Big Sur iCloud problems with Mac Screenwriter, including Default.def error

Screenwriter does not work well with cloud drives currently.

Unfortunately, Big Sur has a feature that stores your documents on iCloud automatically.  The problem with storing your documents and the templates, sample files, etc. is that they become unavailable to Screenwriter. 

One example is the error message, "The template file ‘Default.def’ could not be found in your Templates folder."  Another is that it can cause saving problems with your documents.

You can tell if your Default.def file -- and the entire Template folder -- is on iCloud instead of in the folder by looking at it in the Finder in list view (not icon view).  If it is stored in the iCloud instead of on the local hard drive, it has the iCloud download icon shown in list view.  Click on the ​download icon to download the folder to your local drive, though it is best to turn off that feature. 

You may turn off that feature by doing the following:

1. 1. Click  → System Preferences.
   2. Click iCloud.
   3. Click Options in the iCloud Drive row.
   4. Now, deselect the Desktop & Documents Folders option.