Or written messages of any kind, really. Any trick to it? I usually just write it into the action in caps and quotations to emphasize. Should you even use caps? Or write it the way the character would?

I've been messing around with giving texts their own paragraphs but it doesn't quite look right for some reason. I try to avoid INSERTS. There's really no need for them in screenwriting if you get down to it.

Anyway, just curious. Not necessarily in a pickle but it'd be something good to know.

I actually italicize.

"INT. CAFE - DAY

Simone's phone BUZZES in her pocket. She pulls it out, pushes a few buttons, reads the new message:

Heya! You coming out tonight???? xx

She smiles."

I won't be much help cos' you've already said you don't like using INSERTS. But thats what I do. I keep it lower case and put it in italics.