Skip to main content

​
Paste text into a screenplay

You can paste Fountain-format text into the script editor. Spell Slate keeps the structure when the pasted text follows Fountain conventions. Scene headings, character names, dialogue, and action are detected and formatted correctly.

​
Tips for pasting from Word

Word uses rich formatting and layout that does not match Fountain. When pasting:
  • Use Paste as Plain Text (Cmd+Shift+V on Mac, Ctrl+Shift+V on Windows) so Word’s formatting is removed.
  • Put scene headings on their own line in caps (e.g. INT. HOUSE - DAY).
  • Put character names on their own line with a blank line before dialogue.
  • If structure is lost, add blank lines between elements or fix capitalization so Spell Slate can detect them.

​
Tips for pasting from Final Draft

For best results, export your script from Final Draft as Fountain (.fountain) and import it via the Script tab (Import). If you paste from Final Draft instead:
  • Pasting usually copies plain text and keeps structure because Final Draft uses similar screenplay conventions.
  • Verify scene headings and character names. Spell Slate expects standard Fountain patterns.

​
Tips for other tools

Celtx, Highland, WriterSolo, and similar tools often use Fountain or plain-text screenplay formats. If your tool can export Fountain or plain text with clear structure (scene headings on their own line, character names before dialogue, blank lines between elements), pasting usually works well. If you are unsure, export as .fountain and use Import on the Script tab instead of pasting.