Items and Assets in the Story Editor

The Story Editor supports two main categories of elements:

 

• Items: Structural markers in the manuscript (tag blocks, notes, production notes)

• Assets: Media content (video, graphics, audio) that can be linked to certain items

 

 

Items can be used without assets as simple text markers. When a project has an Asset Package attached, assets can be assigned to compatible item types to connect them to real production content.

 

Items Basics

What Are Items

Items are structured elements inserted into the manuscript to mark production-related elements. They appear as colored blocks or icons in the editor and are visible in both the editor and the rundown overview.

 

Item Categories

There are three main item categories:

1. Tag Blocks: Production tags that mark technical elements

2. Note Items: Production notes for the crew

3. Function Items: Advanced items with asset integration

 

Item Types and Use Cases

 

Tag Blocks

Tag blocks are color-coded blocks used to mark production elements directly in the manuscript.

 

Available Tag Block Types

 

• Input (CAM)

  • Shortcut: F4

  • Asset support: Yes

  • Use case: Cameras and live inputs

• Video

  • Shortcut: F5

  • Asset support: Yes

  • Use case: Video playback and VT elements

• Graphic

  • Shortcut: F6

  • Asset support: Yes

  • Use case: Graphics and CG elements

• Sound

  • Shortcut: F7

  • Asset support: No

  • Use case: Sound effects and music

• Light

  • Shortcut: None

  • Asset support: No

  • Use case: Lighting cues

• Props

  • Shortcut: None

  • Asset support: No

  • Use case: Props and set elements

• Instruction

  • Shortcut: F8

  • Asset support: No

  • Use case: General crew instructions

 

How to Insert Tag Blocks

 

Method 1: Keyboard shortcuts

• Place the cursor in the text or select text

• Press the relevant function key (F4 to F8)

• The tag block is created automatically

 

Method 2: Toolbar buttons

• Click the desired button in the toolbar (Input, Video, Graphic, and so on)

• The tag block is inserted at the cursor position

 

Method 3: Convert existing text

• Select existing text

• Press the shortcut for the desired tag type

• The selected text is converted into a tag block

 

Tag Block Behavior

• Empty tag block shows the item type in uppercase (for example Input, Graphic)

• Tag block with text shows your custom label (for example Camera 1, Opening graphic)

• Click a tag block to edit its text directly

• Change type by placing the cursor inside the tag block and pressing another shortcut

• Each tag block automatically receives a unique 22-digit ID

 

Note Items

Note items are small icons placed in the manuscript to mark notes for the production team. Notes are displayed in a dedicated note column next to the manuscript.

 

How to Insert Note Items

• Shortcut: F9 inserts a note icon at the cursor

• Toolbar: Click the Note button

 

Note Item Behavior

• Appears as a small colored icon in the text

• The note content is shown in a separate column to the right of the editor

• Notes can use different colors to match categories (camera, server, graphic, and so on)

• Click the note icon to edit the note text

• Note items do not support assets

 

Function Items

Function items are advanced production notes that can include assets. They require an Asset Package to be enabled for the project.

 

How to Insert Function Items

• Shortcut: Shift + F9 inserts a function item at the cursor

• Toolbar: Click the Function button (only visible when an Asset Package is enabled)

 

Function Item Behavior

• Supports asset integration for video, graphics, and other asset types

• Supports metadata such as in and out timecode, exit mode, auto take, and sub-item flag

• Shows an add indicator when no asset is assigned, and the asset name when selected

• Click the function item to open the asset picker

 

Assets: Adding Content to Items

 

What Are Assets

Assets are media elements stored inside an Asset Package that can be linked to compatible items. Assets connect manuscript elements to real production content.

 

Requirements for Using Assets

 

To use assets:

1. The project must have an Asset Package attached (configured by the project owner)

2. Your license must support Live Asset Preview if you need preview features

3. The item type must be asset-compatible (Input, Video, Graphic, or Function)

 

Which Items Support Assets

 

• Input (CAM): Supports assets (video and graphics)

• Video: Supports assets (video and graphics)

• Graphic: Supports assets (graphics, typically HTML templates)

• Function: Supports assets (all types)

• Sound, Light, Props, Instruction: No asset support

• Note items: No asset support

 

Working with Assets

 

Assign an Asset to a Tag Block

 

When an Asset Package is enabled, asset-compatible tag blocks display an add indicator.

 

Step by step:

• Create or select an asset-compatible tag block (Input, Video, or Graphic)

• Click the add indicator on the tag block

• The asset picker modal opens

• Search and select an asset from the list

• Optionally configure asset variables if the asset includes them

• Optionally set in and out timecode, sub-item flag, and exit mode

• Click Apply to assign the asset

 

Result:

• The add indicator disappears

• The asset name is shown on the tag block

• The tag block is stored with asset attributes such as asset ID, name, and type

 

Assign an Asset to a Function Item

 

Function items follow the same process:

• Insert a function item (Shift + F9 or the Function button)

• Click the function item

• Select an asset in the asset picker

• Configure variables and metadata

• Click Apply

 

Result:

• The function item displays the asset name and metadata

• The function item can be marked as a sub-item and shown as such in the rundown

• In and out timecode is displayed if configured

 

Edit or Remove an Asset Link

 

To change or remove an asset:

• Click the tag block or function item

• The asset picker opens with the current asset selected

• Select another asset or remove the current one

• Click Apply or Remove Asset

 

Advanced Features

 

Asset Variables

 

Graphics assets can include variables that are customized per tag block.

 

Common variable types:

 

• Text: Single-line or multi-line

• Images: File path or image path values

• Numbers: Numeric values

• Percent: Values from 0 to 100

• Duration: Milliseconds or frames

• Boolean: On or off checkbox

 

How variables work:

 

• Select an asset that contains variables

• Fill in the variable fields in the asset picker

• Values are stored on the tag block as JSON in a dedicated field

• Click the tag block again to edit variable values later

 

Metadata for Tag Blocks and Function Items

 

Sub-item flag:

• Marks an element as a sub-item

• Shown as a sub-item in the rundown

 

In and out timecode:

• Defines the playback window for video or graphics

• Format: HH:MM:SS or HH:MM:SS:FF

 

Exit mode:

• Defines how the element should end

• Examples: None, Cut, Mix, Wipe

 

Auto take:

• Enables automatic triggering

• Stored as a boolean value

 

Live Asset Preview

 

If Live Asset Preview is enabled in the license:

• Graphics templates can be previewed live in the right panel

• Video assets can be played in the preview panel

• Variable changes update the preview in real time

• Media proxy integration provides secure access to media servers

 

Practical Examples

 

Example 1: Simple Tag Block Without an Asset

• Write: We are going to the studio

• Select the word studio

• Press F4 (Input)

• The selected text becomes an Input tag block

 

Example 2: Tag Block With an Asset

• Create a Graphic tag block (press F6)

• Enter a label such as Opening graphic

• Click the add indicator on the tag block

• Select the asset Opening_Lower_Third from the asset list

• Fill in variables such as name and title

• Click Apply

• The tag block now displays your label and the selected asset name

 

Example 3: Function Item With a Video Asset

• Place the cursor in the manuscript

• Press Shift + F9 to insert a function item

• Click the function item

• Select a video asset

• Set in timecode and out timecode

• Enable Sub-item

• Set Exit Mode to Mix

• Click Apply

• The function item now shows the selected asset and timecode range

 

Example 4: Note Without an Asset

• Write: Remember to check the microphone

• Place the cursor after the text

• Press F9 to insert a note item

• Click the note icon and enter the note text

• The note appears in the note column

 

Summary: Items vs Assets

 

Items Are Used To

• Structure the manuscript

• Mark production elements

• Communicate instructions to the crew

• Add notes

• Organize workflow in the rundown view

 

Assets Are Used To

• Link real media content to items

• Define precise playback windows with in and out timecode

• Customize graphic variables such as text, images, and values

• Integrate with CG standards (OGRAF and GDD)

• Enable live preview for graphics and video

• Export to Falcon Play with media references

 

How They Work Together

• Items can exist without assets as simple markers

• Items with assets connect the manuscript to real production content

• Not all item types support assets

• Assets require an Asset Package and license support

 

Keyboard Shortcut Reference

• F4: Input (CAM) tag block

• F5: Video tag block

• F6: Graphic tag block

• F7: Sound tag block

• F8: Instruction tag block

• F9: Note item

• Shift + F9: Function item with asset support

 

Troubleshooting

The Function Button Is Not Visible

• The project must have an Asset Package attached

• Contact a project administrator to confirm configuration

 

The Add Indicator Does Not Appear on Tag Blocks

• An Asset Package must be enabled

• Only Input, Video, and Graphic support assets

• Check license features if the feature is plan-restricted

 

Asset Preview Does Not Work

• Requires a Live Asset Preview license feature

• Media proxy integration must be configured correctly

• Check the browser console for error messages

 

Cannot Change Asset Variables

• Open the asset picker again by clicking the tag block

• Variables are stored when you click Apply

• Confirm that the selected asset actually includes variables