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Comic script formatter: notes in, a full script out
Type your comic the quick way, with Page, Panel, NAME: dialogue, CAPTION: and SFX:. The formatter numbers pages, panels and balloons in the full-script layout artists and letterers expect, counts the words in each panel and flags panels with too much text. Download it as a PDF or text file.
THE LAST RAMEN SHOP
PAGE ONE (3 panels)
PANEL 1 · 10 words
Wide shot. A tiny ramen shop glows on a rainy street at night. Neon signs, puddles.
1. CAPTION: Tokyo, 2041. The last shop that still cooks by hand.
PANEL 2 · 8 words
Inside. KENJI (60s, apron, bandana) stirs a huge pot. Steam everywhere.
2. KENJI: Closing time. Nobody comes out in this rain.
3. SFX: BLUB BLUB
PANEL 3 · 6 words
The door slides open. A soaked GIRL (10) in a yellow raincoat, holding a delivery robot's broken arm.
4. GIRL: Do you fix robots too?
5. KENJI (OFF): ...What?
PAGE TWO (1 panel)
PANEL 1 · 6 words
Close on Kenji's face. One eyebrow up.
1. KENJI: This is a ramen shop, kid.
How to use it
- 1
Write the quick way
Page and Panel on their own lines, the description under them, then NAME: dialogue, CAPTION: and SFX: lines.
- 2
Check the warnings
Panels over 35 words or 3 balloons, and pages over 6 panels, are flagged so the art has room.
- 3
Send it to your artist
Download a PDF in Courier, or a text file to paste into Google Docs or Word.
Want the background? Read the guide to writing a comic script.
Questions
What is the standard comic script format?
There isn't one official format, but most publishers use a 'full script': each page is headed (PAGE ONE), each panel numbered with a description for the artist, and every balloon numbered in reading order with the speaker's name in capitals.
How many words should a comic panel have?
Many editors aim for no more than about 25 to 35 words per panel and 3 balloons, so the lettering doesn't cover the art. The formatter warns above 35.
What does (OFF) mean in a comic script?
The speaker is off panel: we hear them but don't see them, so the balloon's tail points to the edge of the panel. (WHISPER), (BURST) and (ELEC) for a voice from a device are other common notes for the letterer.
Why are balloons numbered?
Numbers tell the letterer the reading order and make notes easy ("move balloon 4"). They restart on each page.
Is my script saved or uploaded?
No. It stays in this browser tab. Download it before you close the page.
Turn a script into panels
Panelo writes a comic script from your idea, lets you edit every scene and line, then draws and letters it.