Proper Format?

[Gr8WhiteNorth]

I'm just starting out in screenwriting and was wondering if anyone could help me out regarding the proper screenplay format. According to some articles/books I have read, the following formats were suggested:

slug line = 1.5"

dialog = 2.5" or 2.7"

character name = 3.5" or 4.1"

parenthetical = 3.0" or 3.4"

Which are correct? What format do the screenwriting software programs use?

Thanks.

[Deus Ex Machine]

Read this thread. (http://p068.ezboard.com/fdonedealfrm23.showMessage?topicID=2047.topic)

[stevhal]

I'd go out there and buy some software. It does so much more than formatting, and you'll never know how you lived without it!! I use Final Draft, and I've never looked back.

I used to format Word, but I had so much wasted paper from Microsoft weird-eties. If you are a computer wiz I'm sure you could figure it out, but my advice is still to buy some software. Think of it as an investment!!

[pantalone]

I used to format Word, but I had so much wasted paper from Microsoft weird-eties.

There is a program called Scriptwerx which basically sets up a script Wizard for Word. It is pretty cool. Like using a typer.