The 7 script element types
4 min read
Script isn't ordinary text — every line belongs to an element type (scene heading / character / dialogue / description / transition). Slima auto-detects and lays them out.
The seven element types
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Scene Heading | INT. LIGHTHOUSE COTTAGE - NIGHT (or 場 1 / 內景 / 燈塔守護人小屋 / 夜) |
| Description | J. Doe stands by the window, watching the fog over the sea. |
| Character | J. DOE (usually uppercase) |
| Dialogue | I haven't seen fog like this in thirty years. |
| Parenthetical | (softly) |
| Transition | FADE TO: |
| Insert Shot | INSERT - PHOTO OF FATHER |
The i18n calls "Action" Description uniformly — aligning with general theatrical usage.
Auto-detection
As you type, Slima uses heuristics to classify each line:
- Line starts with all-caps +
INT./EXT.(or 內景 / 外景) → Scene Heading - Line after a Scene Heading → Description
- All-caps short line → Character (triggers next line as Dialogue)
- Line after a Character → Dialogue
- Ends in "FADE / CUT" → Transition
You can manually override an element type (via toolbar or shortcut).
Auto-layout per element
Each element type lays out automatically (no manual indent):
- Scene Heading: left-aligned, uppercase, bold
- Description: left-aligned, normal
- Character: centred (Hollywood) / indented (TW), uppercase
- Dialogue: narrow centred column
- Parenthetical: between Character and Dialogue, centred indent
Exact layout depends on the current format (TW / Hollywood).
Element switching
Smart Enter + Tab is the heart of the editor — Enter auto-switches to the next sensible element type.
Dialogue interaction
While writing Dialogue, Slima autocompletes character names from previously seen characters.
Related
Was this helpful?