Screenwriting : What's the best Screenwriting software to download? by C.J Fischer

Final Draft Movie Magic Celtx (free)

I prefer Movie Magic Screenwriter but also own Final Draft because it's considered the industry standard. FD is also available for iOS, Movie Magic is not. Celtx is good software too and what I'd suggest if you're just starting out. I'm not sure there's a real need to use FD until you're working with a production company or studio. At that point, the initial price shouldn't seem so bad.

Thanks for the information, Laddie. I don't mind paying a premium price for a premium product anyhow. I might go with FinalDraft, but I'll have to look into it more first.

I'd stay clear of the CeltX desktop version, it's not supported anymore and doesn't cloud sync properly, so you run the risk of losing your scripts/pages.

I'm happy with Final Draft.

I use Final Draft. I'm glad I do because the producers I have written for have all asked for my screenplays in Final Draft format (FDX or FDR if they have older versions) when it's ready to go into pre-production.

I am the only one using celtx? lol

Nope. Celtx here too.

I've used both Final Draft and Movie Magic. My personal preference is Movie Magic - it just has a better look and feel.

This was actually the first question I had in mind upon signing up on Stage 32. For someone who's totally new to screenwriting (I typically use Microsoft word), which would be the ideal software?

i've used 'just MS Word' up until now because i've never looked into it, but the script i'm writing now (working title "Saskia's Scoop", had to mention :p ) i've used as my first time with CeltX Desktop version, which has some nice features that make it less of a slog

@ Tim - careful with the desktop version of CeltX the company no longer support it and there's an issue syning to the CetX cloud that they know about but aren't fixing - lost 12 pages because of the fault... I'm not using CeltX anymore...

Steven, I do use the automated reader, especially when I've read the script so many times that I overlook things. It's great to catch typos I'd miss otherwise. It saved a "Little Monkey" from turning into a rapper..."Little Money" :D

@ Anthony - i only use the desktop version (not the online version) and i tend to keep a copy of my CeltX script on my USB stick after each writing session AND i try to save as often as possible, so normally i should be reasonably safe, but i'm not going to jinx it :p

Wow Ron, that's some serious analysis right there. Much appreciated; will definitely take all those points into consideration when I go make my purchase. CeltX may be a free download, but if like Anthony said, there's a risk of losing pages? Doesn't seem like it's worth the risk.

I use—and have used Final Draft since I began screenwriting and it's been fantastic for all of my screenplays. I'm also a Final Draft Brand Advocate, so I'm biased, but it's never failed me. And writers need to spend money on their career–nothing comes for free!

I use pages for my pitches and beat sheets and Final Draft for my scripts.

I use Final Draft, but I also enjoy Writer Duet and for a small price it will export a Final Draft file. In my opinion you should just write, if the script is good it won't matter, and if it does you can convert it to whatever file format the Producer is asking for. Just write.

@ Ron - they've already stopped developing and supporting the desktop edition and as I noted earlier they already have one of 'those' issues... you can't store/sync on their cloud - but you only find out when you discover your files have nothing in them. They are aware but not sure they are going to fix it - see threads like https://support.celtx.com/hc/communities/public/questions/201828254-CANN... on their own forums. A shame that they have left the desktop users out on a limb and unsupported... given that their advice always seems to be 'use the online studio version' it could be a ploy to get people to migrate... worked for me, I now use FD!

I've only ever used Final Draft but I might check out Fade In based on this thread. FD is very easy to use and works quickly.

I was using Final Draft up until a few days ago. For some reason it kept freezing and giving me non responsive errors taking up to 20 seconds to do a single letter. UGH. Switched over to Celtx as a quick fix. Yes they moved to an online model but it's still free if you only want to use the screenwriting feature. What I don't like is that you have to save as a PDF everytime to see the page number and I also don't like the fact that you have to pay $5 for the app if you want the reader on your phone.

I've been using Final Draft for about 6 years now and only had a few snags along the way. Mainly with the newest update. Like Stacy above me... I also had the freezing and closing down, which became frustrating. But after a while, it stopped doing that. Although I feel like it just heard me, so I need to go back up EVERYTHING...

I like Celtx. And it's free.

Celtx is great I like the different project templates like Storyborading and Comic