Screenwriting software are word processors specialized to the task of writing screenplays.

Overview[edit]

Part 2 2 – Trelby. Features and Functions: This free screenwriting software is an open source software that supports Windows as well as Linux. The Trelby is ideal software that is sure to save your time by assisting you in formatting the scxripts and thus helps you devote more time in writing than editing.

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]

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]}

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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]

Screenplay Software For Mac

• Arc Studio Pro - Professional screenwriting software with automatic formatting, real time collaboration and drag and drop outlining features. Free and paid versions available.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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]
• 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 ^[9]
• 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.^[10]

Discontinued[edit]

Best Writing Software For Mac

• Adobe Story - An online collaborative screenwriting suite by Adobe.^[11]
• 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]

1. ^'Select the Perfect Script Software | WritersDigest.com'. WritersDigest.com. 2008-03-11. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
2. ^'What is the best free screenwriting software for screenwriters?'. Script Reader Pro. 2020-06-06. Retrieved 2020-06-06.
3. ^'Celtx is Now an All-in-One Video & Movie Planning System'. No Film School. 2016-01-06. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
4. ^Ryzik, Melena (21 May 2018). 'Is your script gender-balanced? The new test helping filmmakers get it right'. The Independent. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
5. ^'John August and Stu Maschwitz Release 'Fountain,' a Handy Screenwriting Tool/Markup Language'. No Film School. 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2018-01-03.
6. ^https://www.hollywoodcamerawork.com/causality.html
7. ^https://medium.com/infodump/a-working-guide-to-screenwriting-software-384abe163545 'A working guide to screenwriting software' Julian Simpson Mar 17 2018
8. ^ ^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.
9. ^https://tooleybook.com
10. ^https://nofilmschool.com/2014/09/writerduet-pro-makes-collaborative-screenwriting-app-available-offline-much
11. ^https://helpx.adobe.com/story/kb/end-of-service-adobe-story.html

Free Screenwriting Software: Traditional word processors are a great option for writing general and standard documents, texts, etc. However, when it comes to screenwriting, you would need more than just a word processor to produce a good result. The standard word processors that we have in the market come with plenty of features that will help you in formatting, outlining your documents. But, most of them aren’t suitable for specific screenwriting requirements; therefore, it’s advised to rely on robust screenwriting software to carry out the task.

Contents

• 1 Best Free Screenwriting Software

Best Free Screenwriting Software

An ideal screenwriting software would be the one that lets you focus on the creative side of writing while doing the pesky formatting and outlining stuff all by itself. Such screenwriting software usually charges hefty prices, and if you’re running low on budget, you might want to check out the following list of free screenwriting software.

If you’re serious about getting into screenwriting and stuff, you need to follow the standard screenwriting format. The below mentioned screenwriting software would automatically take care of formatting, outlining, story, characters, etc., all you have to do is come up with compelling stories and scenes.

WriterDuet Screenwriting Software

WriterDuet is an excellent screenwriting tool that comes with real-time work collaboration features. So, you and others who are involved in the project will be able to see the new edits instantaneously. Moreover, you can also check and filter out the writing to see who made the changes along with the time and date at which the edit was made.

In addition to this, the Software saves all the changes and edits locally, in case if you’re offline and syncs them once you get back online. The best part about WriterDuet is its compatibility with other screenwriting tools. You can import and export various types of files.

Trelby Screenwriting Software

Trelby is open-source free screenwriting software that takes care of all the formatting stuff and allows you to write the scripts without any hassle. The Trelby screenwriting tool is a recommended choice for screenplay writers who are just getting started in the field. There are absolutely no strings or restrictions in the Trebly, such as Watermarks, Script limits, etc.

All the features of Trelby are unlocked by default, and you will be able to utilize them for free to create your scripts in a well-formatted manner. The process of using Trelby is quite simple and straightforward. You can also import Final Draft, Celtx, Fountain, etc. and export too. The Software is currently available for Windows and Linux Platform only,

Casuality Screenwriting Software

Casuality is another excellent option for those who are looking for screenwriting software. Although, the Software is somewhat different compared to other traditional screenwriting tools. The way it works is also different; the Software helps you in improving the sequences of your story with the help of its sequence analyzing engine.

Once you’re done with the story, Casuality will give you an overview of the story and will also recommend changes to make your story more compelling and exciting. No matter how complicated or lengthy your story is, the Software is good enough to handle everything that you throw at it with ease. Although the free version of Casuality comes with limited features and tools.

Highland Screenwriting Software

Highland is a well known free screenwriting software among Mac users since it’s available for Mac platform only at the moment. Highland is a feature-rich tool that has been designed to improve the way you write scripts without breaking any sweat. The tool is quite intuitive and lets you focus on writing the script instead of formatting and editing.

The Software takes care of organizing all the characters, scenes, dialogues of the story along with its sequences. In the end, you just need to concentrate on coming up with excellent write-ups and stories, and you can leave the formatting and editing part to Highland, it does the job flawlessly.

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DramaQueen

Are you looking for a free yet professional screenwriting software? DramaQueen is the most favored choice of screenplay writers nowadays. Because of its intuitive and simplistic user interface, a lot of beginners in screenplay writing prefer DramaQueen over other screenwriting software. DramaQueen Software is highly compatible with the Final Draft platform.

The good thing about DramaQueen is that it is entirely free, and all of its features are unlocked by default. Also, there are absolutely no limits or restrictions as to how many words or scripts you can write using the tool. The navigation system of the tool is excellent, making it easier for writers to jump across the options.

Screenwriting Software For Mac Free

Studio Binder Screenwriting Software

Studio Binder is probably the most popular free screenwriting software available in the market in today’s date. Studio Binder is the perfect option for any writer, all it requires is a little signup, and you’re all set to take advantage of the Software free of cost. Yes, you have read it correctly, with a simple registration, you can access all the features of the tool and enhance your scripts.

The Software has been featured in various blog posts by aspiring writers; it provides plenty of resources and tools for the writer to come up with good scripts. Moreover, Studio Binder is an end to end production management platform, which is useful if your scripts go to the production stage.

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Scrivener

Scrivener is a complete word processor designed for novel writing, scriptwriting, documents, brochures, flyers, and pretty much everything related to writing. It’s a full-fledged software that deals with almost all forms of writing, be it screenwriting or simple blog articles. The best part about Scrivener is that it automatically determines the outlines of your work and applies them appropriately.

After you have finished writing the script, you just need to apply Scrivener’s touch to format and outline your writing in an organized manner. Furthermore, it also allows users to create notes, concepts, research, study papers, etc. and organize them for easy access and reference purposes in the future.

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Page 2 Stage

Screenwriting Software For Mac And Windows 10

A software that initially started as a commercial project turned into a completely free to use tool for screenwriters. Page 2 Stage is instead a unique and robust screenwriting software that deals with screenwriting for films, stage acts, Television scripts, etc. If you’re looking for a helping hand to improve your screenwriting skill, then Page 2 Stage is the one I’d recommend.

The software would not run under the MacOS installed on my computer so I had to download and install an update which is obviously meant for newer Macs since much of my existing software including Office warned of not being compatible with the new OS. https://avatarlucky.netlify.app/tax-software-downloads-for-macs.html.

Unlike other tools, Page 2 Stage analyzes your writing and presents a detailed report on the flow of sequences, dialogues, scenes, etc. So, by referring to the report, you can edit the script and make appropriate changes to make it better than before.

Final Words

Free Screenwriting App Windows

There aren’t many options when it comes to free screenwriting software; most of the existing free tools and Software are going towards the subscription-based approach to sustain themselves. Nevertheless, as of now, these were the free screenwriting software that you can rely on to format your scripts. Go ahead and try them out yourself, don’t forget to let us know your favorite tool from the above list in the comment section below.