Fix character names before importing

If you see “Fix character names before importing”

The message lists the character cues that conflict, such as LISA and LISA:. This import wasn’t saved, so there is no rejected copy to delete. Any scripts you already saved remain unchanged.

Close the message to return to the import screen, or leave it open while you correct your file. You need to fix the conflicting cues and import again before you can open this script in the reader.

Look for small differences in character cues

A character cue is the name above a line of dialogue. Find the names listed in the message in your original screenplay. For a character named Lisa, use LISA consistently, without a colon after the name.

If Lisa speaks in voice-over, write LISA (V.O.), with a space before the opening parenthesis. The (V.O.) describes how we hear Lisa; it does not make her a different character. A missing space can prevent the app from recognising that distinction.

Use the same spacing for off-screen dialogue: LISA (O.S.). If the listed cues belong to different characters, give them distinct names, such as LISA and LISA YOUNG. Changing only punctuation may still leave a conflict.

These examples show the character cues only. Make the corrections in your screenwriting software:

Instead of:  LISA:
Use:         LISA

Instead of:  LISA(V.O.)
Use:         LISA (V.O.)

Instead of:  LISA(O.S.)
Use:         LISA (O.S.)

Bring in the corrected file

Save the corrected screenplay as .fdx or .fountain. Click Choose corrected file in the message, or choose the file from the import screen if you closed it. Once the import succeeds, review Voices before playing.

If you are replacing an older saved import, keep that earlier copy until you have checked the corrected version. A rejected import does not replace or delete it.

If a corrected file is still rejected, contact us with the exact names listed in the import message and the file format you used.