| Element | Formatting | |---------|-------------| | | UPPERCASE, left-aligned (e.g., INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY ) | | Action | Mixed case, present tense, left-aligned | | Character Name | UPPERCASE, centered (or indented left in Celtx) | | Parenthetical | (mixed case, parentheses), on its own line under character name | | Dialogue | Mixed case, narrower width (centered or left-indented) | | Transition | UPPERCASE, right-aligned (e.g., CUT TO: ) | 2. Celtx-Specific Defaults (Auto-formatting) Celtx uses element-based typing — meaning you press Enter and keep typing, and Celtx guesses the element. You can also use Tab / Shift+Tab to cycle through elements.
| To create this element | Type or shortcut | |------------------------|------------------| | | Type INT. or EXT. → auto-detects | | Action | Default text after scene heading | | Character | Type name → auto-suggests from script | | Parenthetical | Ctrl + 7 (Windows) or Cmd + 7 (Mac) | | Dialogue | Appears automatically after character | | Transition | Type CUT TO: etc. (right-aligns) | ✅ Celtx does not require page margins to be set manually — it uses fixed screenplay page layout (Courier 12pt, US Letter). 3. Visual Example (Celtx style) INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT The room is dim. Rain taps against the window. celtx script format
JULIE (quietly) I know what I said. Mark moves toward the door. | Element | Formatting | |---------|-------------| | |
Here’s a concise breakdown of — which is essentially a variation of standard industry screenwriting format, but with specific defaults and behaviors unique to the Celtx application (desktop, web, or mobile). 1. Core Formatting Principles (Same as Standard Screenplay Format) Celtx automatically enforces these industry rules: You can also use Tab / Shift+Tab to cycle through elements
If you're exporting to PDF for submission, always use — not Print.
JULIE (30s, tired) wraps a blanket around her shoulders.
MARK You said you'd be gone by now.