Screenwriting : Screenwriting software for a Mac - any recommendations? by Lyle Deixler

Lyle Deixler

Screenwriting software for a Mac - any recommendations?

Hi and I'm getting ready to start writing my first screenplay. I use a Mac and I'm looking for software. I'm considering Storyist, Highland or Movie Magic Screenwriter but certainly open to other suggestions. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

Pierre Langenegger

I use Final Draft on my Mac and never had a problem.

Lyle Deixler

Ok great, thanks!

Eric Christopherson

I use Fade In on my Mac and like it. (Final Draft is the industry standard, I think, but I've never tried it.)

Dewayne Edwards

Slugline is pretty great!

Lyle Deixler

Eric and Dewayne, great, thanks!

Lyle Deixler

Cool, great, thanks Dan!

John Michael Duggan

Fade In. I was using Final Draft but had issues, discovered Fade In at a third of the price, compatible with pretty much all the major screenwriting programs including FD. Software is constantly updated/upgraded for FREE. You can find it here: https://www.fadeinpro.com

Lyle Deixler

Fiona, Chris and John great, thanks, this all helps a lot!

Jacob Buterbaugh

When I started I used Fade In, but I recently switched to Final Draft. I recommend Fade In, because it does everything you need it to do, it does it well, and it's not expensive. I think when I bought it a few years ago it was around $50.

Lyle Deixler

Cool, thanks Boomer and Jacob!

David Taylor

FD

Christopher Ferguson

Just my own opinion... I think it's best to learn without any type of software.

Matt Bailey

Anything that formats automatically is fine.

Tom Batha

Fade In.

Christopher Ferguson

There are different standards of formatting from what I have seen. I've seen "Scene A" centered; I have also seen it left aligned. Then again, I'm not an expert.

Lyle Deixler

Thanks everyone! I bought Storyist and have been learning it and really like it so far. Thanks again!

Pierre Langenegger

Christopher, 'Scene A'?

Rayn D Smith

I write all my screenplays on my iPAD. Final Draft has been the best application for use in that platform. When complete, Final Draft allows you to email your scripts from your iPAD. I email my scripts to myself onto my desktop computer.

Doug Nelson

Christopher - Just my advice, but I suggest you familiarize yourself more with the generally accepted industry standard format if you want your scripts read.

Sarah J. Eagen

Final draft! I also know folks who use Movie Magic. Those are the two that are industry standard!

Christopher Ferguson

Hey Doug. Thanks for the advice. Still in the learning process :p without using software.

Kevin Carothers

Final Draft, but I have problems with the slug lines... readers / coverage readers don't like the formatting with "Standard Screenplay" format. I have a list of features I wish it had -- even though it's got a ton of stuff that I don't use.

Dan Guardino

The don't allow advertising in this lounge.

Doug Nelson

Dan G - some folk just pay no attention to what Mommy don't allow.

Emma Ravn

I am NO expert but FinalDraft looks to me like a very out-dated software that they try to pimp to ask you for more money...and on the iPad is hopeless...save the money... :-p

Kody Chamberlain

SLUGLINE for Mac is superb. Highly recommended.

Dan Guardino

Emma. Final Draft is not outdated and almost everyone in the business uses it.

Lisa Clemens

It's not out dated at all. Every producer I have worked with ask me to send them a Final Draft (fdx file) copy as well as pdf especially for use by the script supervisors to work on it once it becomes a production script.

Mark Sanderson

Final Draft! It's not outdated in fact FD 10 is quite amazing. Every producer I've ever worked for uses Final Draft. But of course everyone gets into an argument about what's "the best."

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