How to Create or Use a Screenwriter Template in Microsoft Word

Screenwriting requires specific formatting to meet industry standards, including layout for dialogue, action, character names, and scene headings. While dedicated screenwriting software like Final Draft or Celtx is popular, Microsoft Word can also be adapted for screenwriting using a properly designed template.

Here’s how you can create or use a screenwriter template in Word:

Key Formatting Standards for Screenwriting

Before creating or using a template, understand the basic formatting requirements for screenplays:

  1. Page Layout:
    • Font: Courier New, 12-point.
    • Margins: 1 inch on all sides, with exceptions:
      • Left margin: 1.5 inches (for binding).
    • Page numbers: Top-right, aligned with the header.
  2. Text Formatting:
    • Scene Headings (Sluglines): Uppercase, aligned left.
      • Example: EXT. BEACH - DAY
    • Action: Regular text, aligned left.
    • Character Names: Uppercase, centered.
    • Dialogue: Aligned slightly left (2.5 inches) and right (5.5 inches).
    • Parentheticals: Indented under character names, slightly narrower than dialogue.
  3. Scene Transitions:
    • Example: FADE TO BLACK:
    • Positioned right-aligned.

Option 1: Use a Pre-Made Screenwriter Template

  1. Download a Free Template:
    • Websites like Template.net, StudioBinder, or TidyForm offer free screenwriting templates in Word format.
    • Search for “Screenplay template Microsoft Word” and download the file.
  2. Open and Use the Template:
    • Open the downloaded template in Microsoft Word.
    • Replace placeholder text with your script content while following the template’s formatting.

Option 2: Create a Screenwriter Template in Microsoft Word

If you prefer to build your own template, follow these steps:

1. Set Up the Page Layout

  1. Open a blank Word document.
  2. Go to Layout > Margins > Custom Margins:
    • Top, Right, and Bottom: 1 inch.
    • Left: 1.5 inches.
  3. Set the font to Courier New, 12-point (standard screenwriting font).

2. Create Styles for Each Element

Word’s Styles feature allows you to apply consistent formatting throughout your screenplay.

  1. Scene Heading:
    • Go to Home > Styles > Create a Style.
    • Name it “Scene Heading.”
    • Click Modify and set:
      • Font: Courier New, 12-point.
      • All Caps: Enabled.
      • Alignment: Left.
    • Save the style.
  2. Action:
    • Repeat the process and name it “Action.”
    • Set:
      • Font: Courier New, 12-point.
      • Alignment: Left.
  3. Character Name:
    • Name it “Character.”
    • Set:
      • Font: Courier New, 12-point.
      • Alignment: Centered.
      • All Caps: Enabled.
  4. Dialogue:
    • Name it “Dialogue.”
    • Set:
      • Font: Courier New, 12-point.
      • Alignment: Left.
      • Indent: Left: 2.5 inches, Right: 1 inch.
  5. Parenthetical:
    • Name it “Parenthetical.”
    • Set:
      • Font: Courier New, 12-point.
      • Alignment: Left.
      • Indent: Left: 3 inches, Right: 1 inch.
  6. Transition:
    • Name it “Transition.”
    • Set:
      • Font: Courier New, 12-point.
      • Alignment: Right.
      • All Caps: Enabled.

3. Add Page Numbers

  1. Go to Insert > Page Number > Top of Page > Plain Number 3.
  2. Format the page numbers to start at the second page, leaving the title page unnumbered.

4. Save as a Template

  1. Go to File > Save As.
  2. Choose Word Template (.dotx).
  3. Name the file (e.g., “Screenwriter Template”) and save it in Word’s default template folder.

Option 3: Use Word Add-Ins or Macros for Screenwriting

  1. Add-Ins:
    • Search for “Screenplay” in Insert > Get Add-ins to find tools that automate screenwriting formatting.
  2. Macros:
    • Record macros to apply specific formatting (e.g., quickly format dialogue or scene headings).
    • Go to View > Macros > Record Macro and set up shortcuts for common actions.

Tips for Writing a Screenplay in Word

  1. Enable Navigation Pane:
    • Go to View > Navigation Pane to navigate scenes using headings.
  2. Proof and Adjust:
    • Check formatting periodically to ensure it meets industry standards.
  3. Export to PDF:
    • Always save your final script as a PDF for easy sharing.

Conclusion

Microsoft Word can be an effective tool for screenwriting when paired with a well-designed template. Whether you download a pre-made template or create your own, following the industry-standard formatting ensures your screenplay looks professional. With proper styles and formatting, you can use Word to craft scripts ready for submission to producers, directors, or competitions.