Transcript, Scene Editor, and Timeline: Descript Editor Map

Direct answer: Inside a Descript project, work happens in three main regions: the transcript/script (edit video by editing text), the scene editor (video preview), and the timeline underneath (scenes, layers, markers, playback speed). Add the top home button, editable project title, hamburger menu, and right panels, and you have a usable mental map of the editor.

This map is grounded in the Descript Made Easy lesson “Descript Editor User Interface Familiarity,” with layout terms aligned to Descript’s official editor interface overview. Open a project at web.descript.com.

What are the three main regions of the Descript editor?

1. Transcript / script — The text column where you make most beginner edits. Change the words and the media follows.
2. Scene editor — The video preview. Audio-only projects may not show it at all (no visual component).
3. Timeline — Always along the bottom. Holds scenes, layers, markers, playback speed, and finer timing when text edits are not enough.

Keep the model simple: transcript = what was said; scene editor = what is on screen; timeline = when scenes and layers line up.

How do View layouts change those regions?

1. View → Script — Hide or show the transcript column.
2. View → Scene editor — Hide or show the video preview.
3. View → Scene editor → Scene editor placement
   • Side by side (default) — Transcript and scene editor next to each other.
   • Stacked — Scene editor on top, transcript below; timeline stays at the bottom.
   • Full-screen video — Emphasizes the preview for watching your cut.

What else should beginners locate on day one?

1. Home button (top left) — Returns to Descript Drive; use Recents to jump back into the project.
2. Project title — Click to rename; the name shows in Drive.
3. Hamburger menu — File, Edit, Playback, Insert, Settings, View (details come in later lessons).
4. Right panels — Project, AI Tools, Properties, Elements, Captions, Media, Underlord. Learn the names now; each gets its own deeper lesson later.

How to map the editor in five minutes

1. Open a practice project from Drive.
2. Point to the transcript, scene editor, and timeline without clicking anything else.
3. Under View, hide then show Script and Scene editor; try side-by-side vs stacked.
4. Click home once, then reopen from Recents so the loop feels safe.
5. Open each right panel once so the names stick.

FAQ

Is the scene editor the same as a “canvas”?
In this course lesson, the video preview is called the scene editor. Use that name so later Descript Made Easy lessons match what you see.

Why is my scene editor missing?
Audio-only projects may hide it. On video projects, use View → Scene editor → Show scene editor.

Should I start in the timeline or the transcript?
Start in the transcript. Use the timeline for scenes, layers, markers, playback speed, and finer timing.

Does hiding the script delete my transcript?
No. View → Script only shows or hides the column.

Do I need every right panel on day one?
No. Learn the names first; deeper use comes later in the course.

Keep learning

• Descript for Beginners
• How to Navigate the Descript Editor (Beginner Guide)
• How to Navigate Descript Drive (Beginner Guide)
• Find, Open, and Duplicate Projects in Descript Drive
• Free getting-started class
• Descript Made Easy

Want live help while you learn? Join the free 1-hour class: https://www.descriptmastery.com/getting-started-with-descript

Or go straight to Descript Made Easy: https://www.descriptmastery.com/