Read all the menu items from the installed software first to get familiar with the program. Some menu items like "File," "Edit" and "View" will be familiar, but items that may be new to you are "NaviDoc" and "Production." You can become more familiar with these through usage, but because production items are more for the completed screenplay when producers are moving into actual pre-production, you won't likely need those right away. Focus instead on just writing a spec script. This is not a shooting script so will only have scenes, character names and dialogue, with an occasional transition.
Choose "File" ----> "New" (using default template). The page defaults to 8.5 X 11 with the appropriate margin settings already set up.
Type the typical screenplay opener "FADE IN:" and press "Enter." A window will open with a drop list offering INT. (interior) EXT. (exterior) POV (point of view), FULL SHOT and more. Select the appropriate one for your first scene's location. For example, begin with your opening scene:
EXT. PANAMA CANAL
Click "Enter" and you'll be given options for times of day; select one.
Now your page shows
EXT. PANAMA CANAL - DAY
Describe the scene to viewers. In this example, the first two characters seen are identified by name only. All character names are always in capital letters, including the first time they appear in the screenplay. This is only automatic when you are about to type each character, so you don't have to use the shift button except when you introduce a new character within a scene description.
Example of scene description:
Sun cast shadows as large vessel moves slowly through canal lock. MIKE walks on a path overlooking the canal. He speaks to an older gentleman SCIENTIST dressed completely in orange.
Click "Enter," then press "Tab" for your first speech. The software automatically lines it up at the proper midsection horizontal position on the page.
MIKE
They've stalled and I don't know when we can intercept.
Type the entire speech. The software keeps it properly formatted, so keep typing without selecting enter until you have completed each character's speech.
Continue the dialogue by clicking "Enter" after each speech then pressing "Tab." Once a character name is in the program, you just begin to type it and the software automatically offers you which name to select. Write dialogue beneath each character name.
SCIENTIST
Did Artemis bring you the clearance papers?
MIKE
No, not yet, but I expect her at dusk. Is the
rest of the team in place?
SCIENTIST
They are. MITCH is on board, FRANCESCA's at
the lab and both are awaiting the Doxby Latch.
You can add CUT TO: as a transition to change a scene or omit it entirely because the scene changes on a spec script will show that information. If you do use it, the software will align CUT TO: or any other transition, on the right.
Start a new scene. Each time you begin to type, your previous scene headers will come up for the location and time. Choose from the drop list or keep typing to create a new one. Press "Escape" to remove the list if it continues to show.
Build the scenes and story by entering the appropriate location and time of day for each, and specific scene descriptions and action, the character's name who is speaking and the dialogue.
INT. POPULATION CONTROL LAB - NIGHT
Mitch, 40s and gruff, stands by blinking lights on lab wall. Francesca, 35, tall blonde works behind wall of bottles.
You can also select whatever item you are about to write from a drop list at the top center of the software menu bar: Dialogue, Action, Character Name and so forth. By doing this, the software defaults to the proper indentation for you to type.
Continue writing to the end of the screenplay, ending with the typical "Fade Out."
Save the script using "File" ---> "Save As" and name it. Revisions and alterations can be chosen and named at later dates or if you go into production.