> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.inkwell.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Your First Script

> Start a new screenplay, save your work, and learn the basic workflow.

Ready to write your first screenplay in Inkwell? This guide walks you through creating a new script, understanding auto-formatting, and getting comfortable with the writing workflow.

## Create a new script

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the New Script dialog">
    * Click **File → New Script** or press `Cmd/Ctrl+N`
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose save location">
    * **Local**: Scripts save to a folder on your computer as `.ink` files

    You can change this later in settings.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Create">
    Your new script appears in the editor, ready for you to start writing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Write your first scene

Inkwell uses **Fountain syntax**, a plain-text screenplay format. The editor automatically converts your typing into properly formatted screenplay elements.

### Scene heading

Start by typing a scene heading (also called a slug line):

```
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
```

**What happens**: Inkwell recognizes this as a scene heading because it starts with `INT.`, `EXT.`, or `INT./EXT.` The text appears in ALL CAPS and properly spaced.

<Tip>
  **Shortcuts for scene headings:**

  * `INT.` = Interior scene
  * `EXT.` = Exterior scene
  * `INT./EXT.` = Mixed interior/exterior
</Tip>

### Action lines

Press **Enter** twice after your scene heading and start typing action:

```
ALICE enters, scanning the crowded room. She spots BOB at a corner table and hesitates.
```

**What happens**: Any regular paragraph becomes action (also called description). Action lines use standard sentence case and describe what we see on screen.

### Character names

To write dialogue, type a character name in ALL CAPS on its own line:

```
ALICE
```

**What happens**: Inkwell centers the character name and prepares for dialogue below it.

<Note>
  Character names must be in ALL CAPS to be recognized. Once you've used a name, Inkwell will auto-complete it when you start typing.
</Note>

### Dialogue

Press **Enter** after the character name and type their dialogue:

```
ALICE
I wasn't sure you'd come.
```

**What happens**: Dialogue appears indented below the character name. Keep typing—Inkwell handles the formatting.

### Parentheticals

To add actor direction, wrap it in parentheses on its own line:

```
ALICE
(nervous)
I wasn't sure you'd come.
```

**What happens**: Parentheticals appear between the character name and dialogue, slightly indented.

### Complete example

Here's a complete scene showing all elements together:

```
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

ALICE enters, scanning the crowded room. She spots BOB at a corner table and hesitates.

ALICE
(nervous)
I wasn't sure you'd come.

BOB
(not looking up)
I almost didn't.

Alice crosses to the table and sits. An awkward silence.

ALICE
We need to talk about—

BOB
Don't.
```

<Check>Congratulations! You've written your first properly formatted scene.</Check>

## Understand auto-save

Inkwell automatically saves your work as you write. You don't need to manually save (though you can press `Cmd/Ctrl+S` if you prefer).

### How auto-save works

* **Saves every 3 seconds** after you stop typing
* **Creates restore points** every 5 minutes (for version history)
* **Stores locally** as an `.ink` file in your chosen save location

### Status bar indicators

Look at the bottom-right of the window to see save status:

* **Saved**: All changes are saved to your local file
* **Saving...**: Currently writing to disk
* **Not saved**: Changes pending (should save within 3 seconds)

<Warning>
  If you see **"Not saved"** for more than a few seconds, check your disk space or file permissions. Your work may not be saving.
</Warning>

## Navigate your script

As your script grows, use these tools to stay oriented:

### Scene navigation

* **Project Panel** (left sidebar): Shows a list of all scenes, sections, and notes
* Click any scene to jump directly to it
* Use `Cmd/Ctrl+G` to open "Go to Scene" dialog

### Search

* Press `Cmd/Ctrl+F` to search for text
* Find character names, dialogue, or action descriptions
* Use `Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+F` to find and replace

### Minimap

The **minimap** on the right edge shows:

* Your current position in the script (green highlight)
* The size of the current scene
* Locations of the selected character's dialogue (if a character is selected)

<Tip>Click anywhere on the minimap to jump to that part of your script instantly.</Tip>

## Preview your script

Want to see how your script looks as a formatted PDF?

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Print Preview">
    * Go to **File → Print Preview** or press `Cmd/Ctrl+P`
    * A formatted preview appears showing standard screenplay layout
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review formatting">
    Verify that:

    * Scene headings are bold and properly spaced
    * Character names are centered
    * Dialogue is indented correctly
    * Page breaks follow industry standards (no orphaned dialogue)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export or print">
    * Click **Export PDF** to save a shareable copy
    * Click **Print** to send to a printer
    * Or close the preview to keep writing
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common first-script questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I add a title page?">
    Title pages are stored in **Script Info** (Project Panel → Script Info tab). Fill in:

    * **Title**: Your screenplay's name
    * **Written by**: Your name
    * **Contact**: Your email or agent info

    When you export to PDF, Inkwell automatically generates a properly formatted title page.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change the scene heading after writing it?">
    Yes! Click anywhere in the scene heading and edit it like normal text. Inkwell updates the formatting automatically.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I type a character name in lowercase?">
    Inkwell won't recognize it as a character. Character names must be in ALL CAPS. However, once you've used a character, you can type just a few letters and press `Tab` to auto-complete.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I delete a scene?">
    Select all the text in the scene (from scene heading to the line before the next scene) and press `Delete` or `Backspace`. You can also use `Cmd/Ctrl+A` to select all, then delete.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I undo changes?">
    Yes! Press `Cmd/Ctrl+Z` to undo and `Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+Z` to redo. Inkwell keeps a full history of your edits during the current session.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Try it yourself

**Practice exercise**: Write a simple scene with these elements:

1. A scene heading (INT. or EXT.)
2. Two lines of action
3. Two characters having a brief exchange (3–4 lines of dialogue total)
4. One parenthetical

When you're done, preview it with `Cmd/Ctrl+P` to see the formatted result.

<Check>You now understand the basic Inkwell workflow! Keep writing and explore more features as you go.</Check>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Learn Fountain syntax" icon="book" href="/writing/formatting-basics">
    Master all screenplay elements and advanced formatting
  </Card>

  <Card title="Explore the UI" icon="map" href="/getting-started/ui-overview">
    Understand panels, menus, and customization options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Use Quill AI" icon="sparkles" href="/quill-ai/model-selection">
    Collaborate with AI to brainstorm and refine scenes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Project Panel" icon="sidebar" href="/project-panel/navigation">
    Organize scenes, characters, and metadata
  </Card>
</CardGroup>