Traverse can recognise familiar plain-text markers while you edit a node and turn them into Type, Fountain, or task information. This lets you keep typing without repeatedly reaching for the Inspector or Format menu.
Enter the marker at the beginning of a line, followed by a space and any text. Traverse removes the marker from the visible node text and applies the corresponding semantic type.
Markdown Type markers
These markers are available when the document uses the Type attribute.
| Type this | Traverse applies |
|---|---|
# | Heading |
> | Blockquote |
``` | Code block |
- , * , or + | Bullet |
1. | Numbered bullet |
: | Note |
--- | Divider |
For example, typing # Introduction creates a Heading node whose visible text is Introduction.
Note nodes and attribute notes
Type includes a standalone Note role. A Note node has its own place in the outline hierarchy and can be moved, nested, focused, and filtered like other nodes. Traverse displays it in subdued italic text so it remains distinct from document prose.
This differs from an attribute note, which is metadata stored directly on another node rather than a child or sibling in the outline. Attribute notes are useful for internal context that should travel with a particular node. Note nodes are useful when a note needs its own place in the structure or may need to be included with exported content.
Type : at the beginning of a line to create a Note node with smart typing. You can also choose Note from the node's Type menu or the Format menu.
Markdown Document export can include attribute notes, Note nodes, both, or neither. The selected Note format is applied to whichever notes you export.
Fountain markers
These markers are available when the document uses the Fountain attribute.
| Type this | Traverse applies |
|---|---|
# | Section |
. | Scene Heading |
= | Synopsis |
@ | Character |
( | Parenthetical |
> | Transition |
! | Action |
~ | Lyrics |
>< | Centred |
!! | Shot |
[[ | Note |
=== | Page Break |
Character names also have a faster form: typing @NAME changes the node to Character without requiring a space after @. In Writer view, press Shift-Return after a Character line to create a child Dialogue line.
Task markers
When the document has the Task attribute, Traverse also recognises common Markdown task markers.
[ ] Task,[] Task, or- [ ] Taskcreates a To do item.[x] Taskor- [x] Taskcreates a Done item.
Reset an inherited type
New lines can inherit an appropriate Type or Fountain element from the previous line. Press Backspace at the beginning of a newly created line to reset an inherited Type to Body or an inherited Fountain element to Action.
Choose a type manually
You do not have to use markers. Click the Type or Fountain icon beside a node to choose from its menu, or use the Format menu. The Format menu also shows the available keyboard shortcuts.
Availability
A document uses either Type or Fountain. Traverse Pro is required to add one of these attributes to a document. If an outline already contains Type or Fountain, its formatting, smart typing, editing, and export behaviour remain available even when Pro is not active.
