SceneItAllDocs

Breakdown

Understand element types

Every breakdown element has a type that sets its color and groups it in the breakdown. SceneItAll ships 26 element types. This article explains how types are used across the breakdown and how to choose one; for the full list of types with their colors and examples, see the element type reference.

Where types are used

A type does the same job everywhere it appears:

  • On the Breakdowns tab, element indicators on each scene row are color-coded by type for a quick visual sense of what a scene needs.
  • In the scene detail view, the Elements tab groups tagged elements into collapsible sections by type, each with a colored count badge.
  • On the Elements tab, the category sidebar filters the full element list by type, with a count badge per type.
  • When you create an element, you pick its type from a dropdown.

Choose the most specific type

When you create or recategorize an element, pick the most specific type that fits. Specific types route the element to the right department and keep the library easy to filter. A few common decisions:

  • Props vs. Set Dressing — props are items actors handle; set dressing decorates the set.
  • Special Effects vs. Visual Effects — special effects happen on set during filming; visual effects happen in post-production.
  • Animals vs. Livestock — animals are trained performers; livestock are farm animals present as background.
  • Guns — firearms always go under Guns so the armorer is called, rather than under Props or Stunts.

The element type reference lists every overlap and how to resolve it.

Add a custom category

If none of the 26 types fits, you can add a custom element category for the project. On the breakdown overview’s Elements tab, Owners and Admins select Add Category immediately to the right of Add Element. You can also select Add category in the scene detail view or manage categories under Global Settings → Breakdown on the Element Categories tab. Custom categories appear immediately in the breakdown and are reusable across scenes. Categories you uncheck in settings are hidden on every scene sheet in the project.

To adjust an existing built-in or custom category from the Elements sidebar, right-click its row and select Edit. You can change its display name and color without removing any elements already assigned to it. Category rows do not have a separate edit icon.

The Breakdown settings save all your changes together. If saving fails, none of the changes are applied, so you can reload and try again.

Key elements

Any element can be flagged as a Key element (a hero or featured element) from its create or edit dialog. Use it to mark the standout items in a scene — a character’s signature prop, a hero vehicle — so they stand out from routine background items.

Filter the element directory

The breakdown overview’s Elements tab filters elements by All, Active, or Merged. Use these filters to include or hide elements that have been merged into another entry.