, which on the iPad is a significant win.

 

Several other writers have requested the ability to replace the direct access to screenplay elements with the tab key, and this is something I'll probably provide as part of the planned keyboard customization feature.

 

-Steve

 

One of the other iPad writing apps has this, and it is its sole redeeming feature. They have it as a paste-up button above the keyboard.

 

Writers who work on desktops or laptops with the major writing programs are used to the 'hit Tab' to progress workflow.

 

You start writing INT. or EXT., the program automatically knows this a scene and formats it in CAPS as such.

 

Hit enter and you're straight into action description.

 

Hit enter again and you've got another paragraph of description. But if you hit Tab instead, the program knows to go immediately to Character Name.

 

Hit enter and you're in Dialogue. But hit Tab instead to write a Parenthetical.

 

Hit enter and you're in Action again, unless you start typing INT. or EXT., then the program knows you're on a new scene.

 

Rinse and repeat. I know you can select what category your current typing falls into, but don't underestimate the almighty Tab as a quick and intuitive drafting tool.