Using Premium Project Templates

Premium Project Templates (such as the Romance Roadmap) are complete Plottr project files designed to jumpstart your writing. Unlike standard templates that only affect the Timeline, these packs include pre-built Scene Cards, Character Archetypes, and research Notes tailored to specific genres. Because these are full project files (.pltr), you do not "install" them inside the app—you download, open, and duplicate them.

Before You Begin

Here are a few important things to know about Premium Templates before using them.

• Files, not Features: Premium templates are standalone project files (.pltr). You open them like any other Plottr project.
• The Original File: Treat the downloaded file as a permanent template. Never write your book inside the original file. Always duplicate it first so you have a clean copy for every new story.
• Classic vs. Pro:
  • Classic (Offline): You save the file to your computer and open it.
  • Pro (Cloud): You must upload the file to your Dashboard to save it to the cloud.

How to Download Your Template

After purchasing a Premium Project Template, you will receive a download link by email.

If the download link in your email is not clickable, or you did not receive it. You can also download your template from your Plottr account page.

Download from Your Account Page

1. Go to https://plottr.com/
2. Click Log In
3. Select Plottr Account Page, Log in
4. Select the Purchases tab
5. Download the template bundle to your computer

Downloading & Setup

To use your new templates, you need to get them out of the .zip file and into Plottr.

1. Download & Unzip

   1. Download: Click the link in your purchase email to download the template pack (e.g. Romance Roadmap.zip)   
   2. Unzip: Navigate to your Downloads folder.
      1. Windows: Right-click the file and select Extract All.
      2. Mac: Double-click the file.

2. Register the Template:

Follow the steps for your version of Plottr:

For Plottr Classic (Offline)

1. Move: Drag the unzipped .pltr files to your permanent Documents/Template or Plottr folder.
2. Open: Open Plottr.
3. Check: Look at your Recent Projects list.
   1. If the template is there: You are done. Skip to "Starting a New Project."
   2. If the template is missing: Click Open Existing File.
4. Select: Navigate to the folder and open the template (e.g. Romance (Contemporary)).   
5. Close: Once it opens, close it. It is now registered in your Recent Projects.

For Plottr Pro (Cloud)

1. Upload: Go to your Pro Dashboard.
2. Click: Select Upload/Open Existing File.
3. Select: Choose the unzipped .pltr     file from your Downloads folder.
4. Wait: Plottr will upload the template to your cloud account. It is now saved in your Recent Projects list.

Starting a New Project

Important: The downloaded file is your "Original" copy. Never write your book inside the Original file.

1. Go to your Dashboard.
2. Hover over the template file.
3. Click the Duplicate icon (two overlapping squares).
4. Name your new project (for example, My New Romance Book).
5. Click Save.

You can now work from your duplicated copy while keeping the original template file untouched.

Where to Find Template Content

Once you have duplicated the project, here is where your new tools are located inside Plottr:

• The Beats (Timeline): Click the Timeline tab to see your plotlines. Click any scene card to open it, then select the Attributes tab. This is where you will find the Goals, Key Points, and Traps for that specific beat.
• The Archetypes (Characters): Click the Characters tab. You will see character profiles (e.g., "The Hero," "The Rival") pre-filled with motivation, conflict suggestions, and shadow traits. They will be listed under the Attribute tab.
• The World (Places): Click the Places tab to find genre-specific setting templates and location ideas.
• The Guidebook (Notes): Click the Notes tab. This section contains the "Instruction Manual" for the template, including definitions of the beats, research guides, and tips for the genre.

Known Limitation

Premium Project Templates currently do not appear in the Template menu inside Plottr.

This is a known limitation.

Plottr’s built-in Template system is designed to save Timelines only, not full project files. Because Premium Templates are complete project files, they must be opened like a regular project instead of being selected from the Template menu.

We’re aware this process adds an extra step and are reviewing ways to improve this in future updates.

How to Purchase Premium Project Templates

Premium Project Templates are available for purchase directly on our website.

Currently available:

Romance Beat Sheets Pack

Mystery Beat Sheets Pack

To Purchase:

1. Visit the template page.
2. Click the purchase button.
3. Complete checkout.
4. Follow the access instructions provided after purchase.
5. Review this page on how to use your Premium Project Template.

New Premium Templates are released regularly, so check back for updates.

If you need additional assistance, please contact us via support.