Now that you have the fundamentals of making a screenplay, let’s see which free software you can use to write it in the correct format. Celtx Additionally, Celtx offers a variety of packages which includes different tools and features (for a monthly fee) that will allow you to handle most of the task involved in video production.
Desktop version 0.7.2 rc13. Release Candidate version is the most stable version of the program. It fixed all detected critical errors, but there may be non-critical errors, which should not make it difficult for users to work with application. Trelby, previously known as ‘Blyte,’ is a free and open-source screenwriting software. As of now, it operates on both Windows and Linux platforms and is currently available on Github. Licensed under GPL, Trelby welcomes developers and screenwriters to collaborate and make the platform even better.
Screenplay Writing Software is widely used by writers, producers, filmmakers and directors of all studios and production houses. A screenplay writing software helps you develop your script into a strong storyboard for your video or production. The following are best-used storyboard software and screenwriting software assist in having correct script format, pagination, auto-compilation and also spell checking, to begin with. The following screenplay format software are equipped with more features and are accessible on the go.
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RawScript
RawScript is a screenplay software which is cloud-based and accessible from any computer or laptop. It auto saves your screenplays and allows customization for various types of write-ups, scripts, and drafts. The users create an account which provides them access to saved screenplays and customized formats for all sorts of write-ups.
Amazon Storywriter
It is a byproduct of the Amazon lineage, and it is only online story writing a tool that helps in formatting and also auto-sync itself while you can focus only on writing. Its main features include multi-device access, auto format, import/export to all types of file formats, offline access, secure sharing and secure storage anywhere.
Fade IN
Fade In is a professionally designed software for screenwriting developed by Web Designer Kent Tessman that provides formatting, editing, and revision tools for its users. It is easily downloadable in any format and includes a variety of templates from various leading studios around the World.
Other Platforms
There are different types of Screenplay Software for different platforms. The Screenplay Software depends on the system you are using. For instance, there are exclusive Screenplay Software made for Windows, Android, MAC etc. A user may install any of them according to the needs.
Trelby for Windows
Trelby is a Windows based Screenwriting platform that enhances your overall writing experience. It is laid out in the simplest writing format and is easily convertible into various formats like PDF, HTML, RTF, and Final Draft. It provides a name database of 200,000 names and lets you compare your own drafts after each version of your write up.
Slugline for Mac
Slugline is a MAC based Screenplay writing platform, which is built entirely for Filmmakers. It claims to be customized for their needs and production requirements; it comes in the plain feature format (Open Fountain screenplay format) that provides the ability to work on your screenplay anywhere, using any writing app, including hundreds of mobile apps. However, when you open it in Slugline again, everything is there, properly formatted.
DubScript Screenplay Writer for Android
DubScript Screenplay Writer is an Android based app which uses the intuitive Fountain system, a simple way to write quickly without dealing with the usual “screenwriting software” formatting stuff that gets in your way. It is compatible with all types of android versions and promotes writing screenplays on your mobile phone.
The Most Popular Screenplay Software – Story Touch
StoryTouch is one of the most popular Screenwriting Software in the World. No other software makes formatting of a story as easy and accessible in a timeline format and makes an active community of screenwriters available for expert advice. This Software is the only one that brings the characters, emotions, dialogues and also the stage structure of your write-up in alignments with the progress of your work. You can also see Proofreading Software
What is Screenplay Software?
Screenplay Softwares are small software programs designed to assist and guide in script format, pagination, auto-compilation and spell checking, to begin with. They are specially designed to for writers to keep up the pace of the story. You can also see Novel Writing Software
Their need has risen from the industry trend of revising and re-enacting scripts before the final draft is sent for production. Most software are stand-alone applications that use a different form of script writing like plain text formatting or word to assist in screenwriting as a different form of writing.
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Screenwriting software are word processors specialized to the task of writing screenplays.
Overview[edit]
Free Screenplay Writing Software For Mac
Features[edit]
While add-ins and macros for word processors, such as Script Wizard[1] for Microsoft Word, can be used to write screenplays, the need for dedicated screenwriting programs arises from the presence of certain peculiarities in standard screenplay format which are not handled well by generic word processors such as page-break constraints imposed by standard screenplay format. Screenplay software often provides specialized shortcuts for quickly typing character names or slug lines, collaborating with other writers, adding production notes, character notes, easy outlining, scene reordering, and other tools to facilitate the creative process.[2] Other features often required when writing shooting scripts include page-locking, scene numbering, revision-tracking, and production-related reports (such as which characters appear in a given scene or which scenes are set during the day or night).
Some screenwriting applications, such as Celtx and Sophocles, also incorporate production scheduling and budgeting features.[3]
Another class of screenwriting software includes those that, rather than act as specialized word processors, attempt to direct the writer's storytelling process by utilizing story theory to facilitate the planning of a screenplay. Examples of this type of program includes Dramatica and Index Card.
Screenwriting software often also provides functions that allow writers to analyze their scripts for various characteristics. In 2018, developers began adding functions that allow an analysis of gender representation such as the Bechdel test, e.g. in Highland 2, WriterDuet and the forthcoming Final Draft 11.[4]
Free Screenplay Software Online
Platforms[edit]
Screenwriting programs exist for all varieties of platforms and environments including traditional standalone desktop applications that run directly on a personal computer, web applications that run solely within a browser, and mobile apps that run on phones, tablets, and other portable devices.
Plain text markup[edit]
The Fountain markup syntax, co-developed by screenwriter John August, facilitates formatting screenplays directly from plain text, be it in dedicated writing software, email programs, or text generated through OCR.[5] There is also a formatting package for LaTeX called screenplay.
History[edit]
The first screenwriting software was a standalone script formatter, Scriptor, from Screenplay Systems[citation needed]. It took a text file generated by a word processor and inserted the proper page break tags. When used in conjunction with a TSR program such as SmartKey or ProKey—keyboard utilities that assigned a sequence of commands to keystroke combinations—the 'dot commands' that Scriptor required could be inserted semi-automatically. Additionally, keyboard macros could be programmed to properly indent and enter abbreviations—allowing a user to customize the working of the word processor.
SmartKey was popular with screenwriters from 1982–1987, after which word processing programs had their own macro features.[citation needed]
An update to Scriptor understood the style sheets used in Microsoft Word for DOS. And so the need for key macro programs was lessened. Scriptor's limitation was that once formatted it was difficult to re-import the resulting text back into a word processor for further editing.[citation needed]
The next generation of screenplay software hooked into Microsoft Word. Warren Script Application was initially released as a set of style sheets for Word for DOS. It was updated for Word for Windows circa 1988. gScript, a shareware script formatter/template, was released via CompuServe in 1989. It was included on the disk accompanying the book Take Word for Windows to the Edge, published by Ziff-Davis in 1993. It was subsequently updated and released commercially as ScriptWright.[citation needed]
This third generation of screenplay software consists of the standalone script writing programs such as Movie Magic Screenwriter, Final Draft, and Cinovation's Scriptware.[citation needed]
The latest generation adds online storage and collaboration and integrates with apps on mobile devices. Many software also integrate outlining tools as well as other creative support, and tools to further integrate the production process.[citation needed]
List of softwares[edit]
- Arc Studio Pro - Free and paid professional screenwriting software with automatic formatting, real-time collaboration and drag and drop outlining features. Used by professional Hollywood feature and TV screenwriters.
- Beat - Free and open source screenwriting app for macOS, with drag and drop outlining, scene card and timeline views. It uses the Fountain plain text format.
- Better Fountain - Free and open source screenwriting plugin for Visual Code Studio using Fountain markup. It supports all the Fountain formatting features, has an outlining tool, live preview, PDF export (with highlighted characters), statistics for the script and individual characters in it.
- Causality - an original approach emphasizes visual story development outlining and simultaneous scripting movement while tracking causalities (cause and effects) of key plot points; simultaneously display of 3 story elements: Snippets(Script)/Story Logic (White Board)/Timeline, plus visual Characters tracking. Quickly breeze though an outline, simultaneously write out story Snippets as the ideas come. Exports into Final Draft, Fountain, and PDF, and loaded with extra features, with multi-language support, plus collaboration and other features coming soon. Free and Paid versions for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. [6][7]
- Celtx - Free to register, but requires paid subscription for the full collaborative version. Browser-based, with apps for Mac OS X, IOS, and Android. Includes a comic book script-writing mode.[8]
- DramaQueen - Software for script writers and novelists. Offers working with storylines, turning points, different structure models, a storytelling guidance, character profiles, story-charts and character arcs.
- Dramatica - Name of a theory and software suite created as part of a project by Chris Huntley and Melanie Anne Phillips.
- DubScript Screenplay Writer- A professional screenwriting software for Android with features such as auto-formatting and Google Docs fixing. A free version is available with a watermark header on printed output/PDF and optional subscription. DubScript also outputs to most major screenwriting formats.[8]
- Fade In Professional Screenwriting Software - Professional screenwriting software for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows and Linux, with mobile versions for iPhone, iPad and Android. Imports and exports Final Draft as well as most other major screenwriting software formats.
- Final Draft - Professional screenwriting software for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.
- Filmustage - Automatic script breakdown and scheduling service. Filmustage makes 100 scenes script breakdown in 1 minute. Service involves 24/7 free export in Movie magic scheduling, pdf and spreadsheets.
- Highland - Highland is a screenplay utility for Mac that seamlessly converts PDF screenplays into editable Fountain or Final Draft files, and back again. It’s also a text editor, so a screenplay can be written directly in Highland.
- JotterPad - A powerful professional screenwriting app for Android. Includes paid Fountain support, export to Final Draft and print formatted script to PDF.
- KIT Scenarist - A free and open source screenwriting software for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows and Linux, which includes story development tools, corkboard, screenplay editor and statistics module. Includes paid service for real-time collaboration and versions for Android and iOS.
- Montage - Screenwriting software for Mac only.
- Movie Magic Screenwriter - Integrated professional screenwriting software. Available on Mac and Microsoft Windows.
- Page 2 Stage - Free open-source software, designed specifically for Windows. Available in a variety of languages.
- Practical Scriptwriter - Professional script writing software for Windows. Formats cover Film, Stage, Radio and TV.
- Prewrite - Free browser-based tool for writers to develop story ideas into a screenplay, scene-by-scene—visually with timelines, cards and inspiring images. It tracks story beats, characters, emotional context, plot threads, and provides advanced analysis tools for insights into story structure. Provides importing and exporting features that work with Final Draft and PDF file formats.
- Script Studio (formerly Movie Outline) - Creative writing software for Mac and Windows designed by produced screenwriter for writing and professionally formatting movie scripts, teleplays, stage plays and novels. Includes story and character development features.
- Scripts Pro - iOS-based app which allows a writer to edit scripts in text file format via Dropbox and iTunes transfers.[8]
- Scrite- free and open-source desktop screenwriting app that lets users write in Indian languages also.[9] The app allows users to visually map their story structure, capture relationships between characters as a graph, alter the sequence of scenes using a drag & drop interface, in addition to helping writers properly format screenplays. It allows import & export to various formats and supports generation of reports from the screenplay. [10] Recent updates also allow users to synchronise film and screenplay presentations.
- Scrivener (software) - A powerful writing tool that helps writers concentrate on composing and structuring long and difficult documents for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.
- Screenwriter-mode - Major mode for the GNU Emacs free text editor. Includes commands and tools to format scripts as plain text files.
- Slugline - It is a screenwriting app for Mac, iPad and iPhone. It uses the Fountain plain text format.
- Story Touch - Story Touch is a complete software for dramatic development and creation. Graphs and color pallets will provide a veritable X-ray of a script.
- Storyist - Storyist is a creative writing application for Mac OS X and iPad.
- StudioBinder Script Sides - StudioBinder is a TV & film production management software which has an inbuilt screenwriting tool called 'script sides'.
- Tooleybook - Free online book writing software [11]
- Trelby - A free and open source screenwriting program for Linux and Microsoft Windows. (Development at a standstill, but still viable and available for download.)
- WriterDuet - Real-time collaborative, online-offline professional screenwriting software.[12]
Discontinued[edit]
- Adobe Story - An online collaborative screenwriting suite by Adobe.[13]
- Celtx free desktop version - Has become cloud-based requiring paid subscription for the full version.
- FiveSprockets - A discontinued free, online, collaborative story-development and scriptwriting web-software.
- Scripped - Professional browser-based screenwriting text editing software. (now defunct and no longer accessible)
- Sophocles - commercial story-development, scriptwriting, and scheduling package. (discontinued)
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Select the Perfect Script Software | WritersDigest.com'. WritersDigest.com. 2008-03-11. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
- ^'What is the best free screenwriting software for screenwriters?'. Script Reader Pro. 2020-06-06. Retrieved 2020-06-06.
- ^'Celtx is Now an All-in-One Video & Movie Planning System'. No Film School. 2016-01-06. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
- ^Ryzik, Melena (21 May 2018). 'Is your script gender-balanced? The new test helping filmmakers get it right'. The Independent. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
- ^'John August and Stu Maschwitz Release 'Fountain,' a Handy Screenwriting Tool/Markup Language'. No Film School. 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
- ^https://www.hollywoodcamerawork.com/causality.html
- ^https://medium.com/infodump/a-working-guide-to-screenwriting-software-384abe163545 'A working guide to screenwriting software' Julian Simpson Mar 17 2018
- ^ abcEaton, Kit (2015-02-04). 'Video Feature: Easy Ways to Get Your Movie Idea Out of Your Head'. The New York Times. ISSN0362-4331. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
- ^R, Shilpa Sebastian (2020-05-13). 'Scrite, an app to help write screenplays'. The Hindu. ISSN0971-751X. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
- ^'August | 2020 | SWA – Blog'. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
- ^https://tooleybook.com
- ^https://nofilmschool.com/2014/09/writerduet-pro-makes-collaborative-screenwriting-app-available-offline-much
- ^https://helpx.adobe.com/story/kb/end-of-service-adobe-story.html