# Stage directions

> Choose how stage directions work in Offbook: read aloud, shown silently, shown with a pause to play the action, or hidden.

- URL: https://www.offbook.com/learn/stage-directions
- Published: 2026-10-14

Stage directions tell you what happens between the lines, but you do not always want to hear them. Have them read aloud, shown silently, shown with a pause for the action, or taken out of the script.

- Video (MP4, 0:53): https://d2miifk9x400ct.cloudfront.net/v1/stage-directions/video.mp4
- Captions (WebVTT): https://d2miifk9x400ct.cloudfront.net/v1/stage-directions/captions.vtt

## Chapters

- 0:00 Intro
- 0:02 Read aloud
- 0:25 Change the mode
- 0:41 Hide them

## Transcript

Stage directions are read aloud by default, so you hear the action between the lines.

To change this, open Scene controls and click Stage directions.

Hidden takes them out of the script. Silent shows them without reading them. Silent with pause shows them, then holds for the action.

Choose Hidden, and the stage directions leave the script.

Pick Read aloud again any time to bring them back.

Read the guide: [Stage directions & custom pauses](https://www.offbook.com/help-center/guides/stage-directions-and-pauses).

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