Guide:Script Formatting

Script Formatting describes the methods used to lay out a script while it is still being written. There are no industry standards, unlike other industries such as writing a screenplay, so the exact methods used will be up to you and/or your team.

How Do I Format My Script?

It is most common for VN writers to write in a way that resembles the script code of the engine they are using. Some developers do prefer to write in more human-readable styles, such as full novel-style prose or screenplay script format, and later convert it into actionable code.

As writing is such an individual process, it can be worth the extra effort to write in whatever way you're used to, if it makes the process easier for you. However, it's worth noting that writing your original script in a format as close as possible to actionable code will make programming and directing much easier and more efficient later on (which is useful if you're participating in a game jam or have some other exterior deadline).

Whichever methods you use, there may be some simple changes you can make in your word processor to make the process easier, such as turning off automatic smart quotes and tab characters, and using inter-document hyperlinks or heading styles to simulate jumping between script labels.

• 
  Engine Script
• 
  Screenplay
• 
  Novel/Prose

You may end up incorporating elements from each method into your own writing style over time, depending on what works best for you.

See Also

Guide:Tools for Drafting a VN for planning & writing software recommendations (though you can always write straight into your code editor)

Regex Guide for using Regex to convert different scripting styles into actionable code (Ren'Py used in example)