Field types
When you create a custom field, you pick one of four types. The right type depends on the kind of data you're capturing.
Text
A free-form, multi-line text box.
Use it for: Open-ended observations, descriptions, dialogue snippets, opinions.
Examples: Director's Intention, Scene Description, Why this works.
Text fields don't support search-by-value the way structured fields do — but they're still searched by the global notes search.
Dropdown
A single value picked from a list you define.
Use it for: Mutually exclusive categories with a known set of options.
Examples:
- Shot Size: Close-up / Medium / Wide / Extreme Wide.
- Camera Angle: High / Low / Eye-level / Dutch.
- Lens: 24mm / 35mm / 50mm / 85mm / Other.
Dropdowns are great for analytics — every value shows up as a column in charts.
Tag
Multiple values picked from a list you define.
Use it for: Non-exclusive categorization where a single shot might have several values.
Examples:
- Themes: Loneliness, Family, Power, Greed (a shot can have all four).
- Production Elements: Practical FX, VFX, Stunt, Green Screen.
- Emotional Beats: Tension, Relief, Joy, Surprise.
Checkbox
A simple true / false toggle.
Use it for: Yes/no facts about a shot.
Examples:
- Has dialogue?
- Uses a slow motion effect?
- Features the brand logo on screen?
How do I pick the right type?
Ask yourself:
- Is the answer free-form or from a fixed list? Free-form → Text. Fixed list → keep going.
- Can a shot have more than one answer at once? Yes → Tag. No → keep going.
- Is the answer simply yes or no? Yes → Checkbox. Otherwise → Dropdown.
Can I change the type later?
Not directly. If you need a different type, create a new field with the desired type and (manually) transfer your values. Existing field types are locked to preserve your data.
How do field types affect the Analyze view?
- Dropdown and Tag fields produce bar charts in the Analyze view, showing the distribution of values across shots.
- Checkbox fields show as on/off distributions.
- Text fields are excluded from charts — they're free-form.
So if you want analytics, prefer Dropdown, Tag, or Checkbox over Text.