In this article we show how to open and edit.docx files created in Microsoft Word on a Mac, iPhone or iPad, as well as how to save changes in a format that can be opened on a PC. Editing a.docx. Paste Text Matching Destination Format will change the underlying font and style, but if. Word 2008 or later: Save the script in ~/Documents/Microsoft User.
This article is written for the feature-length or short-film screenwriter who wants to understand the screenplay format and/or cannot afford but has access to a word processing application like Microsoft Word, Pages, etc. If you’re writing screenplays and making a living from them, I highly recommend. Once you learn the basics and shortcuts, the program gets out of the way and allows you to focus completely on your craft. I started out with Microsoft Word and then bought Final Cut Draft later.
It’s worth it. Exclusive Bonus: my free cheatsheet (with examples) of tried and tested ways to cover a scene or action that will save your skin when your mind goes blank (PDF file optimized for mobiles and tablets). For a free software that works great, take a look at Celtx. It works for Windows, Macs and Linux. However, you might have to pay extra ($14.99) for index cards, etc. They all work great, and I used MS Word for six years without any problems. The only two ‘must-haves’ for a serious screenplay writer are a and a.
Even if you’re writing on a tablet, get a bluetooth keyboard and pound away. The formatting of a screenplay can be broken down into three parts: • The page layout • The elements • Actions Which screenplay format should you follow? The formatting guidelines I have used for 13 years is from the website. This is strictly for the U.S alone. If you’re in another country, the formatting (not to mention paper sizes) can change. This is how things work: • If you’re sending your script to a competition or service: Follow their guidelines strictly. • If you’re pitching your script to a studio or agent: Follow their guidelines strictly.
• If you’re writing scripts on spec: Follow the Nicholl (this article) system. • If you’re already a successful writer: Do whatever you want, nobody cares. Don’t assume any one formatting system is universal.
It is malleable to a certain extent. But make no mistake, there are strong advantages to following a rigid system: • It allows you to stop worrying about formatting and concentrate on your screenplay. • It helps others to skim through your script faster. How to insert spanish question mark word for mac free.
• It forces you to think in terms of scenes, actions, transitions and dialogues. • It lets you time your screenplay – one page is roughly one minute of screen time. These are the reasons you should study and stick to one kind of formatting.
Otherwise you’ll always be formatting. I chose to follow the the Nicholl format, and this article follows that. The page layout and font The page layout starts with the page size. You have two options: • US Letter – 8.5” x 11” (215.9 mm x 279.4 mm) • A4 – 8.3″ x 11.7″ (210mm x 297mm) As you can see, they aren’t very different, except A4 is a bit longer: The first thing you add to your page are the side margins: • Left: 1.5″ (38.1 mm) • Right: 1.0″ (25.4 mm) • Top Page Number: 0.5″ (12.7 mm) • Top: 1.0″ (25.4 mm) • Bottom: 0.5″ to 1.5″ (12.7 mm to 38.1 mm) There’s more space to the left because you’ll be binding or filing your screenplay.
Otherwise on average there’s a 1 inch border on all sides I’m not covering bindings because that varies greatly, and not everyone agrees on how it should be done universally. However, for the sake of completeness, here is what the Nicholl document says: BRADS — (Acco brand) No. 6 round head fasteners / 1.5 inches.