How to Write Text Messages in a Screenplay

Reading Time: 5 minutes

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

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A text message in a screenplay is a written communication shown visually between characters via phones, apps, or screens. This means the reader must know not only the words, but how they appear onscreen.

There is no single “official” rule. Writers choose a format that best supports clarity and consistency. The most important thing is to make your choice consistent throughout the screenplay so as not to confuse the reader.

That said, here are some good approaches:

1. Use Action Lines or Inserts

This is often the cleanest method when only one or a few texts appear.

In action description: you embed the text in the action line. Example:

Action lines show: The phone vibrates. Maya picks it up. The screen reads: “Are you okay?” She taps “Reply.” — *In action lines, you embed the text directly in the scene. Use a verb like “reads” or “displays”, and put the message in quotation marks.*

Here, you use a verb like “reads” or “displays” and put the message in quotation marks.

As an insert: you signal an insert shot (showing the phone screen) and then display the text. Example:

Script shows: INSERT – PHONE SCREEN followed by the text: “Meet me at midnight.” — As an INSERT, you call for a cut to the phone screen. Use a label like INSERT – PHONE SCREEN, then show the message in quotes. Some writers use INSERT or SUPER to signal that text appears clearly on screen.

Some guides use the label INSERT or SUPER (superimposed) to show that it will be visually overlaid on screen.

2. Indented Text Format (Centered or Dialogue-Like)

Another common option is to indent the message, giving it space so it stands out. You may or may not use a label above it. Example:

Screenplay shows: He reads the message: followed by an indented TEXT ON SCREEN: “Where are you?” — *You can add a label like TEXT ON SCREEN: above the message. Indent it to set it apart from the rest of the action.*

Or without a label:

Screenplay shows: He reads the message: followed by an indented line: “Where are you?” — *Or you can simply indent the message as though it were dialogue, but keep it in quotation marks. No label is needed if the action line sets it up.*

Some writers indent as though it were dialogue, but keep it in quotation marks.

3. Dialogue Style with (TEXT)

If there is a back-and-forth texting exchange, some scripts use dialogue formatting. You append (TEXT) after the character’s name. Example:

Screenplay shows LISA (TEXT): “I’m outside.” followed by TOM (TEXT): “On my way.” — *For a back-and-forth texting exchange, some scripts format texts like dialogue. Add (TEXT) after the character’s name. Some writers also italicize the lines to show they aren’t spoken aloud.*

Some writers also italicize the text messages in that case so they differ from spoken dialogue.

4. Voiceover with On‑Screen Text

When a character reads the text aloud or via internal voice, you show it as voiceover and also present it visually. Example:

Screenplay shows AMELIA (V.O.): “Please forgive me.” with matching text on her phone screen. — *When a character reads the message aloud or in their head, show it as a voiceover (V.O.) and also display it visually. This combines the internal experience with the on-screen message.*

This merges the internal experience and the visual display. It is used when the emotional weight of the message matters.

5. Chyrons / Super Titles / Overlays

When you want text to appear over the image (not only on a phone), use SUPER or CHYRON. Example:

Script shows: SUPER: “It’s 11:59.” as a line of text overlaying the screen. — When you want the text to appear over the image, not just on a device, use SUPER: followed by the message in quotes. This creates a graphic overlay. Some scripts use CHYRON of… to identify the speaker or source.

This shows the message as a graphic overlay. Some scripts use “CHYRON of …” to label which speaker.

6. Use Quotation Marks and Show Typos or Emojis

For any method, enclose the text message in quotation marks. If the message includes typos, slang, or emojis, keep them. That reflects realism.

Example:

Script shows a text message with emoji: “I luv U 💔 — *No matter the format, always enclose the message in quotation marks. Keep any typos, slang, or emojis exactly as written. This keeps the message feeling real and authentic to the character.*

7. Handle Longer Text Exchanges Carefully

If a text exchange is long, avoid filling the page with message blocks. Some writers revert to dialogue style for readability.

Another technique is INTERCUT between characters texting. Example:

Script shows INTERCUT – PHONE EXCHANGE with two characters sending messages back and forth in (TEXT) format. — If a text exchange is long, avoid cluttering the page with message blocks. Use INTERCUT – PHONE EXCHANGE to cut between characters texting in real time. This keeps the scene dynamic and readable. If a text exchange is long, avoid cluttering the page with message blocks. Use INTERCUT – PHONE EXCHANGE to cut between characters texting in real time. This keeps the scene dynamic and readable.

This makes it feel dynamic and makes it easier to read.

8. Be Consistent (Unless the Story Demands Change)

Top guides emphasize: choose one primary format and stick with it in your screenplay. If you change style, make sure there is a screenplay-driven reason.

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9. Avoid Direct Camera / Shot Directions

Your screenplay should not prescribe how the visuals are shot. If you write “close up” or “cut to phone,” that is the director’s job. You can say “INSERT – PHONE SCREEN” but not how the camera moves.

10. Use Script Formatting Basics (Margins, Font, Software)

Text messages are part of your overall script. So standard screenplay formatting still applies:

Font: 12‑point Courier (or Courier New).
Margins: 1 inch top, about 1.5 inch left (for binding), right, and bottom flexible. Here’s a full guide to screenplay margin formatting.
Page numbers flush right, half inch from top, except first page.

I recommend using screenwriting software (Final Draft, Fade In, Celtx, etc.) or markup tools (like Fountain) so your format stays clean. Most of them are geared for this and have already implemented standards, making your job easier.

Just pick the one standard for text messages you prefer, and stick to it throughout the manuscript.

Full Revised Example

Here’s how one scene might look when formatting texts clearly:

A full scene showing text formatting with action description, SARAH (TEXT) dialogue, an INSERT shot of the phone, and BACK TO SCENE. — You can combine methods to keep the scene clear and readable. This example uses action lines to show phone behavior, (TEXT) for a quick reply, and an INSERT to show the next message on screen. Use BACK TO SCENE to return smoothly to the main action.

In this example:

A text is first shown via an action line.
An interjected dialogue‑style text is shown with (TEXT).
An INSERT shows the phone screen itself.
We do not include camera instructions.

Summing Up

To write text messages correctly in a screenplay, choose one format (action insert, indented block, dialogue style, or overlay) and stay consistent. Always show the visual context, use quotation marks, allow typos or emojis if they matter, avoid camera direction, and keep your script’s standard formatting norms.

Read Next: Not sure how to format your script?

Visit our Script Formatting section for clear, example-based guides on scene headings, dialogue blocks, parentheticals, and more—so your script looks industry-ready.

Want to keep writing smarter? Browse the full Screenwriting archive for structure tips, creative tools, and formatting rules that won’t trip you up later.