Importing and Exporting Projects

Getting started with CineLog pro? Ask questions here about setup and installation.
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cinelogpro
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Importing and Exporting Projects

Post by cinelogpro »

Importing Projects

CineLog Pro supports importing projects from two formats:

1. Excel Template Import (.XLSX)

Import a complete project (including project details, scenes, and shots) from an Excel template.
  • Tap the "+" button and select "Project from .XLSX"
  • Choose an Excel file (.xlsx) that follows the CineLog template format
  • The app will parse the file and create:
    • A new project with metadata (name, description, director, DP, producer)
    • All scenes defined in the template
    • All shots associated with those scenes
  • You'll see a progress indicator as the import processes
  • Once complete, you'll be navigated to the newly created project
Template Structure

The Excel template has two sections:
  • Project Information (Row 3, Columns B-F):
    • Project Name
    • Project Description
    • Director Name
    • DP Name
    • Producer Name
  • Scene & Shot Data (Row 6+):
    • Row 6 contains column headers
    • Row 7+ contains your scene and shot data
    • Each row represents one shot with its associated scene information
Template Columns

The template includes 44 columns covering:
• Scene information (number, description, location, location type, time of day)
• Shot basic info (number, status, description, setup, camera letter, cast numbers, estimated time)
• Shot composition (type, size, movement, mood, equipment)
• Camera settings (make, model, lens, focal length, aperture, frame rate, shutter, ISO, white balance, resolution, aspect ratio, filters)
• VFX reference (lens height, subject distance, notes)
• Production details (take count, circle take, roll card number)
• Notes (lighting, blocking, director's, additional)
• Audio settings (format, sample rate, channels, mic type, notes)

Getting the Template
  • Open any project
  • Tap the menu (three dots) and select "Import"
  • Tap "Download Template" to get the Excel template file
  • Fill it out with your project data
  • Import it using "Project from .XLSX"
Duplicate Prevention

The import automatically skips duplicate scenes and shots. A scene is considered a duplicate if it has the same normalized scene number within the project. A shot is considered a duplicate if it has the same project + scene + shot number combination.

2. Final Draft Script Import (.FDX)

Import scenes from a Final Draft script file.
  • Tap the "+" button and select "Project from .FDX"
  • Choose a Final Draft .FDX file
  • The app will parse the script and create:
    • A new project
    • Scenes based on the script's scene headings
  • Note: This feature is in beta and results may vary
Importing Shots to Existing Projects

You can also import shots into an existing project or scene:
  • Open a project or scene
  • Tap the menu (three dots) and select "Import"
  • Choose "Import Excel File"
  • Select an Excel file with shot data
  • The app will add shots to the selected scene (or create scenes if needed)
  • Duplicates are automatically skipped
Exporting Projects

CineLog Pro offers multiple export formats for different needs:

1. CSV File

Export your entire project as a spreadsheet-ready CSV file.
  • Includes all projects, scenes, and shots in a flat structure
  • Perfect for importing into Excel, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet software
  • Contains all shot fields in columns
  • Useful for data analysis and custom reporting
2. Text Report

Export a formatted text document with all project details.
  • Includes project information, all scenes, and all shots
  • Formatted for easy reading
  • Useful for sharing with team members who don't use CineLog Pro
  • Can be opened in any text editor
3. PDF Report

Generate a branded PDF document with your project details.
  • Includes project information, all scenes, and all shots
  • Includes reference images (if attached to shots)
  • Professional formatting suitable for sharing with producers or investors
  • Available on native platforms (iOS/Android), HTML report on web
4. PDF Storyboard

Create a 6-up storyboard PDF with your shots.
  • Six shots per page in a grid layout
  • 16:9 aspect ratio frames
  • Includes checkboxes and space for notes
  • Perfect for printing and sharing with your crew
  • Reference images are included if attached to shots
5. Call Sheet PDF

Export professional call sheets for your shoot days.
  • Includes shoot day information (date, day number, call times, meal time, wrap time)
  • Location addresses (basecamp, parking, shooting locations, hospital)
  • Selected scenes with stripboard formatting
  • Selected cast and crew with call times
  • Weather forecast (if location address is provided)
  • Production notes (props, set dressing, special effects, HMU)
  • Quote of the week
  • Available from the Call Sheets tab in your project
6. Location Scout PDF

Export location scout information as a PDF.
  • Includes location name, address, scout date, and shoot date
  • All photos taken during the scout
  • Creative, technical, and practical notes
  • Weather information (if available)
  • Available from individual location scout detail screens
7. Diagram PDF

Export overhead diagrams as PDFs (if diagrams are enabled).
  • Includes the diagram layout with all placed elements
  • Useful for sharing blocking diagrams with your crew
  • Available from individual diagram screens
Export Best Practices
  • For sharing with crew: Use PDF Storyboard or Call Sheet PDF
  • For data analysis: Use CSV File
  • For documentation: Use PDF Report or Text Report
  • For location planning: Use Location Scout PDF
  • For blocking diagrams: Use Diagram PDF
Troubleshooting Exports
  • PDF exports are slow: Large projects with many reference images may take longer. Be patient and ensure you have sufficient storage space.
  • Images missing in PDF: Make sure reference images are fully uploaded. Check your internet connection if images aren't syncing.
  • CSV file won't open: Try opening it in a different spreadsheet application. The file uses standard CSV formatting.
  • Template import fails: Ensure your Excel file follows the exact template structure. Download a fresh template and compare column headers.
  • Duplicate scenes/shots after import: The import skips exact duplicates, but similar names (e.g., "Scene 1" vs "Scene 1A") are treated as different. Review your template for consistency.
Export Location

Exports are saved to your device's default download or documents folder, depending on your platform. You can then share them using your device's standard share sheet.
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