# Clapperbie - Complete Knowledge Base & Documentation

> Complete guide, tutorials, and frequently asked questions for Clapperbie — the screenwriting and story-world building software.

Website: https://www.clapperbie.com

---

## Table of Contents

### Tutorials
- [Getting Started with Clapperbie: From Setup to Your First Script](#getting-started-with-clapperbie) (Getting Started)
- [Managing Script Revisions and Color-Coded Drafts](#managing-script-revisions-and-color-coded-drafts) (Production)
- [Breaking Down a Screenplay for Production Departments](#breaking-down-a-screenplay-for-production-departments) (Production)
- [How to Outline Your Story with Index Cards](#how-to-outline-your-story-with-index-cards) (Screenwriting)
- [How to Create a Screenplay from Scratch with AI](#how-to-create-a-script-from-scratch-with-ai) (Screenwriting)

### FAQs
- [How do I activate and verify my product key?](#key-verification) (FAQs)
- [Why do I see a warning on Windows when installing the app?](#not-digitally-signed) (FAQs)
- [Why don't my projects stay saved when I close the browser?](#unsaved-projects) (FAQs)
- [How to remove my data?](#how-to-remove-my-data) (FAQs)

---

# Tutorials

## Getting Started with Clapperbie: From Setup to Your First Script {#getting-started-with-clapperbie}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/tutorials/getting-started-with-clapperbie
- **Category:** Getting Started
- **Summary:** Learn how to create a project, write and format your first scene, navigate production entities, and export an industry-standard PDF.
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Overview

Clapperbie is a dedicated screenwriting and pre-production environment designed to take your story from initial script pages to a fully broken-down production.

In this tutorial, you will:

1. Create a project and initialize a new screenplay.
2. Write a scene using intelligent keyboard-driven formatting.
3. Navigate the workspace, scene outlines, and auto-generated production entities.
4. Export a formatted PDF ready for table reads and production sharing.

---

## Step 1: Create a Project and Screenplay

When you launch Clapperbie, the **Welcome** screen displays quick-start actions, recent files, and basic shortcuts.

![Clapperbie Welcome screen with quick actions](./welcome-screen.png)

1. Click **Create Script** on the Welcome screen (or open the **Scripts** section from the left sidebar and click the **Create** action).
2. In the dialog, enter the title of your script (for example, `The Midnight Shift`) and confirm.
3. Clapperbie creates the script and immediately opens it in a dedicated editor tab.

> **Tip:** Clapperbie stores all scripts, character profiles, locations, and breakdown data inside a single project file (`.clapx`). Save your project to disk at any time using `Ctrl + S` (`Cmd + S` on macOS) or via the **Projects** tab in the sidebar.

---

## Step 2: Write and Format Your First Scene

The script editor automatically formats industry-standard screenplay elements as you type. You can write continuously without reaching for the mouse by using natural keyboard shortcuts.

![Script editor with formatted screenplay elements](./script-editor-flow.png)

### 1. Scene Heading (Slugline)

Start your scene by typing a standard scene heading:

```text
INT. DINER - NIGHT
```

* Shortcut: `Ctrl + 1` sets the current block to **Scene Header**.
* Autocomplete suggestions for scene prefixes (`INT.`, `EXT.`, `INT./EXT.`) appear automatically.
* Press `Enter` to finish the heading and automatically transition into an **Action** block.

### 2. Action

Describe the setting and movement:

```text
Rain streaks the neon-lit windows. MARCUS (40s), exhausted in a trench coat, stirs black coffee.
```

* Shortcut: `Ctrl + 2` sets the block to **Action**.
* Pressing `Enter` at the end of an action block creates a new action line.

### 3. Character and Dialogue

Introduce dialogue:

1. Press `Tab` from a blank line (or press `Ctrl + 3`) to switch the block to **Character**.
2. Type the character name: `MARCUS`.
3. Press `Enter`. The editor automatically switches to **Dialogue** (`Ctrl + 4`).
4. Type the dialogue:
   ```text
   He promised he'd be here by midnight.
   ```
5. Press `Enter` to create the next **Character** cue (for the next speaker), or press `Tab` to switch to **Action** for scene description.

### Quick Formatting Reference

| Element | Shortcut | Next Default on `Enter` |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Scene Heading** | `Ctrl + 1` | Action |
| **Action** | `Ctrl + 2` | Action |
| **Character** | `Ctrl + 3` | Dialogue |
| **Dialogue** | `Ctrl + 4` | Character |
| **Parenthetical** | `Ctrl + 6` | Dialogue |
| **Transition** | `Ctrl + 5` | Scene Heading |
| **Act** | `Ctrl + 7` | Scene Heading |

> **Tip:** Use `Tab` to cycle forward through allowed block types in context, and `Shift + Tab` to cycle backward.

---

## Step 3: Workspace Navigation and Production Entities

The left sidebar gives you instant access to your story elements and production breakdown tools:

![Clapperbie workspace sidebar and navigation features](./workspace-navigation.png)

* **Projects** — Manage project metadata, manage local and cloud files, and initiate real-time **Collaboration** sessions with a shareable room link.
* **Scripts** — View, create, import, rename, and manage scripts in your project, with quick access to script settings, exports, and dedicated production tools (including **Index Cards**, **Shot List**, **Scheduling**, and **Dood Report**).
* **Characters** — Automatically indexes every character detected in your script. Add backstory notes, casting descriptions, and reference images.
* **Locations** — Automatically detects locations from scene headings. Manage location details, descriptions, and reference images.
* **Elements** — Track and manage production elements across categories (props, wardrobe, vehicles, etc.) linked to your scenes.
* **Tools** — Configure breakdown categories and colors, customize shot list parameters (shot sizes, framing, angles, camera movements, equipment), and manage custom properties.

### Scene Outline and Editor Actions

Inside the script editor, click the floating action button on the bottom right to open essential tools:

* **Scenes** — Opens the Scene Navigator to jump directly to any scene in your script.
* **Search** (`Ctrl + F`) — Search text across the active draft.
* **Comments** — Add and resolve editorial notes.
* **Versions** — Compare revisions and restore previous text snapshots.
* **Speech** — Read the script aloud using speech synthesis for table-read verification.

---

## Step 4: Export Your Script to PDF

Once your scene is written, export it to an industry-standard PDF formatted to standard margins and Courier typography.

![Export to PDF dialog options](./export-pdf-action.png)

1. Press `Ctrl + Alt + P` (`Cmd + Option + P` on macOS) while inside the editor, or open the **Scripts** sidebar, click the actions menu (`...`) next to your script, and select **Export to PDF**.
2. Select your formatting preferences (such as including a title page or watermark).
3. Click **Ok** to generate and save your PDF file.

> **Tip:** You can also export your screenplay to **Final Draft (.fdx)**, **Fountain (.fountain)**, or plain text (**TXT**) from the script actions menu in the sidebar.

---

## Managing Script Revisions and Color-Coded Drafts {#managing-script-revisions-and-color-coded-drafts}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/tutorials/managing-script-revisions-and-color-coded-drafts
- **Category:** Production
- **Summary:** Learn how to save development drafts, lock your screenplay for prep, manage industry color-coded revisions, compare diffs, and restore snapshots.
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Overview

During development, screenwriters iterate through multiple drafts to refine story beats. Once a project enters pre-production, scripts are locked so department heads can rely on fixed scene and page numbering. Any subsequent changes require color-coded revision tracking.

In this tutorial, you will:

1. Save development drafts from the **Versions** panel.
2. Lock your screenplay status for production.
3. Generate color-coded production revisions (White, Blue, Pink, Yellow, and beyond).
4. Compare changes between versions using split and unified diff views.
5. Restore earlier script states or export specific revision snapshots.

---

## Step 1: Save Development Drafts

While developing your screenplay, save milestone snapshots whenever you complete a major rewrite, polish, or pass.

![Opening the Versions panel in the script editor](./open-versions-panel.png)

1. Open your script in the editor.
2. Click the floating action button on the bottom right and select **Versions**.
3. In the **Versions** panel header, click the **Save Draft** action.
4. Confirm the dialog.

Clapperbie creates a timestamped milestone (such as `Draft 1`, `Draft 2`). The top entry in the list always represents your live **Current Version**.

### Real-Time Change Highlighting in Drafts

As you continue writing after saving a draft, Clapperbie automatically highlights modified lines directly in the script editor relative to your last saved milestone.

This visual feedback is useful during the writing process:
* **Clear Edit Context:** You immediately see which dialogue cues or action lines were modified in your current pass without having to remember every alteration.
* **Confident Rewrites:** You can experiment freely and trim dialogue, knowing exactly what has changed before you commit your next milestone draft.

> **Tip:** Saving drafts does not freeze scene numbers or page breaks; it simply creates restorable historical snapshots while you freely rewrite.

---

## Step 2: Lock the Script for Production

When the screenplay is approved for prep, table reads, or filming, lock the script to freeze the scene order and page layout.

![Locking script status in the Scripts sidebar](./lock-script-status.png)

1. Open the **Scripts** section in the left sidebar.
2. Click the actions menu (`...`) next to your script.
3. Select **Status** and choose **Locked**.

Locking the script preserves scene numbering across departments (1st AD, Script Supervisor, Camera, Art Department).

---

## Step 3: Create Color-Coded Revisions

Once a script is locked, all new edits are tracked as production revisions following the standard industry color cycle:

1. **White** (Full production draft)
2. **Blue** (First revision)
3. **Pink** (Second revision)
4. **Yellow** (Third revision)
5. **Green** (Fourth revision)
6. **Goldenrod** (Fifth revision)
7. **Buff** (Sixth revision)
8. **Salmon** (Seventh revision)
9. **Cherry** (Eighth revision)

![Color-coded revisions in the Versions panel](./color-coded-revisions-list.png)

1. Make your text edits in the locked script.
2. Open the **Versions** panel. Notice that the button now displays **Save Revision**.
3. Click **Save Revision** and confirm.

Clapperbie logs the revision with its corresponding color badge and timestamp.

### Visual Revision Bars in the Editor

In locked mode, modified paragraphs display a colored left border and subtle background tint matching the active revision color (e.g., Blue, Pink). The Story Map outline on the right also marks revised scenes with their corresponding color, giving directors and script supervisors immediate visual clarity on which scenes contain updated pages.

---

## Step 4: Compare Changes Across Drafts and Revisions

To verify what changed between revisions or check an earlier draft against your current text:

![Comparing script versions with split and unified diff views](./compare-versions-dialog.png)

1. In the **Versions** panel, click the actions menu (`...`) next to any version.
2. Select **Compare** and choose the comparison target (such as another revision or the live **Current Revision**).
3. In the **Compare** dialog:
   * **Split View** / **Unified View**: Toggle between a side-by-side comparison and an inline diff highlighting added and deleted lines.
   * **Show Only Changed Scenes**: Filter out untouched scenes to inspect only modified dialogue, action, and sluglines.

---

## Step 5: Restore Snapshots or Print Revisions

### Restoring a Version

If a rewrite direction does not work out, roll back your screenplay to any previous state:

1. In the **Versions** panel, click on a past version or click its actions menu (`...`) and select **Restore**.
2. Confirm the prompt warning that uncommitted live edits will be replaced.
3. Clapperbie restores the entire script document to that historical milestone.

### Printing a Specific Revision

To export a PDF snapshot of a previous revision without switching your active editor:

1. Click the actions menu (`...`) on a revision entry.
2. Select **Print**.
3. Clapperbie generates and downloads the PDF reflecting that exact revision point.

---

## Breaking Down a Screenplay for Production Departments {#breaking-down-a-screenplay-for-production-departments}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/tutorials/breaking-down-a-screenplay-for-production-departments
- **Category:** Production
- **Summary:** Learn how to tag production elements manually and with AI, configure department breakdown categories, manage element inventories, and export breakdown sheets.
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Overview

A screenplay breakdown is the foundational step bridging creative development and physical production. For 1st Assistant Directors (1st ADs), location managers, line producers, and department heads, breaking down a script involves identifying and cataloging every tangible element — from featured props and specialized vehicles to stunt requirements, makeup effects, and costume changes — required to shoot each scene.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to:

1. Lock your screenplay for production breakdown.
2. Review and customize color-coded **Breakdown Categories**.
3. Tag production entities manually in the screenplay editor with batch matching.
4. Use Clapperbie's **AI Assistant** to automatically scan scenes and tag department elements.
5. Review and export department inventories using the **Elements** module.
6. Generate and export scene **Breakdown Sheets** to PDF.

---

## Step 1: Lock the Screenplay

In Clapperbie, breakdown tagging is enabled exclusively on scripts in **Locked** status. This prevents unintended text edits and pagination shifts from invalidating your department breakdowns during pre-production.

![Setting script status to Locked in the Scripts sidebar](./lock-script-status.png)

1. Open the **Scripts** section in the left sidebar.
2. Click the actions menu (`...`) next to your target script.
3. Select **Status** and choose **Locked**.

> **Note:** If you need to make narrative revisions later, use the **Versions** panel to save color-coded revision passes (Blue, Pink, Yellow) while preserving breakdown tags.

---

## Step 2: Configure Breakdown Categories

Clapperbie provides 11 standard industry department categories, each assigned a distinctive color code for easy identification across the script and scheduling tools.

![Breakdown Categories listed in the Tools sidebar](./breakdown-categories-list.png)

1. In the left sidebar, navigate to the **Tools** section.
2. Expand the **Breakdown Categories** accordion.
3. Review the default categories:
   * **Cast** (Deep Purple) — Speaking and non-speaking principal talent.
   * **Location** (Lime) — Filming locations and real-world addresses.
   * **Extras** (Green) — Background talent and atmosphere.
   * **Props** (Brown) — Objects characters interact with on camera.
   * **Costumes** (Deep Orange) — Wardrobe items, uniforms, and costume changes.
   * **Makeup** (Pink) — Blood, prosthetics, wounds, and special makeup.
   * **Vehicles** (Blue) — Action vehicles, hero cars, and picture transportation.
   * **Stunts** (Red) — Physical stunts, wirework, and precision driving.
   * **SPFX** (Cyan) — Practical physical effects (explosions, rain, smoke, squibs).
   * **Livestock** (Light Green) — Large animals (horses, cattle).
   * **Wrangler** (Amber) — Small animals and handlers (dogs, cats).

### Adding or Customizing Categories

If your production has specific department requirements (such as *Greenery*, *Sound FX / Playback*, or *VFX Markers*):

1. Click the **+** (Create Category) button in the **Breakdown Categories** header.
2. Enter the **Name**, select a **Color**, and add an optional **Description**.
3. Click **Create**. The new category immediately becomes available in tagging dialogs and element reports.

---

## Step 3: Tag Production Elements Manually

When reviewing the script scene by scene, tag specific words or phrases directly in the editor to attach them to production categories.

![Adding a tag to highlighted script text](./add-tag-selection-dialog.png)

1. Highlight the text representing the element (e.g., `VINTAGE REVOLVER`, `BLOODY T-SHIRT`, `1967 CHEVY IMPALA`).
2. In the floating selection toolbar, click **Add a Tag** (tag icon) or press `Alt + T`.
3. In the **Add a Tag** dialog:
   * **Category:** Select the target department (e.g., *Props* or *Vehicles*).
   * **Name:** Enter the normalized element name. Existing elements in the selected category appear as auto-complete suggestions to avoid duplicate entries.
   * **Quantity:** Specify the required quantity for this occurrence (default is `1`).
   * **Apply to all matches:** Check this box if the item appears across multiple scenes and you want Clapperbie to automatically tag all occurrences throughout the script.
4. Click **OK**.

The tagged text is highlighted in the script editor with a subtle background and colored underline matching the category's assigned color. Selecting any existing tag opens the **Update the Tag** dialog to adjust quantities, change categories, or remove the tag.

---

## Step 4: Automate Tagging with the AI Assistant

For feature-length scripts or tight turnaround schedules, you can use Clapperbie's built-in **AI Assistant** to perform automated screenplay breakdowns.

The AI Assistant follows industry breakdown conventions:
* It reads available department categories directly from your project settings.
* It scans scene action and dialogue to detect props, vehicles, wardrobe specifications, stunts, makeup, and special effects.
* It reuses existing normalized element names in uppercase (e.g., `FLASHLIGHT` rather than creating separate entries for `flashlight`, `Flashlight`, and `Flashlights`).
* It preserves existing manual tags while tagging new entities.

![AI Assistant performing automated script breakdown](./ai-script-breakdown.png)

1. Open the left sidebar and click **AI Assistant** (sparkle icon).
2. Ensure your AI provider is active in the application footer.
3. In the chat prompt, specify the scenes or departments you want to break down:
   ```text
   Break down scenes 1 through 8 for all production departments.
   Identify all props, vehicles, costumes, stunts, and special effects, and apply breakdown tags to the script.
   ```
4. The AI processes the scenes and applies tags directly to the screenplay text in the editor.
5. Review the script editor to verify the newly placed color markers across the target scenes.

> **Tip:** You can also ask the AI to perform department-specific passes, such as: *"Scan the script and tag all vehicles and precision driving stunts for the Stunt & Transportation departments."*

---

## Step 5: Manage Inventories in the Elements Module

Every tagged entity is aggregated into the **Elements** module, providing a centralized asset inventory across your entire project.

![Elements table editor displaying props and departmental assets](./elements-table-overview.png)

### Viewing the Elements Sidebar

1. Open the **Elements** section in the left sidebar.
2. Browse the list of detected elements. Each entry displays its department color indicator.
3. Use the filter action to narrow the list by specific **Scripts** or **Categories**.
4. Click an element to open its **Element Details** editor to add notes or assign custom properties.

### Department Table View and Exports

To view and export elements by department:

1. In the **Elements** sidebar, click on any category header (or click its table action).
2. The full **Elements Table** editor opens as a central workspace tab (e.g., `Elements - Props`):
   * **Columns:** Toggle column visibility to show element names, scene appearances, quantities, notes, and availability dates.
   * **Filters:** Filter elements by specific script drafts or availability status.
   * **Export:** Click **Export to PDF** or **Export to Excel** in the toolbar to generate formatted department sheets for prop masters, wardrobe supervisors, and line producers.

---

## Step 6: Generate and Export Scene Breakdown Sheets

The 1st AD and production office use scene breakdown sheets during scheduling and call sheet preparation to review department requirements scene by scene.

![Scene Breakdown dialog ready for PDF export](./scene-breakdown-dialog.png)

1. In the script editor, click the floating action button in the bottom right and select **Scenes**.
2. Locate the scene you want to inspect.
3. Click the actions menu (`...`) on the scene card and select **Breakdown**.
4. The **Breakdown** dialog opens, displaying:
   * **Header Information:** Scene number, slugline (INT/EXT, setting, time of day), script page number, estimated page eighths, and location details.
   * **Department Boxes:** Tagged elements organized into dedicated boxes for *Cast*, *Extras*, *Props*, *Costumes*, *Makeup*, *Vehicles*, *Stunts*, *SPFX*, and custom categories.
5. Click **Export to PDF** to download a standardized breakdown sheet, or click **Print** to send it directly to your printer.

---

## Summary of Results

After completing your screenplay breakdown in Clapperbie, you have:

* A locked production screenplay with clear, color-coded inline tags for all departments.
* A normalized master inventory in the **Elements** module with scene links and tracking metadata.
* Exportable Excel and PDF departmental element lists.
* Standardized scene breakdown sheets ready for production scheduling and stripboard creation.

---

## How to Outline Your Story with Index Cards {#how-to-outline-your-story-with-index-cards}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/tutorials/how-to-outline-your-story-with-index-cards
- **Category:** Screenwriting
- **Summary:** Structure your screenplay using virtual index cards, organize scenes into acts, color-code subplots, and reorder story beats with real-time script synchronization.
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Overview

Visualizing a screenplay at a high level helps you balance story pacing, track subplots, and refine three-act structure before writing full dialogue and action.

In this tutorial, you will:

1. Open the **Index Cards** board for your screenplay.
2. Structure your narrative into **Acts** (columns).
3. Create and populate scene cards with sluglines, synopses, and color tags.
4. Reorder scenes and acts via drag-and-drop with instant script synchronization.
5. Navigate seamlessly between the corkboard outline and the script editor.

---

## Step 1: Open the Index Cards Board

Every script in your Clapperbie project has a dedicated Index Cards board.

![Opening Index Cards from the Scripts sidebar](./open-index-cards-action.png)

1. Open the **Scripts** section in the left sidebar.
2. Click the actions menu (`...`) next to your script.
3. Select **Index Cards**.

A new editor tab opens displaying your script's visual board. If you have already written scenes in the script editor, Clapperbie automatically populates them as cards on the board.

---

## Step 2: Organize Your Story into Acts

Columns on the board represent structural milestones or acts in your narrative.

![Index Cards board with multiple Act columns](./index-cards-board-overview.png)

1. Click the **Add Act** button to create a new column.
2. In the act details dialog:
   * Enter the **Title** (e.g., `ACT I: SETUP` or `ACT II: MIDPOINT`).
   * Add a brief **Description** outlining the thematic goal of this act.
   * Pick a distinctive **Color** to distinguish the act visually.
3. Click **Ok** to place the column on the board.
4. Drag columns horizontally to rearrange the overall act progression.

> **Tip:** Any scenes created before you define custom acts reside in the default **Scenes Outside Acts** column until you organize them.

---

## Step 3: Add and Edit Scene Cards

Each card represents an individual scene heading (slugline) and its dramatic beat.

![Card details dialog with Title, Description, and Color fields](./edit-card-dialog.png)

1. Click the **+** (Add) button at the bottom of an Act column to add a scene.
2. In the scene details dialog:
   * **Title**: Enter the scene slugline (e.g., `EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT`).
   * **Description**: Write a concise synopsis of the dramatic conflict, character objective, or plot turn.
   * **Color**: Assign a color tag.
3. Click **Ok** to save the card.

### Using Colors for Story Architecture

Color tags appear as a vertical indicator strip on the left border of each card. Common industry approaches include:

* **Subplots / Storylines**: Blue for the primary A-story, Green for the B-story (romance/mentor), Yellow for the C-story.
* **Character Arcs**: Assign unique colors to track which protagonist drives each sequence.
* **Tone & Energy**: Red for high-stakes action scenes, Violet for reflective character moments.

---

## Step 4: Rearrange Story Beats with Drag-and-Drop

Rearranging cards on the board allows you to test alternative plot sequences without cutting and pasting text in the script editor.

![Dragging and dropping scene cards between act columns](./reorder-cards-drag-and-drop.png)

1. Click and drag any card by its handle to move it up or down within its column.
2. Drag a card across columns to transfer a scene into a different act.
3. Use `Ctrl + Z` (`Cmd + Z` on macOS) to undo any reordering mistake, or `Ctrl + Shift + Z` (`Cmd + Shift + Z`) to redo.

> **Important:** Clapperbie uses bidirectional synchronization. Moving a card on the board immediately updates the actual scene order in the script editor and scene outliners.

---

## Step 5: Jump from Outline to Writing

Once your structure is aligned, transition directly from the index card overview to writing the scene:

1. Click directly on any scene card (or select **Open** from the card's actions menu).
2. Clapperbie switches to the **Script** editor tab and automatically scrolls to that exact scene heading, ready for you to write dialogue and action.

---

## How to Create a Screenplay from Scratch with AI {#how-to-create-a-script-from-scratch-with-ai}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/tutorials/how-to-create-a-script-from-scratch-with-ai
- **Category:** Screenwriting
- **Summary:** Learn how to use Clapperbie's AI Assistant to develop a logline, build character profiles, outline scene structure, and write a formatted short film draft.
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Overview

Clapperbie includes a built-in **AI Assistant** designed to act as an incremental co-writer. Rather than generating generic blocks of plain text, the AI directly interacts with your project: populating character bibles, organizing scene outlines, and inserting formatted screenplay elements into the editor.

In this tutorial, you will build a complete short film from scratch using the AI Assistant:

* **Title:** *The Last Message*
* **Logline:** *On the night before moving away, a young woman discovers a voicemail recorded by her late father that appears to have been sent from the future, forcing her to return to the abandoned cinema where they once watched films together.*

---

## Prerequisites: Connect Your AI Model

Before interacting with the AI Assistant, activate your API key in the footer and choose your model:

### 1. Activate Your API Key (Footer)

![Manage AI Providers popover in the footer](./ai-provider-footer-key.png)

1. Click the **Manage AI Providers** button (sparkle icon) in the bottom-left corner of the application footer.
2. In the popover, enter your **API Key** (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, or DeepSeek).
3. Click **Activate**. Clapperbie automatically detects the provider based on your key format.

### 2. Select Your Model (AI Assistant Sidebar)

1. Open the left sidebar and click **AI Assistant** (sparkle icon).
2. In the AI panel header, click the **Settings** button (gear icon).
3. Choose your desired **Model** from the dropdown (such as GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, or Gemini Pro).

---

## Step 1: Establish the Concept and Project

Start by initializing the project with your core premise and thematic goals.

![Starting a new AI conversation in Clapperbie](./ai-chat-prompt-logline.png)

1. In the **AI Assistant** panel, create a new chat by clicking the **+** (New Chat) action.
2. Enter your opening prompt:
   ```text
   Let's create a new short film script.
   Title: THE LAST MESSAGE
   Logline: On the night before moving away, a young woman discovers a voicemail recorded by her late father that appears to have been sent from the future, forcing her to return to the abandoned cinema where they once watched films together.
   Genre: Sci-Fi Drama / Mystery
   Tone: Nostalgic, bittersweet, atmospheric
   ```
3. The AI confirms the premise, initializes the script in your project, and suggests a 3-act emotional progression.

### Script Details: The Foundation for AI

When you establish the project concept, the AI Assistant saves the logline, genre, tone, setting, theme, and synopsis directly into your screenplay's **Details** editor (accessible via the **Scripts** sidebar -> `...` -> **Details**).

This metadata tab serves as the single source of truth and foundational anchor for the AI. In all subsequent steps—from fleshing out character traits to maintaining dialogue continuity—the AI references these details to keep your narrative cohesive.

---

## Step 2: Develop Character Profiles

Before writing dialogue, flesh out the key characters. Clapperbie's AI can automatically create character records with backstory, character summaries, and dramatic motivation.

![Generated character profiles saved in the Characters panel](./ai-character-generation.png)

1. Send the following prompt in the chat:
  ```text
  Protagonist: Maya, 28, is moving to another city for a new job, leaving behind her family home and unresolved grief over her father's death. Her younger brother Leo, 24, stayed closer to home and believes she is running away rather than moving forward.

  The voicemail: Maya receives a voicemail apparently recorded by her father shortly before it arrives, even though he died several months ago. He says: “Maya. If you're hearing this, don't leave tomorrow. Go back to the cinema. Watch the last reel.” The timestamp makes the message appear to have been sent from the future.

  The cinema: Maya returns to the abandoned cinema where she used to watch movies with her father. She discovers an old film reel containing a recording he deliberately left for her. The mystery is ultimately emotional rather than supernatural: her father anticipated her leaving and created the message to make her confront her grief and choose her future for herself.

  Other characters:

  Leo, Maya's 24-year-old younger brother — protective, practical, and frustrated that Maya is leaving.

  Sam, 30 — a former cinema employee and family friend who knows more about the recording than he initially admits.

  Maya's Father — deceased; appears through the voicemail, old recordings, and a 2004 flashback.
  ```
2. The AI generates detailed profiles for Maya and Maya's Father, including physical descriptions and emotional arcs.
3. Open the **Characters** section in the left sidebar to verify that both profiles have been added to your project's character index.

---

## Step 3: Structure the Scene Outline

Next, structure the short film into sequential scenes. The AI builds standard scene headings and beat descriptions that materialize directly onto your **Index Cards** board.

### Collaborative Structural Refinement

The AI acts as a creative collaborator. Before generating the outline, it may suggest a dramatic structure or ask focused clarifying questions to refine your narrative choices:

* **Target Length:** *“Short films usually run 8–15 pages. Any target? (Say ~10 pages if you don't have a preference.)”*
* **Character Roles in Act III:** *“Does Leo show up at the cinema (e.g., worried, following her), or does the resolution stay between Maya and the reel?”*
* **Key Revelations:** *“Was Sam the projectionist who helped her father make the recording, or did he simply find it and keep it safe? Which feels right to you?”*

You can answer these questions and let the AI propose an optimized scene progression, or provide your own explicit scene outline directly in the chat:

![Scene outline generated and mapped to the Index Cards board](./ai-scene-outline-board.png)

1. Send your preferred scene outline (or approve the AI's structural suggestion):
   ```text
   Outline a 5-scene structure for this 8-minute short film:
   - Scene 1: Maya packing in her empty apartment, finding the futuristic voicemail.
   - Scene 2: Driving through rainy city streets at midnight toward the abandoned Rialto Cinema.
   - Scene 3: Entering the dust-covered theater lobby and navigating the dark auditorium.
   - Scene 4: Reaching the projection booth, discovering the projector running on a timer.
   - Scene 5: Watching a personal message projected on the big screen, finding closure before sunrise.
   ```
2. The AI reviews the dramatic pacing and inserts the scene sluglines into the script.
3. Switch to the **Index Cards** view from the **Scripts** menu to review the visual corkboard layout.

---

## Step 4: Write and Polish Scenes Incrementally

Write the screenplay scene-by-scene. Generating incrementally gives you full control over dialogue tone, subtext, and pacing.

![AI generating formatted screenplay dialogue and action lines](./ai-script-generation-diff.png)

1. Prompt the AI to write the opening scene:
   ```text
   Write Scene 1: INT. MAYA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT.
   Maya tapes up the final moving box. The apartment is barren except for her phone charging on the floor. An unfamiliar timestamp flashes on the lock screen: a voicemail received 'Tomorrow, 03:15 AM'. Write with visual, economical action lines and grounded dialogue.
   ```
2. The AI writes the formatted screenplay blocks (**Scene Heading**, **Action**, **Character**, **Dialogue**).
3. Review the proposed changes in the editor. Clapperbie inserts the formatted lines into your active script tab.
4. If you want to adjust a specific beat (e.g., *“Make Maya’s reaction more subdued and focus on the ticking clock”*), ask the AI for a revision or edit the text directly.

---

## Step 5: Review and Export

Once all scenes are written and polished:

1. Use the **Scenes** navigator in the editor's floating action menu to read through the entire draft.
2. Press `Ctrl + Alt + P` (`Cmd + Option + P` on macOS) to export your formatted short film draft to PDF.

---

# Frequently Asked Questions

## How do I activate and verify my product key? {#key-verification}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/faq/key-verification
- **Category:** FAQs
- **Summary:** Step-by-step guide on activating your Clapperbie license, checking key status, and using your key across multiple devices
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-19

When you purchase a Clapperbie license, you receive a product key by email that unlocks full access to all features, including unlimited cloud exports, advanced breakdown tools, and AI capabilities.

If you don't have a product key yet, you can get one on our [Pricing page](/pricing).

## Where do I find my product key?

After completing your purchase, your unique product key is automatically sent to the email address specified during checkout. If you do not see the email in your inbox within a few minutes, please check your Spam or Promotions folder.

## How to Activate Your Key

Activating your key takes just a few seconds and works directly in the app without requiring you to create an account:

1. Look at the application footer at the bottom of the screen and click on the **crossed-out key icon**.

![Crossed-out key icon in the footer](./key-verification-initial.png)

2. In the panel that opens, paste your product key into the field and click the **Verify** button.

![Product key verification panel](./key-verification-panel.png)

3. Once verified, the panel will close automatically, a confirmation notification will appear, and the footer icon will change to an active key.

![Active key icon](./key-verification-verified.png)

![Activation confirmation message](./key-verification-message.png)

## How to Check Your License Status

You can check the validity and expiration date of your license at any time:

1. Click the **key icon** in the application footer.

![Active key icon](./key-verification-verified.png)

2. The status panel displays the email associated with your purchase and the expiration date.

![Product key status details](./key-verification-status.png)

3. You can also renew or replace your key directly in this panel whenever needed.

## Can I use the same key on multiple devices?

**Yes.** You can use the same product key on all your personal devices (for example, on your desktop and laptop, or across different browsers). Simply enter your key into Clapperbie on each device.

## Troubleshooting Activation Issues

If you run into any issues during verification:

- **Check for extra spaces:** Make sure there are no accidental spaces before or after the key string when pasting.
- **Internet connection:** Ensure your device has an active internet connection so the app can verify the key.
- **Need help?** If you have any questions or need assistance with your purchase, contact us at [support@clapperbie.com](mailto:support@clapperbie.com).

---

## Why do I see a warning on Windows when installing the app? {#not-digitally-signed}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/faq/not-digitally-signed
- **Category:** FAQs
- **Summary:** Information about code signing, Windows SmartScreen warnings, and antivirus alerts
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-18

Our application is currently not digitally signed, because obtaining official code signing certificates requires a significant budget and administrative steps. We plan to add this in the future.

When an app is unsigned, Windows cannot verify its publisher. As a result, it shows a warning to protect you from unknown or potentially harmful software.

This does not mean the app is dangerous — it simply means the system does not recognize the developer as a verified entity yet.

## How to Open the App on Windows

When you run the installer, Windows might show a *"Windows protected your PC"* or *"SmartScreen cannot be reached"* warning.

1. Click **"More info"** on the warning dialog.
2. Then click **"Run anyway"**.

If your antivirus flags the app, this is because unsigned applications can sometimes trigger false positives. You can usually allow or whitelist the app in your antivirus software.

## Antivirus or Security Software

Some antivirus or security tools may show warnings or block unsigned apps automatically. If this happens:

1. Check the alert details — it should mention that the app is unsigned, not that it contains malware.
2. Manually approve or add the app to your trusted list in your antivirus settings.

## Is it safe to use the app?

**Yes.** We build and distribute all versions directly from our official source code, without third-party installers or bundled software. You can always download the latest version from our official website, so you know exactly what you are getting.

We take security seriously, and official code signing is on our roadmap as soon as possible.

---

## Why don't my projects stay saved when I close the browser? {#unsaved-projects}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/faq/unsaved-projects
- **Category:** FAQs
- **Summary:** Learn how project storage works in Clapperbie and how to properly save your work
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-18

We have noticed that some users expect their projects to stay exactly as they left them when they reopen Clapperbie in their browser. We completely understand — many modern apps automatically store your work in the cloud, so it is normal to expect this behavior.

However, by default, Clapperbie does not store any of your projects or data on our servers. Instead, all your projects are saved locally on your own device, or in the cloud only if you choose so.

## Why don't we store your projects in our cloud?

We believe in giving you full control and privacy over your creative work. By default, your projects are only kept in your local browser storage or in files you save yourself.

This means:
- You are the only one who has access to your files.
- Your projects are not uploaded anywhere without your explicit action.
- You do not need to create an account or worry about data privacy.

## What happens if I close the browser or turn off my computer?

If you close the browser without saving your project as a file, your progress may be lost — or stored only temporarily in the browser cache. This cache is not reliable for long-term storage.

To avoid losing your work, we highly recommend that you save your project as a file regularly.

## How to Properly Save Your Project

1. Open the **"Projects"** section in the left sidebar.
2. Use the **"Save"** or **"Download"** option before closing your browser.
3. Store the file somewhere safe on your device (for example, in a dedicated folder or in a trusted cloud storage).

> **Tip:** Additionally, you can enable autosave in the settings and set a time interval — this way, Clapperbie will automatically save your project as a file at regular intervals.

## Recent Projects (Windows and Android)

If you are using Clapperbie on Windows or Android, your saved projects will also appear in the **"Recent Projects"** section. This allows you to quickly reopen recent work without searching for the file manually.

## Cloud Integration (Google Drive)

Clapperbie offers seamless integration with Google Drive. You can upload your projects to Google Drive and open them on any device using the same Google account.

This is a great way to:
- Keep your projects safely backed up online.
- Share files between your computer, tablet, and phone.

---

## How to remove my data? {#how-to-remove-my-data}

- **URL:** https://www.clapperbie.com/faq/how-to-remove-my-data
- **Category:** FAQs
- **Summary:** Data deletion policy and how to request removal of analytics data
- **Last Updated:** 2026-08-18

Clapperbie does not create user accounts or store personal user profiles on our servers.

## Google OAuth & Local Files

Google OAuth is used solely to allow users to export files to their own Google Drive. We do not store Google account data, emails, or profile information on our servers.

## Analytics & Error Monitoring

Analytics and error monitoring tools (Google Analytics, PostHog, Sentry) may collect anonymous or pseudonymous technical data such as device information, IP address, or usage events.

## Data Deletion Request

If you would like to request deletion of any data potentially associated with your usage, please contact us at:

[support@clapperbie.com](mailto:support@clapperbie.com)

We will remove or anonymize any applicable data within 30 days.

---