When you open the Budgeting tab in a project that has no budget yet, the App launches a two-step setup wizard: first you choose a budget structure, then you choose a template. Both steps are required before the budget is generated.
Step 1 — Choose a structure
The structure defines how your budget is organized hierarchically. Select one of the two options:
Structure | Subtitle | Hierarchy | Best for |
2-Level | Category – Position | Category → Position | Smaller productions. Simple and fast. |
3-Level | Category – Account – Position | Category → Account → Position | Larger productions. Detailed control over cost breakdown. |
The 2-Level option is selected by default. Click the card you want to select it, then click Next → to proceed.
Caution: The structure cannot be changed after the budget is created. If you need a different structure, you will need to delete the budget and start over from scratch.
Step 2 — Choose a template
Select a starting point for your budget. The App shows templates that are compatible with the structure you selected in Step 1. Each template displays its name, a preview image, and the structure it was created for.
The App includes a default Demo budget template for both 2-Level and 3-Level structures. If you have previously saved custom templates, they will appear here as well. The first available template is selected automatically.
Click Generate to create the budget. The App will generate the budget and close the wizard automatically.
What you see after setup
The budget opens as a table on the Top Sheet — a list of all categories from the selected template. A colored badge next to the project name shows the structure level: a purple 2-Level badge or a blue 3-Level badge.
Navigation depends on the structure you chose:
In a 2-Level budget: Top Sheet shows categories. Click Open next to any category to view and edit its positions.
In a 3-Level budget: Top Sheet shows categories. Click Open next to a category to see its accounts, then click Open again to reach the positions inside an account.
Use the breadcrumb at the top (for example, Top Sheet → 11-00 STORY & SCENARIO → 11-03 WRITERS) to navigate between levels at any time.
If you close the wizard
If you close the wizard before completing setup, the Budgeting tab shows two buttons: Create Budget (reopens the wizard) and Edit Templates (opens the template manager). No budget is created until you complete both steps and click Generate.
After deleting a budget
If you delete an existing budget, the wizard reappears automatically so you can set up a new budget from scratch. See Delete budget.
What to do next
Once your budget is set up, you can:
Run AI Budget generation to populate estimates automatically based on your breakdown and schedule.
Add and edit categories and positions manually. See Create and edit Budget Categories.
Set up and apply fringes and deductions. See Edit & apply fringes & deductions.
Save your budget as a reusable template. See Manage Budget Templates.
Export to PDF, XLSX, or Movie Magic Budgeting. See Export the budget.