How to Use iWork Pages to Create a Screenplay

Dedicated screenwriting software makes formatting a screenplay easier because all of the screenplay elements are generated automatically. One alternative to using dedicated screenwriting software is to create your own screenwriting template with macros, which some word processors will allow. This can be difficult for those not familiar with macro creating. In Pages, the word processor included with Apple's iWork, creating an industry standard screenplay with the built-in template is easy. While it isn't as feature-rich as using a dedicated screenwriting program, the Pages template is a useful choice for Mac users on a budget.

Instructions

1. Click your Pages icon to open the program. Go to the "File" menu and click "New from Template Chooser." Under the "Word Processing" category, click the "Miscellaneous" option and double-click the screenplay template. Click the "View" icon on the toolbar and open your "Styles" drawer for access to the screenplay text styles.

2. Replace the template text on the cover of the screenplay by selecting the text and typing your own information. This includes the title of the script, your name as the writer, your identifying address and any WGA registration information. There are fields set up to enter this information.

3. Begin your script on the second page of the template by highlighting the scene heading and typing your own scene heading in its place. The template scene heading in Pages is: Int. scene - description. Your scene heading will be more detailed, with something like this: Int. Warehouse - night

4. Drop down to the next text field, which is action. Select the field and write your own action in its place. Action is written in sentence case. This is already set up in the Pages screenplay text.

5. Select character names and dialogue in the same way, type your own text, and continue working through the script. Use the text styles in the style drawer at left of your workspace to set the screenplay element you're working with. The text will be properly formatted for your screenplay.

References

• App iWork: Pages