File Menu & Header Actions

The desktop header keeps project persistence, editing, workspace layout, specialized tools, documentation, help, and export available without leaving the canvas. This guide explains what every visible control does, when it is available, and how to recover when an action fails.

Header layout

Area	What it contains	Why it matters
Left	Scribe Animator brand, project name, and save status	Confirms which project is active and whether recent work is saved
Center	File, Edit, View, Tools, Docs, and Help menus	Groups actions by purpose
Right	Library and Properties toggles, display controls, export format, Export, and account state	Keeps frequent workspace and output actions one click away

Project status

Indicator	Meaning	Recommended response
Red dot	The project has unsaved changes	Save before reloading, closing, or importing another project
Saved locally	The latest checkpoint is in this browser's local storage	Also export a .scribe package for a portable backup
Saved to library	The latest complete library save succeeded	Confirm the project appears in Load or Organize Projects

Browser storage is not a portable backup

Clearing site data, using a different browser profile, or losing the device can remove a local save. Export a .scribe package for important projects and keep it somewhere you control.

File menu

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The File menu separates browser-local checkpoints, library projects, portable packages, AI JSON import, and rendered output.

Screenshot callouts

1. 1
   Project and save status

   Check the active project and whether it is saved before replacing or importing project state.
2. 2
   Save destinations

   Save Locally creates a fast browser checkpoint. Library actions create or update a managed project entry.
3. 3
   Load or open a demo

   Load opens saved projects. Open Demo Project replaces the workspace with deterministic sample content.
4. 4
   Portable project package

   Export or import .scribe when the editable project and packaged assets must move between browsers or devices.
5. 5
   Organize Projects

   Open the project-management surface to inspect and organize available saved projects.

File actions

Action	Mac shortcut	Windows/Linux	What it does	Use it when
New Project	Command+N	Ctrl+N	Replaces the current workspace with a blank project	Starting unrelated work after saving the current project
Save Locally	Command+S	Ctrl+S	Writes a quick checkpoint to this browser	Saving frequently while editing
Save to Library (Complete)	Shift+Command+S	Shift+Ctrl+S	Creates or updates a complete library entry	Keeping a managed project with metadata and assets
Save As to Library (Complete)	—	—	Creates a separate library entry under a new name	Making a variation without overwriting the original
Load	Command+O	Ctrl+O	Opens the project browser	Reopening a saved project
Open Demo Project	—	—	Loads sample project content	Exploring the editor without risking a real project
Export	—	—	Opens the selected output exporter's settings	Producing a video or another installed output format
Export .scribe	—	—	Downloads an editable portable package	Backup, transfer, or handoff
Import .scribe	—	—	Validates and opens a portable package	Continuing editable work received from another device
Import AI JSON	—	—	Validates Scribe template JSON for a project, scene, or block	Applying generated or hand-authored template data
Organize Projects	—	—	Opens project management	Finding, renaming, or organizing saved entries supported by the current build

Actions can be unavailable while a modal is open or when their prerequisites are missing. Save before New Project, Open Demo Project, Load, or import, because each can replace current state.

Choose the correct save or transfer method

Method	Storage location	Includes	Limitation
Save Locally	Current browser profile	A fast editable checkpoint	Not portable and vulnerable to cleared site data
Save to Library	Configured project library	Complete managed project data and metadata	Availability and synchronization depend on the host
Save As to Library	New library entry	A separate complete project copy	Creates another entry to manage
Export .scribe	Downloaded file	Project data plus package-supported assets, audio, and version metadata	Keep the file secure; imported content is still untrusted input
Rendered export	Downloaded media	Final visual/audio output	Not an editable project backup

What a .scribe package contains

A .scribe file is a packaged archive. Its exact internal layout can evolve with the package version, but it represents the following categories:

Package data	Purpose
Project data	Scenes, objects, timing, and other editable state
Assets	Package-supported images and vector sources
Audio	Package-supported audio media and references
Metadata	Package and application version information used during validation and migration

To transfer a project:

1. Save the current project.
2. Choose File → Export .scribe and keep the downloaded file intact.
3. On the destination browser, save any project that is already open.
4. Choose File → Import .scribe and select the package.
5. Review import warnings, confirm scenes and media, then save a new local or library checkpoint.

Treat imported files as untrusted

Import only packages and JSON you trust. Scribe validates supported data, but you should still review the resulting project, external asset references, and warnings before exporting or sharing it.

AI JSON is not a .scribe package

Import AI JSON accepts validated Scribe template JSON. It can create a project, add or replace a scene, insert a block, or save generated template data where supported. It does not provide the packaged binary assets of a .scribe archive. Use explicit approved asset references and inspect the result before saving.

Edit menu

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Unavailable commands remain visible but disabled, which explains the action's missing prerequisite.

Screenshot callouts

1. 1
   Undo, Redo, and Clear History

   Undo or Redo requires matching history. Clear History intentionally removes that recovery path.
2. 2
   Duplicate, Copy, and Paste

   Duplicate and Copy require a supported selection; Paste requires compatible clipboard content.
3. 3
   Clear Canvas

   Removes the current scene's objects. Save first and keep history if you may need Undo.

Action	Mac shortcut	Windows/Linux	Enabled when	Result
Undo	Command+Z	Ctrl+Z	Undo history exists	Reverts the last recorded edit
Redo	Command+Y	Ctrl+Y	Redo history exists	Reapplies the last undone edit
Clear History	—	—	History exists	Permanently empties undo and redo history
Duplicate	Option+D	Alt+D	A supported object is selected	Creates a copy in the current scene
Copy	Command+C	Ctrl+C	A supported object is selected	Places supported object data on the editor clipboard
Paste	Command+V	Ctrl+V	Compatible clipboard data exists	Adds copied content to the current scene
Clear Canvas	Command+Delete	Ctrl+Backspace	The scene can be edited	Removes all objects from the current scene

Locked or otherwise non-editable objects can keep selection actions disabled. Do not clear history until destructive work has been checked.

View menu

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View changes the workspace composition; it does not change project content.

Screenshot callouts

1. 1
   Library visibility

   Collapse or show the left library to give the canvas more horizontal space.
2. 2
   Properties visibility

   Show or hide the right inspector without changing the selected object.
3. 3
   Compact UI

   Switch workspace density when more room is needed; this is a presentation preference, not project data.

Control	Visible label depends on state	Effect
Library toggle	Collapse Library or the corresponding show action	Hides or restores the left asset library
Properties toggle	Show Properties or the corresponding hide action	Restores or hides the inspector
Compact UI	Current density state	Uses tighter spacing; switch back when larger targets are easier to operate

The blue panel buttons on the right side of the header provide the same common library and Properties visibility actions. A highlighted button means the corresponding panel is visible.

Tools menu

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Tools opens product surfaces; the menu is not a substitute for the selected object's Properties controls.

Screenshot callouts

1. 1
   Plugin Manager

   Inspect enabled plugins and host-granted capabilities. Availability depends on the build.
2. 2
   Content libraries

   Open Image, Text, Shape, or Advanced Drawings libraries for reusable content.
3. 3
   Audio tools

   Open the Advanced Audio Editor or AI Voiceover surface when those capabilities are available.
4. 4
   Upload Custom Background

   Imports a local background through the editor's supported file intake path.

Tool	Use it for	Important boundary
Plugin Manager	Inspecting or configuring supported plugins	Plugins and permissions vary by build; do not enable unknown code
Image Library	Browsing image assets	Confirm licensing before distribution
Text Library	Inserting supported text presets	Final typography remains editable in Properties
Add Equation	Creating supported equation content	Verify font and export rendering
Shape Library	Inserting reusable shapes	Selection and appearance are edited after insertion
Advanced Drawings Library	Browsing detailed drawing content	Complex assets can increase render cost
Advanced Audio Editor	Editing tracks and clips	Browser media permissions and codecs still apply
AI Voiceover	Generating supported voiceover content	Availability, consent, and provider policy depend on the host
Upload Custom Background	Importing a local background	Use trusted files and observe upload-size limits

Docs menu

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Documentation and Tutorials open learning content without modifying the current project.

Screenshot callouts

1. 1
   Documentation

   Opens the documentation index for feature guides, concepts, reference material, and troubleshooting.
2. 2
   Tutorials

   Opens the step-by-step learning path built from verified product screenshots.

Link	Destination	When to use it
Documentation	/docs/	Looking up a feature, limitation, reference, or recovery procedure
Tutorials	/docs/use-scribe/start/quickstart	Learning an end-to-end workflow in order

These links normally open a new browser tab so the active editor project stays open. If the browser blocks the tab, allow pop-ups for the trusted Scribe host or open the documentation directly.

Help menu

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Help separates local reference, product information, support, rights reports, release notes, and bug reports.

Screenshot callouts

1. 1
   Shortcuts and About

   Open the keyboard reference or inspect the current product version and credits.
2. 2
   Support and rights concern

   Use Contact Support for product help and Report Asset / IP Concern for ownership or licensing issues.
3. 3
   What's New and Report a Bug

   Review product changes or submit a reproducible technical problem.

Action	Opens	Include or check
Keyboard Shortcuts	Shortcut reference	Current operating system and focused surface
About	Version information and credits	Version/build number when reporting a problem
Contact Support	Host-provided support flow	Clear description, expected result, and safe reproduction steps
Report Asset / IP Concern	Rights-reporting flow	Asset identity, source, and ownership details; do not publish private evidence
What's New	Release information	Feature availability for the current build
Report a Bug	Bug-report flow	Reproduction steps, version, browser, and sanitized screenshots

The exact support form is host-provided and may not be available in every build. This guide does not depict a simulated form. Never include passwords, authentication tokens, payment details, private project packages, or confidential customer assets in a support message.

Quick actions

Header control	State	Behavior
Library panel button	Highlighted when visible	Hides or restores the left library
Properties panel button	Highlighted when visible	Hides or restores the inspector
Display control	Depends on current layout	Changes the workspace presentation without editing project data
Export format selector	Shows the active exporter	Changes what the adjacent Export button opens
Export	Enabled when the selected exporter can run	Opens export settings; it does not automatically create a file
Sign in/account	Depends on authentication state	Opens host account functionality, not project editing

If a quick action and its menu equivalent appear out of sync, close open modals, click the editor once to restore focus, and try the menu action. Reload only after saving or exporting a portable backup.

Export controls

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Export is a device-local render. Choose settings, keep the tab open, and wait for the final download.

Screenshot callouts

1. 1
   Resolution

   Choose a supported output size. The active plan can clamp resolution and add a watermark.
2. 2
   Frame rate and quality

   Higher values increase processing work and usually increase the output file size.
3. 3
   Output format

   The current video exporter exposes its supported codec or container choices here.
4. 4
   Keep this tab open

   Closing or reloading the page stops the device-local export.
5. 5
   Export

   Start processing only after the settings and plan limitation are acceptable.

To export:

1. Save the editable project first.
2. Select the desired installed exporter in the header.
3. Choose Export.
4. Review resolution, frame rate, quality, format, plan limits, estimated bitrate, and the local-render warning.
5. Choose Export, keep the tab open, and avoid reloading while processing.
6. Confirm the resulting file plays correctly before deleting backups or sharing it.

Available formats depend on installed and enabled exporters. A rendered file is not a replacement for the editable .scribe project.

Keyboard shortcuts

Shortcuts apply to the focused editor surface and can be intercepted by the browser, operating system, an input field, or an open modal.

Purpose	Mac	Windows/Linux
New Project	Command+N	Ctrl+N
Save Locally	Command+S	Ctrl+S
Save to Library	Shift+Command+S	Shift+Ctrl+S
Load Project	Command+O	Ctrl+O
Undo	Command+Z	Ctrl+Z
Redo	Command+Y	Ctrl+Y
Copy	Command+C	Ctrl+C
Paste	Command+V	Ctrl+V
Duplicate	Option+D	Alt+D
Clear Canvas	Command+Delete	Ctrl+Backspace
Toggle library panel	Command+B	Ctrl+B
Play or pause timeline	Space	Space
Previous or next frame	Left Arrow / Right Arrow	Left Arrow / Right Arrow
Timeline start or end	Home / End	Home / End
Delete selected objects	Delete	Delete or Backspace
Deselect	Escape	Escape
Zoom in, out, or reset	Command++, Command+-, Command+0	Ctrl++, Ctrl+-, Ctrl+0

Use Help → Keyboard Shortcuts as the authoritative list for the current build because installed plugins and platform conventions can add or change bindings.

Troubleshooting and recovery

Problem	Likely cause	Recovery
A menu command is disabled	Missing history, selection, clipboard data, permission, or plugin	Check its prerequisite, unlock/select a supported object, or enable the trusted capability
Save Locally fails	Storage quota, blocked storage, or private-mode limitation	Export .scribe, free site storage carefully, then retry in a persistent browser profile
Library save fails	Host, authentication, connectivity, quota, or service error	Keep the local checkpoint and .scribe backup; retry without discarding current state
Export .scribe fails	Large media, serialization error, or blocked download	Save first, inspect project warnings, allow downloads, and retry with known problematic media removed only from a copy
Import .scribe fails	Corrupt, unsupported, or untrusted package	Keep the original file, verify its source/version, and test in a new saved project
Import AI JSON fails	Schema, version, ID, or asset-reference error	Validate against the documented schema and fix reported fields; never bypass validation
Shortcut does nothing	Wrong focus or browser/OS interception	Close modals, click the canvas or timeline, and use the menu equivalent
Panel does not toggle	Modal/focus issue or stale UI state	Try View, save, then reload only if the state remains stuck
Export stops	Tab was closed, reloaded, suspended, or the device ran out of resources	Keep the project saved, reduce output settings if appropriate, and rerun with the tab active

Before clearing browser data or reinstalling anything, export a .scribe backup and confirm the download exists. Do not clear undo history while you are still evaluating a destructive edit.

Summary

Goal	Use
Fast checkpoint in the current browser	File → Save Locally
Managed complete save or named variation	Save to Library or Save As to Library
Portable editable backup	Export .scribe
Generated project, scene, or block data	Import AI JSON after validation
Reverse or repeat recent editing	Edit → Undo or Redo
Gain canvas space	View or the header panel toggles
Open libraries and specialized capabilities	Tools
Learn or troubleshoot	Docs and Help
Produce final media	Choose an exporter, open Export, review settings, and keep the tab open