When it comes to screenwriting, there are a myriad of options including: Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, Fade In, Trelby, Scrivener and Arc Studio Pro. While professional screenwriting software is the industry standard, Google Docs is a highly effective, free alternative for collaboration and drafting. It’s a great option for budding screenwriters who want to get started in a familiar program without having to invest in a subscription or software license. To ensure your script looks professional, you must adhere to these specific layout and indentation rules.
1. Core Page Settings
Before you write, set your document to the industry-standard “look.”
Font: Courier New (Size 12).
Page Size: US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches).
Top, Bottom, and Right Margins: 1.0 inch.
Left Margin: 1.5 inches (to allow for binding/hole punching).
To set this: Go to File > Page setup.
2. The Element Indentation Guide
Because Google Docs doesn’t have a “Tab to Character” feature, you must set these specific indentations measured from the LEFT EDGE of the page (using the Ruler tool):
Scene Headings (Sluglines): 1.5″ Indent | ALL CAPS
Action Lines: 1.5″ Indent | Sentence Case
Character Names: 3.7″ Indent | ALL CAPS
Parentheticals: 3.1″ Indent | Sentence Case (in brackets)
Dialogue: 2.5″ Indent | Sentence Case
Transitions: 6.0″ Indent (Right Aligned) | ALL CAPS
3. Efficiency Hack: Using Paragraph Styles
Don’t move the ruler manually for every line. Use the Styles menu to create shortcuts:
Format one line of text (e.g., a Character Name at 3.7″).
Highlight the text.
Open the “Styles” dropdown (where it says “Normal Text”).
Select “Heading 1” > “Update Heading 1 to match.”
Now, use Ctrl+Alt+1 (Windows) or Cmd+Option+1 (Mac) to instantly format any line as a Character Name.
4. Page Numbering Rules
Industry scripts must have page numbers in the top right, beginning on the second page.
Go to Insert > Headers & footers > Header.
Check “Different first page.”
Go to Options > Page numbers.
Set position to “Header” and uncheck “Show on first page.”
Right-align the cursor.
5. Pro-tips for 2026
Avoid Manual Page Breaks: Let the text flow naturally. If a character name appears at the very bottom of a page without their dialogue, use a manual page break (Ctrl+Enter) to move them to the next page.
Use Add-ons: Search the Google Workspace Marketplace for “Screenplay Formatter” to automate these steps with a single click.
Exporting: When your script is finished, always export as a PDF (File > Download > PDF Document) before sharing it with producers or actors.