Custom Timeline Templates

Custom Timeline Templates allow you to save your existing Timeline, including Plotlines and pre-created Scene Cards, and reuse that structure in future projects. This makes it easy to apply the same story framework, editing workflow, or structural outline across multiple projects without rebuilding it each time.

Templates store a snapshot of your Timeline at the time you save them. If you later modify the original Timeline, those changes will not automatically update the saved template.

This is especially useful if you:

• Write in the same genre repeatedly
• Use a consistent story structure (three-act, hero’s journey, romance beats, etc.)
• Edit client projects using a repeatable framework
• Want pre-built placeholders to speed up drafting

How to Create a Custom Timeline Template

1. Open the Timeline you want to save.
2. Click the three-dot icon on the top-right corner of the Timeline
3. Select "Save as Template"
4. Enter a Name, Description, and/or Source Link
5. Click "Save"

What Gets Included in a Timeline Template?

When you save a Timeline as a template, Plottr includes:

• All Plotlines
• All Scene Cards within those Plotlines
• Card titles and descriptions
• Ordering and structure
• "Tags" assigned within each Scene Card
  • Including color, characters, places, notes, tags.

How to Use a Custom Timeline Template

When adding a new Plotline:

1. Click the Add Plotline icon
2. Select Templates
3. Choose from the list of available Templates
4. Select your Custom Timeline Template
5. Select Choose

Advanced Tips

Create genre-specific template libraries

Instead of one general template, build separate Timeline Templates for different genres or subgenres (e.g., Romance – Slow Burn, Thriller – Dual POV, Epic Fantasy – Multi-Arc). This keeps your projects cleaner and reduces unnecessary Plotlines.

Build editor-specific workflow templates

If you’re an editor, create templates for different editing stages:

• Developmental Edit Framework
• Character Arc Tracking
• Structural Revision Pass
• Continuity & Timeline Checks

Insert these into client projects as needed.

Use placeholder guidance inside Scene Cards

Add guiding questions or prompts inside your Scene Card descriptions (e.g., “What changes for the protagonist here?” or “What new information is revealed?”). This turns your template into a reusable thinking framework, not just structure.

Version your templates intentionally

If you refine a structure over time, save a new version instead of overwriting your original concept. Use naming like:

• Romance Slow Burn v1
• Romance Slow Burn v2 (Expanded Midpoint)

This allows you to evolve your process without losing earlier frameworks.

Create master structural templates for series

For series writers, build a “Master Series Structure” template that tracks:

• Book-level arcs
• Series-level arcs
• Character progression across installments

Duplicate and modify as needed per book.

Audit and refine annually

If you frequently use templates, review them periodically. Remove unnecessary Plotlines, refine placeholder prompts, and adjust structure based on what actually works in practice.

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