Can you write screenplays in MS Word?
The short answer is YES, I have created a template for screenwriting that is quite advanced to write most
of my scripts in MS Word. So, while some may want to argue the point, you can easily write screenplays in MS Word if you have a strong template. I can get you started with the basic free template offered on the home page of this site, or you can buy a more advanced version of the template from my store.
In the more advanced template, you can use scene numbers if you want while working (scene numbers help a lot when collaborating with others, finding a scene someone else is referencing is much easier when using numbers), then turn them off when you shop your script around, since scene numbers are a no-no for a spec script.
There is also an outline function that embeds your notes for each scene right into the script narrative, and you "peek" at your notes when needed, and turn them off when the outline is no longer required.
There is a navigation pane, script elements pane, automated “more and continued” tags for dialogue that breaks across pages, and many more features to make writing a screenplay in MS Word a breeze.
In the not so distant future, I plan on doing a video, or videos, on what this Lamborghini of a template can do and how to build it. Also, don’t forget this advanced, macro enabled template is sold on this site for a nominal fee if you don't want to mess with the technical stuff.
So, let me know if you have questions or comments, would love to hear from others what they are doing with screenplay templates in Word and other word processors, or templates in general. I have a manuscript template I will be loading up on this site soon, as well as many others that I will load up as time allows.