Fountain to PDF
Free online script formatter · Hollywood-standard PDF
Fountain is a popular markup language (like Markdown for screenplays) that lets you write in any text editor. Many writers want a quick way to compile that text into a formatted PDF without buying software. Type or paste Fountain on the left; see a formatted preview on the right and download a PDF.
My Screenplay
Written by
jane@example.com
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
A busy morning. SARAH (30s) sits alone with a laptop.
SARAH
(to herself)
Where did I put that scene?
She finds it and keeps typing.
EXT. STREET - LATER
Sarah walks out, relieved.
FADE OUT.
How it works
This tool uses the open-source fountain-js library to parse Fountain syntax (scene headings, action, character names, dialogue, parentheticals). The preview and PDF follow Hollywood formatting: Courier 12pt, standard margins, centered character names, indented dialogue. Everything runs in your browser, no data is sent to any server.
Complete SEO Guide: Fountain to PDF
It converts Fountain syntax into properly formatted screenplay pages for quick sharing and review loops.
For this workflow, the central problem is clear: text-first drafting is fast, but inconsistent export tooling creates formatting friction before sharing. Left unresolved, this creates downstream friction and slower decisions. The practical target is quick, readable, submission-friendly screenplay PDFs from Fountain markup.
Limitation to keep in mind: It cannot repair fundamentally broken syntax semantics; malformed input still requires author cleanup.
Advanced workflow: Adopt a text-first drafting loop: write in Fountain, export frequently, and run structure checks before each external send.
Step-by-Step Workflow
- Paste or write clean Fountain syntax and validate key elements in preview.
- Inspect spacing, dialogue blocks, and scene headings before exporting.
- Download PDF and run a quick read-through for visual flow quality.
- Iterate markup where necessary, then regenerate without leaving the drafting loop.
Use Cases By Profile
- Writer: draft fast in plain text and export cleanly.
- Collaborator: review readable PDFs without proprietary software.
- Coordinator: keep formatting consistent across toolchains.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Assuming malformed Fountain will render as intended.
- Skipping preview checks before sharing externally.
- Treating export as one-time instead of iterative.
Professional Best Practices
- Keep a syntax checklist for scene headings, characters, and transitions.
- Export early and often to detect formatting drift quickly.
- Pair with structural tools to avoid format-only optimization.
Treat this tool output as a decision support layer, not a replacement for authorship. Great scripts are remembered for specific choices, emotional precision, and clarity of dramatic movement. Tools help by removing noise so your energy can go where it matters: character, conflict, escalation, and payoff. If you review outcomes after each pass and keep an explicit log of accepted changes, your workflow becomes faster and more predictable from draft to draft. That consistency is exactly what professional collaborators value: fewer surprises, clearer rationale, and a script that evolves with intent.
Extended FAQ
Why use Fountain if I already have script software?
Fountain is fast, portable, and version-control friendly for drafting and collaboration.
What breaks PDF output most often?
Malformed syntax around scene headings, character cues, and dialogue blocks.
Should I export frequently?
Yes. Frequent export catches formatting drift early and keeps shareable versions ready.
Can this be used in professional workflows?
Yes, especially for teams that draft in text and need rapid review PDFs.
Does preview quality match export quality?
Usually closely, but always verify final PDF before external submission.
How do I combine this with structure tools?
Export formatted drafts, then run structure and pacing checks to keep craft and format aligned.
From Fountain to full-screen writing
Export PDFs here, then take your script into ScreenWeaver to visualize structure, beats, and pacing. Outline and script stay in sync as you write.
Discover ScreenWeaver