Writing Software
Professional writing software like Final Draft is not necessary when you’re just starting out. There are cheaper alternatives.
The best free app we’ve seen recently is Trelby, which is a stand alone app for Windows and Linux.
For Mac users, your free options are more limited. We recommend trying a web app like WriterDuet or Studiobinder.
Many screenwriting programs are based on Fountain, a plain text markup language for screenwriting. For more Fountain-based programs, visit here.
If you’re using any cloud software, it’s important to back up your work to your home PC (look for PDF export or download). Don’t rely on web apps to save your files forever!
Free software
- Beat – free for Mac OS ($11.99 for IOS). Open source.
- Fountainize – free plugin for Google Docs, difficult to use effectively.
- Trelby – app for Windows or Linux. Open source.
Freemium software
These programs allow some use for free, then offer more options with payment.
- Arc Studio – Web app, also standalone app for pc, mac, iOS. First two scripts free, then $69 per year. Discount for students. Interesting options for plot boarding.
- Prewrite – Web app. One script free, then $14.99 monthly. Like Scrivener, it lets you notecard/timeline your idea then drill into writing.
- WriterDuet – Web app. First script free, then $9.99 a month.
- WriterSolo – A variation on WriterDuet, can run locally (not in your browser) and save locally.
- Studiobinder – Web app for writing/scheduling. Allows one free project, then $49 a month.
Paid software
- Causality – A visual way of building a script. App for Mac, Windows, or Linux. $5.99 a month, or $279 permanent license.
- Celtx – Web app, allows three scripts at $14.99 a month. unlimited at $24.99 a month.
- Fade In – $79.95 – Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
- Final Draft – Pricing starts at $199.
- Highland Pro – $60 per year, includes Mac, iPhone, and iPad apps
- Movie Magic Screenwriter – Pricing starts at $169. Educational pricing available.
- Scrivener – $59.99 – Windows, Mac, IOS. Educational pricing available. Interesting options for beat boards and outlining, also including your research materials for side-by side writing.
- Slugline 2 – $19.99 for Ipad/Iphone, $49.99 for Mac
- Script Studio – $149.95 (call for competitive upgrade pricing) Win/Mac.
How to Use Dropbox
We use Dropbox in RWW meetings to share files. Before readings, we post links to what we’re reading, but if you’d like to use Dropbox on your computer, here’s an overview of how it works.