Formatting Software

In the movie business, proper screenplay format is paramount. You can write the most riveted screenplay Hollywood has seen in decades, but if the format is wrong it won't get read. Screenplay format is to the director what a blueprint is to the builder — a detailed plan of what is to be constructed. Don't give anyone an excuse not to build your screenplay into a film. The key to successful screenplay format is to keep it simple. One's ability to follow this directive is what separates the amateur from the professional. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it correctly. Again — no one in the industry wants to read an improperly formatted screenplay. Competition is too fierce.

The Top Two Sellers

Movie Magic Screenwriter Movie Magic Screenwriter removes all formatting guesswork. It automatically formats your screenplay to industry standard as you type. You won't worry about margins, tabs or parenthetical entries because the software program handles all these functions automatically. Movie Magic Screenwriter allows you to collaborate with your writing partner over the internet, import scripts from other writing software, switch to index card format and much more. The program comes with a tutorial pamphlet to help you quickly start writing your screenplay as well as an online help menu. Read Movie Magic Screenwriter customer reviews. See side-by-side comparison.

Final Draft All screenwriters must follow the industry standard of screenplay format. If you want to make the sale, you must make the format and Final Draft can help you do it. It is both simple and functional giving you more time to concentrate on other important aspects of your screenplay like structure and character. Final Draft has over 50 templates plus text to speech so you can listen to a readback of your script. Get full Final Draft details. See side-by-side comparison. See ScreenwriterTools reader review.

	Dr. Format Dr. Format is both PC and Mac compatible and works with your existing Microsoft® Word application. It's easy to learn, comes with TV & storyboard templates and will retain format when e-mailed. Check out Dr. Format here.
	Script Wizard Full service script writing add-on to Microsoft® Word. (PC only). Tools to write, format, page break, scene number, edit, proof, print and deliver scripts via fax or email. See Script Wizard.

More Screenwriting Formatting Tools

ScriptBuddy Screenplay Format Guide

The Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats: The Screenplay

The Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats: The Screenplay.

The Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style

The Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style.

Spec Format Guide
A 48-page guide to current spec script format.
Find Spec Format Guide here.