Screenwriting : Screenwriting Software by James Bat Wilkinson

If you're starting out I recommend Fade In Pro. Does everything you need, and even exports your script in Final Draft format (if that's what's needed). All for a fraction of what Final Draft costs. And all with lifetime free software updates and support.

soundz good!

I use Final Draft 12, James Bat Wilkinson. It's the easiest screenwriting software I've used. I have WriterDuet as a backup.

It is like shoes, whatever fits you best.

If someone is using Final Draft you can save in FDX which is the final draft format. So whatever suits you.

I send everything as PDF. That is more the industry standard than some word processing format, which is what screenwriting software actually is.

I purchased WriterDuet Pro.

I'm a long time user of WriterDuet Pro

Cool.

Hello all! I haven't been in my account in a while and see I have been missing out on a great deal, like this valuable thread here. I have the same question as you James Bat Wilkinson , with a bit more detail. I am a creative writer in books, memoirs, poetry, and lyrics usually, but have been encouraged by many to write a screenwrite about my life story. I am more intrigued to write one about my brother though who has a story that definitey needs to be seen and heard. With that said, I need a very user friendly ap and/or software for beginners where I can journalize and organize my info first, then seamlessly transfer it into screenwrite format. Is that something WriterDuet Pro or Final Draft can do as well. Or are there other recommendations for beginners that are user friendly? Please feel free to let me know if I should ask these questions elsewhere. I am am new to posting here and do not want to appear disrespectful misplacing posts. Thank you in advance.

I use Dabble Writer for novels.

Hi James! Final draft would be my suggestion

I use Celtx but they've changed it so much.

Hi James, Final draft.

Hi, Candina. Final Draft 12 and WriterDuet are really user friendly.

Final Draft 12 has a Beat Board and an Outline Editor (https://kb.finaldraft.com/s/article/How-can-I-outline-a-script-in-Final-...). WriterDuet has Outline Mode (www.writerduet.com/article/228-outline-mode).

I use FD.

I’ve heard good things about Scriviner.

My apologie for delay everyone. Life, family, drama. But good news - It has inspired 4 new screenwrite ideas behind the scenes and I am super stoked to get them moved into a software to advance them forward in development. I wanted to chime in here first and "thank you all," for all the helpful suggestions and tips. I am truly grateful. Best wishes on all your new projects.

Arcstudio Pro or Final Draft. Trelby is a good no-frills free software that gets the job done (and Arcstudio Pro has a free version for your first two screenplays). As you choose your tool, remember this: nobody you sell your scripts to will ask or care what you wrote it on and none of the screenwriting software will make you a better writer.

Just nab FD or FadeIn and move forward. I've used both and for me FadeIn is a much more comfortable writing experience. It's "calmer" somehow and that counts for a lot. Avoid anything with a built-in AI "helper" and you'll be off to the races. Above all, don't procrastinate based on uncertainty around the software. It isn't all that important. They all work. But... FadeIn gets my vote. FWIW.

If you are writing a spec use whatever software you want as long as you can print it in PDF and the formatting is correct. If you are working for a production company you would have to use what they use, If you are working as a staff writer at a studio they will give you what they use which is usually Final Draft. When I started out I had a choice of Movie Magic or Final Draft, Unfortunately, I chose Movie Magic, and later on, I had to purchase Final Draft and nobody hates spending money on screenwriting than me.

Thanks guys!

I can do my eighth rewrite now. Kidding, more like eleven.

Dan G is correct. Use anything that saves to script formatting and prints PDF.

If your spec scripts ever gets purchased, let buyers worry about future drafts, importing & exporting files to production breakdown.

However it is a paying skill to learn Final Draft; know how to revise & revision modes. If you ever want a tv production job as a coordinator/assistant. FD is the most widely used script program. They've been in business for 30+ years.

Final draft is used a lot in the industry but I hear scrivener has some good functions to help plan your screenplay. Celtx used to have a free to use basic version but I don’t know if they still do it.

I like WriterDuet. WriterSolo is the free version. Gets the job done

FD 12.

While it's true PDFs are distributed, the look of Final Draft is distinctive due to kerning, spacing and their proprietary font - Courier Final Draft. Differences in PDFs from other software can be glaring. Also, an FD FDX imported into other programs (or vice versa) can expand or contract the overall length.

Been using Final Draft. Very happy with it. And I'm a tech geek.

My thoughts on software are summed up on my website for the Rochester Writers Workshop. I break down the free, paid, and freemium choices. https://www.rwwny.org/software/

I am presently torn. I used FD for years and was happy with it until the update to version 12. Speech control doesn’t work correctly with my MacBook Pro. Still haven’t been able to resolve the issue. I should add their personal support has been helpful with my queries. Hope to resolve soon because it’s a great product.

I like Final Draft but prefer Highland 2 or Celtx but let us know what you end up using James Bat Wilkinson !

I like Scrivener. I use it for EVERYTHING. It is my world.

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It really is a about the official screenwriting 'margins'; using the "US letter," option, at the end, without changing any ,'margins," settings you should end up, whatever screenwriting software you use, with exactly the same page count -- but you don't?! Clearly I am missing someting!

I currently use Writerduet. I will check the margins. I don't know what the US letter option is. I will look it up.

I think WriterDuet ,( which I use the free version of) standardly is set in US letter, as is Final Draft, still I feel you get a different page count, but not sure...somebody enlighten me ..