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Getting Started with On Book Pro

Your first project in 5 minutes.


Welcome!

On Book Pro helps you manage theatrical productions with:

  • ✅ Real-time collaboration
  • ✅ Offline support
  • ✅ Professional print outputs
  • ✅ AI-powered script analysis
  • ✅ Role-based workspaces for every team member

Step 1: Create Your Project

Option A: Start Fresh

  1. Open On Book Pro
  2. Click "+ New Project"
  3. Name your production
  4. Click "Create"

Option B: Import a Script

Skip manual setup—let AI build your structure:

  1. Click "+ New Project"
  2. Name your production
  3. Click "File Management""Import Script (PDF)"
  4. Upload your script
  5. Wait for AI analysis to complete

See the full Script Import Guide for details.


Step 2: Navigate Your Workspace

On Book Pro uses a workspace-based navigation system that shows you the tools most relevant to your role.

Understanding the Sidebar

When you enter your project, you'll see the Workspace Sidebar on the left:

ElementDescription
Workspace SelectorClick to switch between role-focused views
Primary ToolsTools prioritized for your current workspace
Collapse ButtonShrink sidebar to icon-only mode

Available Workspaces

WorkspacePrimary ToolsBest For
Stage ManagementRun Sheet, Blocking, Notes, Scheduler, PersonnelStage Managers
DirectorShow Structure, Blocking, Scheduler, NotesDirectors
CostumesCostumes, Personnel, Budget, FilesCostume Designers
PropsProps, Budget, Files, Run SheetProps Masters
SoundSound, Run Sheet, Files, SchedulerSound Designers
Production ManagerProduction, Budget, Personnel, SchedulerPMs and Producers
Cast MemberCalendar, Blocking View, Show StructureActors and Performers
All ToolsEverything you have access toPower users

Switching Workspaces

  1. Click the Workspace Selector button at the top of the sidebar (shows your current workspace icon)
  2. Choose a new workspace from the modal
  3. The sidebar updates to show tools for that workspace

emoji_objects Tip: Your workspace choice is saved automatically—it will persist across sessions and devices!

Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with these shortcuts:

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + 1Open Feed
Ctrl + 2-9Jump to tools 2-9 in sidebar
Ctrl + SpaceOpen Workspace Selector
Ctrl + BCollapse/expand sidebar
Ctrl + ZUndo (in current tool)
Ctrl + Shift + ZRedo (in current tool)

Step 3: Set Up Your Show

Add Acts and Scenes

If you didn't import a script:

  1. Go to Show Structure
  2. Click "+ Add Act"
  3. Within each act, click "+ Add Scene"
  4. Name each scene

Add Characters

  1. Go to Show StructureCharacters
  2. Click "+ Add Character"
  3. Enter the character name
  4. Optionally assign them to specific scenes

Step 4: Invite Your Team

Share your project with collaborators:

  1. Open the Admin Portal (gear icon in header, if you have permissions)
  2. Navigate to Members
  3. Click "Generate Invite Link"
  4. Copy the link and send it to your team
  5. They'll be able to view and edit in real-time

Role-Based Permissions

Each team member can be assigned a role that controls their access:

RoleCapabilities
OwnerFull control, can delete project
Stage ManagerFull editing access to all tools
DesignerAccess to specific department tools
ActorView schedule, update own profile
CrewView access, limited editing

See the Admin Portal Guide for details.


Step 5: Explore Features

Essential Features to Try

  1. Rehearsal Scheduler — Plan your calendar
    Scheduler Guide

  2. Personnel Directory — Manage cast and crew contacts
    Personnel Guide

  3. Set Builder — Design your stage layouts
    Features Overview

  4. Blocking Tracker — Capture movement paths
    Blocking Guide

  5. Costumes Module — Track measurements and costume pieces
    Costumes Guide


Step 6: Work Offline

On Book Pro works without internet:

  1. Install as a PWA:

    • Desktop: Click the install icon in your browser's address bar
    • Mobile: Tap "Add to Home Screen"
  2. Open the app even when offline

  3. Make changes as usual

  4. Sync happens automatically when you reconnect


Tips for New Users

Tip: Import early — If you have a script, AI import saves hours of setup

Tip: Choose your workspace — Select a workspace that matches your role for a focused experience

Tip: Learn the shortcutsCtrl+1-9 lets you jump between tools instantly

Tip: Invite collaborators — Real-time sync means everyone sees updates instantly

Tip: Print often — Generate professional PDFs for your binder

Tip: Use the glossary — Unfamiliar terms? Check the Glossary


Need Help?


Video Tutorial

Watch: Your First Project in 5 Minutes (Coming soon)


Ready to dive deeper? Explore the Feature Guides.