How to Export Your Screenplay

You can export your screenplay in three formats: PDF, Fountain, and Ensemble JSON. Export is a Pro feature ($9.99/month).

Export requires a Pro subscription. Free-tier users will see an upgrade prompt when they click Export. Once your payment processes, export is available immediately.

Exporting as PDF

PDF is the standard format for submitting screenplays. The exported file uses Courier 12-point font, correct margins, and proper page breaks, matching what you see in the editor.

Click Export in the toolbar, select PDF, and click Download. The file downloads with your screenplay title as the filename.

The PDF includes a title page. Page numbers appear in the top-right corner starting from page two, following standard screenplay conventions.

PDF is the right choice when sending to someone who will read but not edit - agents, managers, contest submissions, producers, or actors.

Exporting as Fountain

Fountain is a plain-text markup language for screenplays. It uses uppercase for scene headings and character names, and you do not need special software to read the raw file. Many screenwriting apps support Fountain, making it a good interchange format.

To export as Fountain, open the Export modal and select Fountain. Click Download to save a .fountain file to your computer.

The Fountain file can be opened in any text editor, imported into Highland, WriterSolo, Slugline, or stored in Git. Plain text means small files, easy diffs, and no lock-in.

Use Fountain export when you want to move your screenplay to another writing tool, store it in a Git repository, or keep an archival copy that does not depend on any particular software.

Exporting as Ensemble JSON

Ensemble JSON is the native format. It preserves your screenplay's full structure, including block types, element metadata, and document organization. Mostly useful as a backup or for re-importing into Ensemble.

To export as JSON, select Ensemble JSON in the Export modal and click Download. The resulting .json file contains a complete snapshot of your screenplay at the time of export.

If you need to restore from a backup, import the JSON file back into Ensemble and recover the exact state of your script. Good as a checkpoint before big structural changes.

Which Format to Choose

Pick the format based on what you need:

PDF - Sending to someone who needs to read it. Universally supported and preserves your formatting.
Fountain - Moving to another writing tool, sharing with someone on different software, or archiving as plain text.
Ensemble JSON - Backup before a big rewrite or transferring between Ensemble accounts. The most complete snapshot, but only useful within Ensemble.

You can export in all three formats at any time. They are not mutually exclusive. Many writers export PDF for submissions and Fountain for archival in the same session.

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