Screenwriting is the art of creating a script to be used in a film, television show, online video, or any other audiovisual medium. Its elements include scene descriptions, action directions, transitions, and dialogue. At its most basic level, the screenplay is the instruction manual for what happens on screen. Every important bit of information that audiences see and hear should be included in the screenplay. However, many details should be left out for directors and actors to explore.

Screenwriters must understand the format and structure of a screenplay to follow this rule of thumb: one page equals one minute of content. Screenwriting software will automatically format pages correctly. Those using standard word processing software must set up complex formatting to ensure they get it right. There is also a glossary of terms to describe everything from camera angles to scene breaks and action in cinematic terms that cast and crew will understand. When crafting a story, the five-act story structure is also crucial as most audiences expect it to be followed in narrative storytelling.

Final Draft and Movie Magic are the two most well-known and widely used professional screenplay writing software packages, both available for Mac and Windows. They both have a long track record of user-friendly interfaces and are accepted as professional industry standards. Final Draft includes interface options for Apple iOS. Trelby offers open-source screenwriting software, and Fade In is a less expensive alternative to Final Draft and Movie Magic. While the more pricey and established brands will have superior tools, the most important thing is to make sure you stick to professional formatting parameters, which any of these will provide.