Using Hotkeys

Hotkeys are keyboard shortcuts that allow you to perform actions quickly without using the mouse. Below is a list of commonly used hotkeys in the application.

Combinations are typically a combination of the Ctrl key (or Cmd on macOS) and another key. For example, Ctrl + N means you hold down the Ctrl key and press the N key at the same time.

Basic hotkey modifiers

Every platform has its own set of hotkey modifiers. The following table lists the basic hotkey modifiers used in the application. These modifiers can be combined with other keys to perform specific actions.

Web browser modifier keys

In a web browser, some combinations shift to avoid conflicts with the browser's own shortcuts. Concretely: the element-format shortcuts (Scene Heading, Action, Character, and the rest of the Format table) use Control on the web even on macOS, while the edit and mark shortcuts (Undo, Copy, Bold, Italic…) keep using ⌘ Command as usual.

Miscellaneous hotkeys

EpicDraft hotkeys

File hotkeys

On the web, scripts save automatically as you type, so Ctrl + S is mainly used in the desktop and mobile apps.

Edit hotkeys

Format hotkeys

Return and Backspace

Return and Backspace carry screenplay smarts beyond the plain break and delete. With Settings → Paper → "Blank line before new action" on, Return at the end of an element inserts a blank line and a fresh Action below it — and a single Backspace at the start of the new line takes both back, sewing the script together again. Forward Delete at the end of an element sews the same way from the other side.

The setting is off by default, and it is one switch for both halves: with it off, Return starts the new element with no blank line above it, and Backspace/Delete never sew a blank line away — they delete exactly what a plain break and delete would.

A few keys are system synonyms for Backspace and behave identically, blank-line removal included:

The word and line deletes are untouched: Option + Backspace (Alt on Windows/Linux) still deletes a word and Cmd + Backspace still deletes to the start of the line — neither ever removes a blank line on its own.

While reviewing AI Command proposals (Ctrl + J), Ctrl/Cmd + Backspace rejects the current proposal instead — the review chord takes priority until the review ends.

View hotkeys

The Document Editor and Print Editor menu items have no keyboard shortcut — switch views from the View menu or the toolbar.