Default note fields
StoryFolder comes with a thoughtful set of default note fields, designed to cover the questions you'll typically ask about any shot. You don't have to use them — but they're a great starting point if you're not sure where to begin.
What are the default fields?
| Field | What it captures |
|---|---|
| Key Takeaways | The single most important thing about this shot or section. |
| Interpretation | Your personal read of the shot's meaning or purpose. |
| Story | The narrative beat — what's happening in the plot. |
| Action | The visible action driving the scene forward. |
| Messaging | The brand, product, or thematic message conveyed. |
| Emotional Tone | The feeling the shot is meant to evoke. |
| Visuals / Cinematography | Lighting, composition, lensing, camera movement, palette. |
| Performance | What stands out about the performers. |
| Sound & Music | How sound design and music shape the moment. |
| Symbolism | Symbols, metaphors, deeper meaning. |
| Other Notes | Anything else worth recording. |
| Tags | Quick labels for cross-shot searching. |
There are also four built-in "meta" fields that are always available:
- Shot Number — auto-assigned by StoryFolder.
- Start Time — timecode where the shot begins.
- Duration — length of the shot in seconds.
- Frames — frame range covered by the shot.
These are read-only and update automatically as you Split, Merge, or change sensitivity.
How do I hide a default field I don't use?
- Click the Notes & Data Fields button in the editor header.
- Untick the field you don't want to see.
- It vanishes from the notes panel. Tick it again any time to bring it back.
Hidden fields don't lose their values — they're still saved on every shot.
Can I rename a default field?
The names of the default fields aren't editable. If you want a differently-named field, hide the default and add a custom field with the name you prefer.
Can I change the order?
Yes — open Preferences → Notes & Data and drag fields within their category. See Categories.
Why so many defaults?
Each field reflects a category of question worth asking about a video — and they were curated based on what filmmakers, marketers, and educators consistently said they needed. Use the ones that match your work; turn off the rest. Or replace them all with your own. Your call.