Text completions and prefixes

In your screenwriting scripts, NovaMind has been designed to automatically type repetitive text so you can save time. This includes character names, parenthetical extensions, transitions, scene prefixes, scene times, "continueds" and "mores". These text completions are remembered for all scripts in your Mind Map, not just the active script.

Below is a list of the type of completions NovaMind can perform and how to activate and use each one. To see a list of the completions available (and edit the lists) please refer to the Screenwriting tab in your Options. To cancel a completion, press "Esc" to close the popup window and continue typing.

Text Completions - Character Names

NovaMind remembers all character names as you enter them in your script so that in future character elements it will automatically display them for you.

The completions are automatically shown when you start a character name element, so you can select from the character names already in the Mind Map. You can also just press Enter to use the selected name, or type a different character name if you want to use a different one.

As you type, if another character name starts with the same letter NovaMind will popup with a list of those names, use your arrows to move down the list and press Return on the selected character.

Text Completions - Character Parenthetical Extensions

To activate these extensions, type the character name then press space and open parenthesis (i.e. " (") and use your arrow and return keys to select from the list e.g. V.O. (means voice over). You can also edit the list of extensions in your Options panel.

Text Completions - Transitions

In the transition element, the popup will appear as soon as you start the element, so you can select the required transition, or type your own. To narrow down the completions, start typing the first letter of your desired transition e.g. "F" which will prompt NovaMind and the popup will appear with all the "F" options - Fade In, Fade Out, Fade to Black etc. You can also edit the list of transitions in your Options panel.

Text Completions - Scene Prefixes

When you create a Scene element, initially all the scene prefixes are shown, and you can either select from them or type your scene name. If as you start typing, your typing does not match a prefix, you will automatically be shown the scene completions. You can also edit the list of scene prefixes in your Options panel.

If you start a scene with a prefix, it is correct practice to finish with a suffix. NovaMind will detect the prefix and will prompt you to insert the suffix at the end of the scene when you press Tab or Return.

Text Completions - Scene Names

NovaMind remembers previously typed scene names in the same way it does Character Names. After typing your scene prefix, if you start to type the description of a scene that you have already used in your script NovaMind will recognise this and will popup with the text for you to select to save re-typing. Simply continue to type if it is going to be something different to the suggested text.

Text Completions - Scene Time

At the end of your scene, if you press the spacebar "-" spacebar (i.e. " - ") a popup of time completions will appear e.g. Day, Night, Afternoon, Later etc. You can also trigger this popup by typing your scene and then press tab. It also automatically appears whe you press Tab or Return in a scene with a prefix.

Use your arrow keys and return to select the appropriate time of day for your scene.

You can also edit the list of scene times in your Options panel.