Convert PDF to FOUNTAIN

Understanding PDF and Fountain file formats

PDF (Portable Document Format) is a widely used file format developed by Adobe for presenting documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, or operating systems. PDFs are commonly used for sharing formatted documents, including scripts, contracts, and reports.

Fountain is a plain text markup language specifically designed for writing screenplays. It allows writers to create scripts using any text editor, and the files are easily readable and portable. Fountain files typically have the .fountain extension.

Why convert PDF to Fountain?

Converting a PDF screenplay to Fountain format enables easier editing, collaboration, and compatibility with screenwriting tools. Fountain files are lightweight and can be opened and modified in any text editor, making them ideal for scriptwriters who want flexibility and version control.

How to convert PDF to Fountain

PDFs are not designed for easy text extraction, especially for formatted documents like screenplays. The conversion process usually involves two steps:

1. Extract the screenplay text from the PDF using OCR (Optical Character Recognition) or a PDF-to-text converter.
2. Format the extracted text into Fountain syntax using a dedicated tool or by manual editing.

Recommended software and tools

• Highland 2 (Mac): Highland 2 can import PDF screenplays and convert them to Fountain format. Use File → Import → PDF, then export as Fountain.
• Fade In: Fade In supports importing PDFs and exporting scripts in Fountain format. Use File → Import → PDF, then File → Export → Fountain.
• Online OCR tools: Use online services like OnlineOCR to convert PDF to plain text, then manually format the text in a text editor following Fountain syntax.
• Afterwriting: After extracting text, paste it into Afterwriting and export as Fountain.

Tips for accurate conversion

• Check the extracted text for formatting errors, as screenplay PDFs may not convert perfectly.
• Fountain syntax is simple, but ensure character names, dialogue, and scene headings are correctly formatted.
• Manual review and editing are often necessary for best results.

Summary

Converting a PDF screenplay to Fountain format involves extracting the text and applying Fountain markup. Highland 2 and Fade In are the best software options for direct conversion, while online OCR tools and manual editing provide alternatives for more complex PDFs.