Timeline - Starter Templates

Timeline Starter Templates are combinations of plotlines and scene cards included in Plottr, based on proven plot structures like The Hero's Journey, which provide instructional blueprints for outlining a book, play, or feature film.

Getting Started

Plottr includes over 20 Starter Templates based on proven storytelling techniques to help you outline better and faster, including:

• The Hero’s Journey
• Romancing the Beat (based on the book by Gwen Hayes)
• 12 Chapter Mystery Formula
• W Plot
• 7 Point Plot Structure

Using Starter Templates

You can insert Starter Templates into existing Projects, along with creating new Books and Projects from a Template.

Adding a Timeline Template to an Existing File

To add a Starter Template to an existing file:

1. Visit the Timeline section of your Project
2. Hover over the plus (+) symbol on the bottom left of the the Timeline grid and click “Use Template”
3. Click on the Template you wish to use 
4. Click the "Choose" button

Starting a New Book from a Template

You can start a new Book within a Project from a Starter Template.

➡️ Click here to learn how to start a new Book within a Project from a Template.

Starting a New Project from a Template

You can start a new Project from a Starter Template.

➡️ Click here to learn how to start a new Project from a Template.

Custom Timeline Templates

You can save your Timeline as a Custom Template to use as the basis of other Books and Projects.

To save your Timeline as a Custom Template:

1. Click the three dot icon on the top right of the Timeline toolbar
2. Click the “Save as Template” button on the Timeline toolbar
3. Enter a name, description, and/or source link
4. Click the “Save” button

To insert a Custom Timeline Template into an existing project:

1. Hover over the plus (+) button at the bottom of the Timeline and click “Use Template”
2. Click on the Template you wish to use under "My Templates"
3. Click the “Choose” button

To edit a Custom Timeline Template:

1. Hover over the plus (+) button at the bottom of the Timeline and click “Use Template”
2. Click on the Template you wish to edit under "My Templates"
3. Click the edit / pencil icon
4. Update the name, description, and/or link
5. Click the “Save” button

To delete a Custom Timeline template:

1. Hover over the plus (+) button at the bottom of the Timeline and click “Use Template”
2. Click on the Template you wish to delete under "My Templates"
3. Click the trash icon
4. When prompted, click the "Delete" button to confirm

Common Questions

Is a Save the Cat template included in Plottr?

It is not currently included, but it may be added in the future. However, you can easily create and save your own.

Why is the Save as Template button greyed out?

If you're experiencing this, the beta Act Structure is enabled, which doesn't currently allow for saving templates. You'll need to disable that by going to  Account > Settings > Beta via the user icon at the top right of the screen and then you'll be able to save a template.

Can I edit the content of a custom template?

You can't currently edit the content of a custom template – a workaround is to add it to a Timeline, edit the content, save it as a new template, and delete the old one.