Hi friends! I'm new here at Stage 32 but have been writing for a very long time. That being said, I took a long hiatus while growing my family BUT as they are getting more independent, I am finding myself with more free time and inspiration to get back to following my own dreams.
I previously used Celtx but lost the program when I got a new laptop. I'm exploring new screenwriting programs and am overwhelmed by all of the options. I don't think I'm ready for Final Draft but...what do ya'll recommend? Any programs you absolutely love? Should I go back to Celtx? Any thoughts you have would be much appreciated!
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Cece Cornett welcome to Stage 32. You will find every possible screenwriting tool championed by someone here, and folks get passionate about what they like. Personally, I used both Celtx and Arc Studio. Both are great choices. I pay for Arc Studio to get more features and the availability to write more screenplays. I find it really easy to use but some might find it a bit limited in features -- but it does everything I need. I know a lot of folks here really like Final Draft, but I'm not ready to pay for it just yet and it doesn't run on Linux, which is what I'm using at the moment.
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Hi, Cece Cornett. Welcome to the Stage 32 community. Here's a blog that'll help you navigate Stage 32 and connect with creatives and industry professionals: www.stage32.com/blog/how-to-successfully-navigate-the-stage-32-platform-...
I recommend WriterDuet (www.writerduet.com). It's easy to use, you can write three projects for free, and the monthly subscription doesn't cost much.
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I agree with Maurice Vaughan. I use WritersDuet because its web based and I write on the go most of the time. I do have a Final Draft license, which is the industry standard, but rarely use it. I've used Celtx in the past but technical issued caused me to change to WD for the past few years.
The truth is - It doesn't matter which software you use, as long as you are comfortable using it and can get your screenplay finished and converted into a PDF to send out. As long as it takes care of formatting and finding some errors anything is fine.
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Hi Cece. If you're a writer you're ready for Final Draft. It's so easy to use and the industry standard really. Why are you hesitant? Tools for writing are the most important thing to invest in for your writing career. It's not expensive and it's tax deductible. :)
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Welcome to Stage32 Cece Cornett
If I understand correctly, you are bringing back writing as a lovely activity, rather than a productive career path, at this stage
If it was me, I would start with Notion.so. Even though it is not dedicated for screenwriting, it might help you build highly customizable workspace, prepare some plans, gather notes, and find a vivid community of writers who love to write
Industry standard software are available once you finalize a plan
Best of luck
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I've always used Final Draft, going back many iterations. I've even been an ambassador for the brand in the past. That said, I've heard great things about FADE IN, which is far cheaper than FD.
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Have you ever tried Scrivener? I haven't explored the script mode yet but the software is amazing. I use it for editing short stories and novels, writing my blog posts and any text longer than a social post. Cece Cornett
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Highland 2 is another good free option
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i bought final draft for Ipad, so I can sit in one corner and write without anybody disturbing me, I bought it for 10$ and it has all the features that let you complete the screenplay, I don't know how much it costs now, bought it in 2017, that is if you use ipad.
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I have Fade In and really like it. The hotkeys make formatting a breeze and as mentioned above, it wasn't expensive at all. I've written 2 full screenplays with it so far and I have no complaints.
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I use Trelby. This freeware is so easy to learn. Can import and export final draft files.
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I appreciate all of the tips here! So excited to be getting back into the swing of things.