Screenwriting : Screenwriting Software by Anthony McBride

Anthony McBride

Screenwriting Software

Hey all,

I'm going over some of the scripts I've written over the years and just realized that I couldn't have done any of it without a good screenwriting software program.

This year, I also used it to write manuscripts for my novels.

Early on, I developed habits that centered around using software so I didn't get caught adjusting the margins. The investment paid off.

Question: Who out there uses screenwriting software and which one do you use?

Maurice Vaughan

Hey, Anthony McBride. I use Final Draft 12. I have WriterDuet as a backup.

Lawrence Hughes Stern

Final Draft for me too!

David Taylor

Final Draft. It takes a lot of beating. Unlike Microsoft Office for example, FD never charge you for new copies when you buy a new device. It’s also got great tools.

Elle Bolan

I'm using Fade In Pro screenwriting software. It does the job. I don't really have to worry about formatting at all - I just have to turn off automatic settings. In every single script. Which is meh, but it sure beats Microsoft word.

Phoenix Black

Have used writer duet, final draft (it crashes and so many complaints on social media about people losing work). Finally settled in on FadeIn Pro and will never change. One price includes endless upgrades unlike FD. Highly recommend.

Erin Leigh

I use Scrivener. Love it!

Mike Boas

Couldn’t have done it without a good program? I don’t understand. If you had nothing but Notepad, wouldn’t that be enough to write a novel? You could even write a screenplay like that, apart from the formatting. But formatting is not writing.

I’ve used many softwares, and I have my favorites, but I wouldn’t say I couldn’t write without them.

CJ Walley

They're all pretty much the same. Scrivener is my personal choice with WriterDuet and Fountain after that. I only use Final Draft when I have to.

David Taylor

As above - I use FD - are the other ones people mentioned collaborative tools too?

CJ Walley

WriterDuet is titled as such mainly because of its collaboration features. I don't think Scrivener has any,

Zoe Cheryl

Highly recommend Arc Studio! You have three free scripts upon log in and weekly classes via YouTube.

Kae Roshun

I've used quite a few for drafting and revising over the years, but now I only use software to print the script or make reports. When drafting I just use markup. It's much faster for me to crank it out.

Abram Christian

I use Screenwriter6. I find it to be efficient and it works well when it comes to projects being saved and stored in the correct files. it is also easy to navigate as writing progresses. I tried FD once and didn’t find it as efficient and navigational as screenwriter6.

E Langley

Final Draft v. 12.

Jim Boston

Anthony, I'm a proud user of Final Draft 6.

Mone't Weeks

Final Draft

Cynna Ael

For scriptwriting I love my Final Draft. I love Scrivener for my other writing needs. Between them both, I get everytthing written I want to- novels, lookbooks, scripts, etc.

Steve Dini

I will second Canna and say I love Final Draft. It's intuitive, consistent and easy to learn. I just upgraded to FD13 and am amazed at all the new tricks it's learned. A tad expensive, but worth it and I got a discount as a returning client. Highly recommend

Steve Dini

Sorry, should have typed Cynna - spell check got me

Lesley Harmon

I started with Writer's Duet, that got me quarterfinalist on the Final draft competition. But now I prefer final Draft

Pink Matzke

Final Draft 13 and I love it

Debra Holland

Final Draft.

Adam Spencer

When writing, I like the UI to get out of the way. That's why I prefer the undistracted environment found in Beat for macOS. Plus, it's free. There's also a pay-once-own-forever version for iOS and iPadOS for under $15.

Tim Myrick

Final Draft...

John Fife

Story Work and Final Draft work for me.

Michael Thorn

I've been using Highland Pro for several months now and like it a lot.

Göran Johansson

Trelby freeware. Easy to learn. Can handle all relevant file formats.

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