Outline 4D 3.0+ Feature Requests

[stephenbuck415]

NAVIGATION
I would like to see easier and more intuitive navigational functions in a future version of Outline 4D.

For example, in the attached Encoding1.jpg, if I double-click on any item in the track, I would like to see the related outline element open to a size large enough for me to edit and review.

RATING EMOTIONS

In the attachment Rating-Emotions.jpg, I have created a unique track set titled "Emotion" and entered variables that are highly unlikely to appear as normal words in any story that I write. Annotating the outline with variables such as "Emo1" through "Emo9" allows me to see the various spikes of emotional intensity that I believe (or intend) to be present in the story.

I would like to see a feature that allows me to rate or grade the emotional experience of a scene, and a chart or graph that pushes those selections into the visual format of a chart or line graph. This would allow me to visually see the emotional roller-coaster ride that I intend the reader to experience.

DRAMATICA INTEGRATION

This may be more related to a future version of Dramatica and I may have already made a similar suggestion, but if I export a file from Dramatica, I would like to see the option to import all encoding features--including character names--into tracks and track sets within Outline 4D.

[stephenbuck415]

I would like to be able to copy and paste from MS Word without all the extra garbage being attached to the pasted text.

[stephenbuck415]

I find the All Tracks in Document and Track Sets control panel to be annoyingly clumsy to use.

When I add a new track or track set, the new one appears below the selected item. I create a custom name, and then the scrolling window containing it scrolls to the top. That causes me to have to scroll down to the item using an unadjustable window to select it for further edits.

Repositioning such items is as equally as annoying. I must select the item, use an adjustment arrow, deselect the item I'm trying to reposition by clicking one of its neighbors, re-select the item, then click on the directional arrow and repeat the process until the item is positioned where I want it to be.

[stephenbuck415]

Add:

Export to RTF with Style Headings.

[stephenbuck415]

Re: Multiple-monitor management.

Here is a screen print with the step outline of a novel that I am just beginning to write:
http://storytechnician.com/images/feature-requests/outline4d-split-screen-feature-request.jpg

Using Dramatica Pro 4.0 and concepts in Armando's book, I am able to create a very detailed Outline 4D file full of Dramatica-based writing prompts to help keep me focused on the story.

I also make full use of my monitors, and stretch the Outline 4D window out as much as I can when I'm working in Timeline view.

The problem I experience is that since I have two monitors, the display gets split down the middle.

I would like to see Outline 4D recognize separate monitors and compensate for this split that I get. I have been able to get rid of it by reducing my Outline 4D window size and aligning one vertical edge of a journey alongside the edge of a monitor, but I'd rather not fuss with that.

If it's possible to add multiple-monitor management to a future version of Outline 4D, please do. Right now I only have two monitors, but by the end of the year I'll be working with four.

Thanks for considering this.

[stephenbuck415]

With respect to the multiple monitor request, being able to create a button that resets the screen to a custom view setting would also be helpful. The sample screenshot above is based on Dramatica structure with Class, Type, Variation and Element. I would like to be able to create a button that memorizes my screen settings when I have two types open with the respective elements underneath them... so if one type is open and it displays four elements beneath it and the same on the other monitor, I'd like to be able change views and then press a button that returns me to the view setting that I previously created.

[stephenbuck415]

When in Timeline View, double-click the bottom edge of a row to automatically snap it's height to the last line in the field.

[Chris Huntley]

Stephen --

These are outstanding suggestions. Thanks.

[stephenbuck415]

I would like to see an active spellcheck, one that underlines a misspelled word with the red squiggly line when I type it. I know there is a Spell Check, but it would be nice if an active one was available.

[Thomas]

I find the All Tracks in Document and Track Sets control panel to be annoyingly clumsy to use.

When I add a new track or track set, the new one appears below the selected item. I create a custom name, and then the scrolling window containing it scrolls to the top. That causes me to have to scroll down to the item using an unadjustable window to select it for further edits.

Stephen. That looks like some MIGHTY FINE work in the track sets. Would yew be willing to share a file that has the track sets on it?

[stephenbuck415]

Hi Thomas.

Apologies for the delay, I have a heavy load of college classes this semester (and am consequentially behind in all of my writing projects).

I'm happy to share the file. Please send me an e-mail to buck415@gmail.com, and I'll reply with it as an attachment as soon as time permits.

Later,
Buck