> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.jotterpad.app/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Format Screenplays with Fountain ## Basic Styles ​ The Fountain syntaxes are as follows: ​ ​ ### Underline​ To underline, type `_` before and after the words followed by space or return key. You can also click __U__ button in toolbar to underline the words.​ ​ ### Italics​ To Italicize, type `*` before and after the words followed by space or return key. You can also click "I" button in toolbar to italicize the words.​ ​ ### Bold​ To Bold, type `**` before and after the words followed by space or return key. You can also click "B" button in toolbar convert texts to bold.​ ### Center Text To centered text, click the align center icon. --- ## Screenwriting Elements ### Action Action, or scene description, is any paragraph that doesn't meet criteria for another element. You can force an Action element can by preceding it with an exclamation point `!`. Example: ```This is an action element. !ACTION``` | Tips: Paragraph with all uppercase might be incorrectly recognized as character element. Consider using `!` to force action element. ​ ### Scene Headings ​​ Method 1: Click `+` button > Select `Scene Headings` > Choose `INT.` , `EXT.` , `INT./EXT.` or `.` > Input Location > Choose `-` , `NIGHT` , `DAY` , `DUSK` or `DAWN` > Select `OK` .​​ ​​ Method 2: ​​Type out `EXT.` or `INT.` to create a scene heading. ​​It is not case sensitive, although it is recommended to capitalise them for visibility. ​​You can also force a scene heading by inserting `.` before starting the line. ​​ ​​ Example: ```EXT. FAMILY GARDEN – DAY``` ​​ ```.JENNIFER POV``` ​ ### Characters Characters can be created by first leaving an empty line, then typing entirely in uppercase and not leaving an empty line after it. ​Character notations `( )` following their names on the same line can be in uppercase or lowercase. ​ Method 1: Click `+` button > Select `Character` > Input Character name > Select `OK`.​ ​ Method 2: Character names can be forced by putting a `@` symbol before the name itself. This is useful for names that have lower case letters that need to be retained. ​ Example: ```MOTHER​ It's time for dinner boys!``` ​ ```@Elaine (over the phone)​ Did you hear about what Shannon did in school today?``` ### Dialogue ​ A dialogue is any text that follows a Character or Parenthetical. ​ ​ Example: ```DAD ​ Let's just get pizza today.``` ​ To enable dual dialogue, adding a caret `^` after the second character element or toggle in the character option. Example: ```DAD ​ Let's just get pizza today. MOM ^ Yes!``` ​ ### Lyrics A lyric must be within the dialogue. You create a lyric by starting with a line with a tilde `~` or toggle in the dialogue option. Example: ```@CHARACTER #1 ~This is a lyrics``` ### Parenthetical ​ Parenthetical is wrapped in parentheses `( )` and follow a Character or Dialogue. ​ ​ Example: ```CARSON ​ (walking out the door) ​ Real vampires don't sparkle!​``` ### Transition ​ Method 1:​ The transition phrase should be in all uppercase letters, and should end in `TO:​`. Leave an empty line before and after the transition. Method 2: You can also force any line to become a transition by inserting a `>` symbol at the beginning.​ ​ Method 3:​ Click `+` button > Select `Transition` > Select any of the below transition: ​ * CUT TO:​ * DISSOLVE TO :​ * FADE IN:​ * FADE OUT:​ * FADE TO:​ * FLASH CUT TO:​ * FREEZE CUT TO:​ * FREEZE FRAME:​ * IRIS IN:​ * IRIS OUT:​ * JUMP CUT TO:​ * MATCH CUT TO:​ * MATCH DISSOLVE TO:​ * SMASH CUT TO:​ * STOCK SHOT:​ * TIME CUT:​ * WIPE TO: ### Sections Sections are optional markers for managing the structure of a story. In JotterPad, it is used as Act `#` or Scene `##` in some Fountain templates. Example: ```# ACT I ## SCENE 1``` ### Note A Note is created in the `+` option. Notes can be inserted between lines, or in the middle of a line. ### Page Break Page Breaks are indicated by a line containing three or more consecutive equals signs. Example: ```The General Lee flies through the air. FREEZE FRAME. NARRATOR Shoot, to the Dukes that's about like taking Grandma for a Sunday drive. >**End of Act One**< === >**Act Two**< The General Lee hangs in the air, right where we left it. The NARRATOR'S voice kicks in.``` --- ## Syntax Prompt/Autocomplete ​ ### Heading Prompt ​To reveal scene heading prompts, type in the `.` symbol. ​ ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/a720bae09aee9000/jotterpad-fountain-heading-pro_ybfs8d.png) ### Character Prompt ​ To reveal character prompts, key in the `@` symbol. ​ You can also use the same symbol to force a Character element into place. This is useful for Character names with lowercase letters. ​ ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/a720bae09aee9000/fountain-syntax-prompt_wyy9f0.png) --- ## Title Page **Android**: Open the fountain file > tap menu icon `⋮` > `Properties`. **iOS** Open the fountain file > tap menu icon `…` > `Properties`. **Mac**​ Select `File` > `Properties` > Input text appropriately. **Web** Open the fountain file > tap Properties. ![Click on the properties icon to insert title page in web](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/a720bae09aee9000/fountain-properties_1fw2h9l.png) Example: ```Title:​ _**BRICK & STEEL**_​ _**FULL RETIRED**_​ Credit: Written by​ Author: Stu Maschwitz​ Source: Story by KTM​ Draft date: 1/20/2012​ Contact:​ Next Level Productions​ 1588 Mission Dr.​ Solvang, CA 93463``` --- ## Supported Templates There are many [templates](https://jotterpad.app/app/templates/search?type=fountain) that you can now choose and write from on your Fountain documents. These include : * Broadway Musical * Dramatists Guild Modern Musical * Screenplay * Television Taped Drama (BBC) * Television Taped Sitcom (BBC) * Radio Sitcom BBC Cue Style * Radio Drama BBC Scene Style * Radio Drama (U.S.) * BBC Film Screenplay * BBC Stage (U.S.) * BBC Television Three-Camera (U.S. Sitcom Format) * BBC Stage (UK) * BBC Screenplay for Television * BBC Television Tape-Live (U.S. Studio Format) * Podcast News * Podcast Interview * Podcast Co-Host/Hybrid --- ## Preview Script​ To view the script in draft mode, [print draft](/en/article/print-to-pdf-nuy7gj/) to PDF. To export the final script, [print using templates](/en/article/print-using-templates-1xpr8l8/#2-print-template). || In-app Purchase : Creating, editing & printing fountain scripts require Pro or Pro Cloud In-app Purchase. ​ | Please ensure that the file is in .fountain extension.