Write your first scene

Type a scene heading, action, a character and dialogue using only the keyboard. StageType does all the formatting.

The writing screen

Open the sample script for a safe practice copy. This walkthrough rewrites a few lines from its opening scene using the keyboard. Everything you type is saved in this browser automatically.

1. Your editable copy of the sample
2. Element buttons show (and change) the current element
3. Save status
4. Scene list

1. Scene heading

New scripts start on a Scene Heading. Type INT. or EXT., the place, a dash and the time of day.

1. Scene headings are capitalised for you

2. Action

Press Enter after a heading to write Action: what the audience sees and hears, in the present tense.

1. Action runs the full width of the page

3. Character

On a new empty line press Tab (or Enter) to change Action into a Character cue, then type the name.

1. Character cues are indented and capitalised
2. Tab / Shift+Tab cycle the element type

4. Dialogue

Press Enter after a character to write their Dialogue. Use the Parenthetical button for short delivery notes.

1. Dialogue sits in a narrower column
2. Each scene appears in the outline — click to jump to it

5. Keep the conversation going with Enter

After dialogue, Enter starts Action. Press Enter again on the empty line to start the next Character cue — no Tab needed.

1. Enter, Enter → a new Character cue
2. Enter → their Dialogue

Keyboard shortcuts

Open the shortcut list from the side rail at any time.

1. Every shortcut has a matching toolbar button

Watch the walkthrough