There are many variations on the proper format for playwriting, and we have modeled ours after multiple sources. We've also included the traditional pages for a scene synopsis and cast of characters.

SCENE HEADING A single ACT can have numerous scenes, usually numbered sequentially in each ACT. Write only "Scene #" and the editor will automatically number the next scene heading you write.

ACTION lines provide more scene detail at the start of the scene and further action lines are used for stage direction. Don't forget to always write action in the present tense.

CHARACTER names come before dialogue and once established, the script editor will offer you an auto-fill option the next time you type that character. Traditionally, stage plays have a page at the start devoted to a SCENE SYNOPSIS as well as a description of CHARACTERS. Zhura can generate those pages when creating a PDF using information you provide in the Script Overview.

DIALOGUE margins in stage play scripts are relatively larger than ACTION because theatre emphasizes the verbal, conveying the story through the character's speech.

PARENTHETICALS are used often before or in the middle of dialogue. You can use this element to indicate the character's demeanor, note to whom they are speaking, or offer some other individual character direction. Optionally, you may use a parenthetical for stage direction in place of a line of Action. Some plays are written with all direction (Scene, Stage and Character) in parentheses and you are more than welcome to do so.

SOUND CUES that are essential to the story can be added to the stage direction. You would not write music cues necessarily, but are allowed to if they are integral to the play.

TRANSITION can be used to change from one SCENE to another or one ACT to another. Typical transitions are "Blackout" or "Curtain".

ACT divides the play usually into two or three parts, sometimes more. Each Act rounds off an arc in the play's dramatic design. Also, there are One Act plays (which of course don't require an ACT heading).

There are essentially two ways to format any given line. One is automatic and the other is manual. The automatic formatting is achieved when you press TAB or ENTER after writing a line. This will set up the next line as a new element -- an element which would typically follow the previous one. For example, after writing a character's name, you would then write either dialogue or a parenthetical. Thus the TAB and ENTER shortcuts would give you those two options. Or you can manually alter the element of a line by selecting the line and choosing from the DROP-DOWN MENU in the toolbar.