Most scripts can be written using the default set of elements. However, Final Draft gives the user the ability to modify existing elements and create new ones, which allows complete customization of the look of any script.
Modifying Elements
To modify the list of elements and element properties:
- Choose Format > Elements Settings and the Elements dialogue appears, open to the Basic tab;
- The Elements dialogue contains the controls for all aspects of each element. It contains a list of the current elements as well as all the keystrokes, margins, alignment, spacing and stylistic information for each element;
- Make changes to any element(s);
- Click OK.
The change is applied to all instances of that element throughout the script.
Basic Tab
The Elements List contains the elements that are defined for the currently open script. The currently selected element’s characteristics are determined by the options set in the Basic, Font and Paragraph tabs of the Elements dialogue.
Behavior Options
These options determine what happens when an element is added or inserted in the script.
Start New Page
When Start New Page is checked, a new page begins where the element is added or inserted.
Example: If each scene should begin on its own page, choose Scene Heading from the list on the left and check this box. Click OK and every scene will now start on a new page.
Paginate As
The Paginate As option instructs Final Draft how to break pages when the selected element text overflows between pages. The page-breaking rules for one of the screenplay elements listed may be selected, or None may be selected.
Example: The user is writing a musical and has created a special Lyrics element for use when characters are singing. Set the Lyrics element to paginate as dialogue, which ensures that it is never orphaned from its associated character element.
Shortcuts
The Shortcuts options determine which keyboard shortcuts are used to add or insert the selected element. It also indicates which element is automatically created the Enter key is pressed at the end of a paragraph.
Control and Shift Key Shortcuts
This option sets the keystroke combination that creates a new paragraph of the selected element type. The core elements' shortcut keys cannot be modified, but other existing elements and elements created by the user can be assigned a unique combination of keys to form the shortcut.
To change or assign an element shortcut:
- Choose the element desired from the Element List;
- Click in the Shortcut Key text field;
- Replace the current character with any character desired. It can be a number, character, function key, etc.;
- Optionally check the box to include the Shift key as part of the key combination.
Note that if a key combination is identical to one already in the operating system, it cannot be used.
Enter Key / Next Element pop-up list
This option specifies which element is automatically created when the Enter key at the end of an element is pressed.
To change which element is automatically created when the Enter key is pressed, choose the element from the dropdown list.
Example: The Enter key should bring up a new Character paragraph after Dialogue instead of an Action paragraph. Choose Dialogue from the list on the left and Character from the Next Element (Enter/Return) dropdown on the right.
Font Tab
The Font tab indicates the current font and size setting for the selected element.
To set font and size for an element or add a style like making Scene Headings bold or underlined:
- Choose the element desired from the Element List;
- Click the Font tab;
- Click Set Font;
- The Font dialogue appears.
- Make any desired changes and click OK;
To set font and size for all elements:
- Change these font attributes for one element;
- Click Apply Font/Size to All Elements.
All the elements are set to the same font and size. Note that the Apply Font/Size to All Elements command does not apply a style or styles (such as bold or italic) to all elements.
Paragraph Tab
The Paragraph tab is the place to adjust an element's layout attributes.
Alignment
The Alignment dropdown contains the options Left, Centered, Right and Justified.
Spacing
The Spacing dropdown contains the options 1, 1.5, 2, and 3.
Space Before
The Space Before option allows the user to set the spacing before an element. The options include 0, 1, 2 and Other (where a value up to 30 may be entered).
Left and Right Indents
These settings control the indents (margins) of the selected element and are measured in inches from the left edge of the page.
To change the Left or Right Indent settings for an element:
- Choose the element desired from the Element List;
- Click the up or down arrows next to the setting.
Creating Custom Elements
To create a custom element
- Click New. A default name appears in the Element list and in the text field above the list;
- Edit the name in the text field. The name in the Elements list changes accordingly;
The Basic, Font and Paragraph tab options are set to default for those of the Action element.
- Make any changes desired.
To delete a custom element
- Select a custom element. The Delete button becomes enabled;
- Click Delete.
To Apply a Template
If a certain kind of script (i.e., feature screenplay) must be converted to another kind of script (i.e., one-hour drama), there is no need to adjust all elements of the script one at a time. The script may be converted to another format by instructing Final Draft to apply the element settings from one of the templates that ship with Final Draft.
- Click Apply a Template:
- The template picker will be displayed; choose a category and then the desired template:
- The element specifications of the chosen template will be applied to the script.
To Apply the Elements from Another Script or a Template not included in Final Draft
- Click Apply a Template and the template picker appears;
- Click Browse;
- A standard Mac Open dialogue will appear;
- Navigate to the script or template and click Open;
- OK to return to the Elements Setup window;
- Click OK to return to the script. The element specifications of the chosen script or template will be applied to the script.
For more information on creating custom elements watch the following video: