How to Format a Screenplay in Google Docs + Free Template

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Published: October 6, 2025 | Last Updated: October 21, 2025

Screenplay formatting is the set of visual rules for a script: scene headings, dialogue, action, parentheticals, transitions, and more.

Google Docs doesn’t offer built-in screenplay formatting by default like professional screenwriting software does, but you can format your script correctly by adjusting a few key settings. This guide walks you through the full process, from page setup to exporting your final PDF.

Step 1: Set Up Page Layout

Start by creating a blank Google Doc. Then adjust the document size and margins:

• Go to File → Page setup.
• Set Paper size to Letter (8.5″ x 11″).
• Set Top, Bottom, and Right margins to 1 inch.
• Set the Left margin to 1.5 inches, which is standard for printed scripts—but you can use 1 inch if preferred.
• Click OK.

If the ruler isn’t visible, enable it through View → Show ruler.

See a full illustrated guide on how to format screenplay margins the right way.

Step 2: Set Font, Line Spacing, and Page Numbers

• Change the font to Courier or Courier New.
• Set font size to 12 pt.
• Go to Format → Line & paragraph spacing and choose Single.

To add page numbers (starting on page 2):

On the page, click Options → Page numbers. Also, check Different first page:

Go to Insert → Page numbers and choose the option that skips the first page.

Align the page number to the top right.

Step 3: Format Script Elements

Screenplays use a consistent layout for each element. Here you can learn proper screenplay format in more detail. Below are standard positions for formatting screenplays manually in Google Docs or Microsoft Word:

• Scene Heading (Slugline): All caps. Align left. Example: INT. KITCHEN – MORNING
• Action Line: Describes what’s happening on screen. Align left. Use normal sentence case.
• Character Name: All caps. Centered at about 4.2″ from the left.
• Dialogue: Appears under the character name. Indented at 2.5″.
• Parenthetical: Short delivery notes. Indented at 3.1″, directly under the character name.
• Transitions: All caps. Aligned far right. Example: CUT TO:

To apply these positions in Google Docs:

• Use the top ruler to add tab stops at specific positions (2.5″, 3.1″, 4.2″ (or as close as possible).
• Click once at the ruler mark to add a tab, then press Tab before typing.
• Or use Format → Align & indent → Indentation options to set left or first-line indents manually.

To save time, create custom paragraph styles:

• Select a correctly formatted example of each element (e.g., dialogue, scene heading).
• Go to Format → Paragraph styles → Save as style.
• Use those styles as shortcuts while writing.

Step 4: Use Templates, Add-ons, and Workflow Tools

To avoid manual formatting, you can use a template or install an add-on:

Screenplay Formatter: Adds buttons for each script element and adjusts layout automatically.

Fountainize: Converts plain text written with Fountain syntax into screenplay format.

You can also duplicate a premade Google Docs screenplay template with all margins and styles set. Here’s a free Google Docs Screenplay Template I’ve created, which also includes a title page. Simply upload it to Google Docs, and you’re good to go:

Additional writing tools inside Google Docs can help you stay organized:

• Outline View: Turn this on in View → Show outline. Your scene headings will appear in the sidebar for quick navigation.
• Comments: Use Insert → Comment to leave feedback or ideas without changing the script.
• Version History: Find older drafts under File → Version history.

Step 5: Create a Title Page

The title page appears on its own and should not have a page number. Here’s what to include:

• Title: Centered horizontally, placed about one-third down the page
• Your name: Centered under the title or placed at the bottom
• Contact info: Aligned to the bottom right corner
• Draft date: Optional, listed under your name or contact

Use blank lines to adjust spacing and line breaks to position each item correctly.

Step 6: Final Checks and Export

Before exporting, scroll through your document and look for formatting errors. Make sure:

• Scene headings are all caps and aligned left
• Dialogue is properly indented
• Page numbers start on the second page
• The title page is clean and unnumbered

When ready, go to File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf) to export your finished screenplay.

Summing Up

Google Docs isn’t built for screenplays, but you can make it work by applying the right settings. Set your margins, use Courier 12pt, define each element, and build paragraph styles or use a formatting add-on. If you follow each step carefully, you’ll end up with a clean, properly formatted script, ready to export and share.