SceneCraft
SceneCraftScript · Plan · Produce
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Free three-act structure template

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  • Standard beats explained
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Act 1

Setup (~pages 1–25)

The first thing we see — sets tone and world before the story begins.

The event that disrupts the protagonist's normal world and starts the story.

The protagonist commits to the goal — the story can't go back to normal after this.

Act 2

Confrontation (~pages 25–85)

Escalating obstacles as the protagonist pursues the goal; stakes climb.

A false victory or false defeat that raises stakes and shifts the protagonist's approach.

The protagonist's lowest moment — the goal seems out of reach.

A final piece of information or resolve that propels the protagonist into the climax.

Act 3

Resolution (~pages 85–110)

The final confrontation where the central conflict is decided.

The new normal — show how the protagonist and their world have changed.

The three-act structure breaks a screenplay into Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution, connected by two plot points that turn the story. Outlining against these beats before you draft scenes keeps the story building toward something, instead of producing pages that don't add up to a movie.

Keep reading

Go deeper on structure

Three-Act Structure Explained

A full breakdown of every beat, with examples.

How to Write a Screenplay

The complete beginner's guide, from logline to final draft.

AI Script Generator

Turn your outline into formatted scenes.

FAQ

Three-act structure, answered

What is the three-act structure?
A story-structure model that divides a screenplay into Setup (Act 1), Confrontation (Act 2), and Resolution (Act 3), connected by two major plot points that turn the story in a new direction. Most produced features follow some version of it.
How long is each act?
In a 110-page feature, Act 1 is roughly pages 1–25, Act 2 runs about 25–85 (often split at a midpoint around page 55), and Act 3 covers roughly 85–110. These are guidelines, not hard rules — plenty of produced scripts deviate.
Does my outline save automatically?
No — this is a free scratch tool with no signup, so what you type stays in your browser tab only. Use the "Copy outline as text" button to save your work before you navigate away.
Can I use this for a TV pilot instead of a feature?
The core beats translate, but TV pilots also need act breaks for commercial breaks and a teaser/cold open. See the SceneCraft guide on how to write a pilot episode for the TV-specific structure.

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