Questions & Answers

Q: Why does Plot Builder fail to start with the error: ".Net Framework Initialization Error"?

A: This issue is caused by a backwards compatibility issue with Microsoft .Net 4.0. Plot Builder v2.2.0 (due to release in late August) will correct this issue. In the meantime, a workaround is to uninstall the .Net 4 framework from your machine temporarily. Please contact support for additional help and other workarounds to this issue.

Q: When attempting to activate the program, why does my screen remain blurry?

A: During activation there will be a prompt asking to select whether or not to activate a "Primary" or "Secondary" computer. Sometimes this prompt can get hidden behind the blue activation window. Simply drag the blue licensing window to the side and look for the "Primary / Secondary" prompt behind it. Answering this prompt will continue the activation process.

Q: Why do blue boxes appear on my Excitement Graph print preview screen?

A: This is due to a known compatibility issue between Microsoft .Net and Vista's Aero theme (the transparent, glass-like color scheme).  While this issue is being resolved, a temporary workaround is to disable the Aero theme.  The Areo them can be disabled using the Windows Appearance settings.

Q: Why does text sometimes flicker rapidly as windows open or as I type?

A: When an entry form opens, the text is checked for spelling errors and underlined (red squiggly line).  In the event that the text contains a lot of spelling errors, a brief delay will occur as Plot Builder underlines the words.  Recommended solutions are to add custom / misspelled words to the spelling dictionary, either through the spell check dialog box or by right-clicking on words and selecting "Add" from the context menu.  Additionally the 'Check as you Type' spelling option can be turned off in the Plot Builder Options menu.

Q: Why does my text appear clipped or disappears altogether in screenplay format?

A: This occurs when you have set the font type / size too large.  The reason for this is that in order to adhere to industry standard formatting, the line spacing must be exactly 12 points.  This ends up restricting the line from automatically expanding to display a large font.  Please use an industry standard font name / size in screenplay mode, e.g. Courier New or Courier (12 point).