---
title: Default Scene Metrics
category: Scene Metrics
tags: scene metrics, defaults, pacing, genre
contextKey: sceneMetrics.defaultMetrics
micro: Add the standard metrics that help most projects track story shape.
quickTitle: Default metrics
quickSummary: Default metrics provide a useful starting set for tracking intensity, tension, pacing and emotional movement.
screenshot:
---

# Overview

Default scene metrics are the core sliders PlotDirector expects many projects to use. They may include qualities such as overall intensity, emotional weight, tension, romance, mystery, darkness, hope, comedy or action.

# When Should I Use This?

Use this when a project is missing the standard metric set, especially after import, setup changes or experimenting with custom metrics.

# How To Use It

Add the missing defaults, then deactivate anything that does not fit this project. Metrics are guidance tools, not rules.

# Example

A mystery might keep tension, mystery and darkness active, while a gentler romance might focus more on emotional weight, hope and romance.

# Writer Tip

Start with a small set. Metrics work best when you can keep them updated across scenes.

# Common Mistakes

- Treating default metrics as mandatory.
- Leaving metrics active just because they exist.
- Using high numbers as a quality score.

# Related Guides

- [Scene Metrics](/Help/Article/sceneMetrics.overview)
- [Story Health](/Help/Article/storyHealth.overview)
- [Story Dynamics](/Help/Article/storyDynamics.overview)
