10 Screenplay Formatting Rules Every Writer Should Know

2025-01-11•Filmara Team

10 Screenplay Formatting Rules Every Writer Should Know

Proper formatting isn't about being pedantic — it's about communication. When a reader picks up your script, formatting tells them you're a professional. It also ensures your script times correctly (one page ≈ one minute of screen time).

Here are the essential rules.

1. Scene Headings (Sluglines)

Every new scene starts with a scene heading:

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

The format is: INT./EXT. + LOCATION + TIME

  • INT. = Interior (inside)
  • EXT. = Exterior (outside)
  • Time is usually DAY or NIGHT (keep it simple)

2. Action Lines

Write in present tense. Be visual and concise:

Sarah enters, rain dripping from her coat. She scans the room, spots Marcus in the corner booth.

Tips:

  • One paragraph = one beat of action
  • Keep paragraphs to 3-4 lines max
  • Only describe what we can SEE or HEAR

3. Character Names

First introduction: Include brief description and age:

SARAH (30s, sharp eyes, nervous energy) pushes through the door.

After that, just use the name in action. Above dialogue, character names are always CAPS and centered.

4. Dialogue

Centered under the character name, about 3.5 inches wide:

                    SARAH
          I've been looking everywhere for you.

                    MARCUS
          Maybe I didn't want to be found.

5. Parentheticals

Brief direction for how a line is delivered. Use sparingly:

                    SARAH
                  (quietly)
          I know what you did.

Don't overuse. If the dialogue is written well, the emotion should be clear.

6. Transitions

Right-aligned. Use sparingly in modern scripts:

                                                      CUT TO:

Most scripts today skip transitions entirely — the scene heading implies a cut.

7. CAPS for Emphasis

Use CAPS for:

  • Character names on first introduction
  • Important SOUNDS
  • Critical props or visual elements
A GUNSHOT echoes. Sarah drops the ENVELOPE.

Don't overdo it — if everything is emphasized, nothing is.

8. Page Count

Industry standard:

  • Features: 90-120 pages
  • TV Drama: 55-65 pages
  • TV Comedy: 30-35 pages
  • Shorts: Under 40 pages

9. Font & Margins

Always:

  • Courier 12pt (or Courier Prime)
  • 1.5" left margin (for binding)
  • 1" right margin
  • 1" top and bottom

Filmscript Composer handles all of this automatically.

10. The Title Page

Centered, simple:


                    YOUR TITLE HERE

                          by

                      Your Name


Contact info in bottom left corner

No images. No fancy fonts. Just clean and professional.

Why Formatting Matters

Readers process dozens of scripts. Bad formatting signals amateur writing — and your script goes to the bottom of the pile.

Good formatting is invisible. It lets your story shine.

With Filmscript Composer, formatting is automatic. Just write — we'll handle the rest.

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