.FOUNTAIN File Extension
Fountain Screenplay Document
| Developer | John August and Stu Maschwitz |
| Popularity |
3.8 | 8 Votes |
What is a FOUNTAIN file?
A FOUNTAIN file is a screenplay document written using the Fountain markup syntax, a simple plain-text format designed for writing film and television scripts. It contains the structured text of a screenplay, including scene headings, character names, dialogue, action descriptions, parentheticals, and transitions. Screenwriting applications that support FOUNTAIN files read the Fountain syntax in the files and automatically format the content into a properly styled script layout.
More Information
The Fountain format is an open, lightweight alternative to proprietary screenwriting formats. It is commonly used by screenwriters, independent filmmakers, and writing teams who want a portable script format that works across multiple programs.
Instead of using complex formatting tools, Fountain uses plain-text conventions (typically UTF-8 encoded text) to represent screenplay elements such as scene headings, character names, dialogue, and transitions. This allows writers to focus on writing while compatible software automatically formats the script into standard screenplay layout.
NOTE: You can find more information about Fountain and its syntax at Fountain.io.
How to open a FOUNTAIN file
You can open FOUNTAIN files with various screenwriting applications, such as Quote-Unquote Apps Highland, Act Focused Media Slugline, GCC Productions Fade In, Final Draft, and Storyist. Since FOUNTAIN files store plain text, you can also open them with any basic text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad or Apple TextEdit. However, using a Fountain-compatible screenwriting application is more helpful because the program interprets the syntax and displays the script in proper screenplay format.