---
url: "https://docs.on-book.app/pro/user/features/blocking.md"
description: "Capture actor movement paths and communicate clearly."
---

# Blocking Tracker

> **Fallback recommended.** Use Blocking for rehearsal tracking with a paper or exported backup for show-critical blocking.

> **Capture actor movement paths and communicate clearly.**

***

![Blocking Tracker — On Book Pro](../../assets/screenshots/blocking/blocking-hero.png)

## Overview

The Blocking Tracker helps you:

* **Draw movement paths** for actors on a 2D stage
* **Link scenes to sets** so the correct layout loads automatically
* **Toggle between blocking and choreography** modes
* **Filter by character** to show/hide specific paths
* **Print blocking diagrams** for your production book

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## Getting Started

### Opening the Blocking Tracker

1. Click **"Blocking"** in the main navigation
2. Select a scene from the scene selector
3. The stage layout for that scene loads automatically (if one is assigned)

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## Understanding the Interface

The Blocking Tracker has three main areas:

1. **Canvas** — The 2D stage where you draw paths
2. **Side Tray** — List of blocking events (collapsible on mobile)
3. **Toolbar** — Mode toggle, character filter, and drawing tools

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## Drawing Movement Paths

### Step 1: Select a Character

1. Click the **character filter** dropdown in the toolbar
2. Select which character you're blocking
3. The canvas is now ready for that character's path

### Step 2: Draw the Path

1. Click **"Add Path"** or use the drawing tool
2. **Click on the stage** to place points for the movement
3. The app draws a smooth curve between points
4. **Double-click** to finish the path

### Step 3: Add Event Details

Each path creates a **blocking event** in the side tray:

1. Click the event in the list
2. Add a **label** (e.g., "Enter from Stage Left")
3. Add **notes** (e.g., "Crosses to sofa while speaking")
4. Reorder events by dragging in the list

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## Blocking vs. Choreography Mode

The Blocking Tracker has two modes:

| Mode | Icon | Use Case |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Blocking** | theater\_comedy Gestures | Actor movement and stage crosses |
| **Choreography** | music\_note Art Track | Dance numbers and fight choreography |

**Toggle between modes** using the button in the top-right toolbar. Each mode has its own set of paths that don't overlap.

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## Filtering Characters

Show or hide specific characters' paths:

1. Click **"Filter"** in the toolbar
2. Check/uncheck character names
3. Only selected characters' paths appear on stage

This is useful for:

* **Focusing on one actor** during rehearsal
* **Seeing interactions** between specific characters
* **Printing character-specific blocking sheets**

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## Working with Sets

### Linking a Scene to a Set

1. Go to **Set Builder**
2. Design your stage layout
3. Click **"Bake Set"** and name it (e.g., "Living Room")
4. In **Show Structure**, assign that set to a scene
5. When you open that scene in the Blocking Tracker, the set loads automatically

### Calibrating the Set

If your set has real-world dimensions:

1. In **Set Builder**, click **"Calibrate"**
2. Draw a reference line on a known distance
3. Enter the real measurement (e.g., "20 feet")
4. All blocking paths now reflect accurate spacing

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## Hiding/Showing Events

You can **mute** individual blocking events without deleting them:

1. In the side tray, find the event
2. Click the **eye icon** (visibility)
3. The path disappears from the canvas but remains in the list
4. Click again to show it

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## Tips for Success

emoji\_objects **Block incrementally** — Capture major crosses first, add detail later

emoji\_objects **Use labels** — Clear event names help actors remember staging

emoji\_objects **Separate blocking and choreography** — Keep dance/fight separate from spoken scenes

emoji\_objects **Print often** — Actors appreciate having blocking diagrams to review

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## Mobile/Tablet Usage

The Blocking Tracker is **fully responsive**:

* **Side tray collapses** to a toggle button on small screens
* **Touch gestures** work for drawing paths
* **Pinch to zoom** on the canvas

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## Video Tutorial

Video walkthrough: planned.

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## Related Guides

* [Features Overview](./overview.md)
* [Personnel Directory](./personnel.md)

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*Last updated: January 2026*