Not only has the advancement in technology made it easier for society as a whole to operate, but it has made life significantly better for creatives. As writers, the tools available for us to write are a lot different than they once were.
We no longer have to use a junky typewriter or even just the basics of Microsoft Word anymore. Although most of us still use Microsoft Word, we have cloud services that can store our writing on the web without having to worry about a flash drive. Basically, the writing tools today make the creative process a lot more enjoyable than previously since there aren’t as many other factors to worry about.
If you’re confused or unfamiliar with what screenwriting tools you should use, look no further. Down below will highlight some of the best tools available for screenwriters. No matter what level you’re at with writing, you’ll find a lot of use out of these tools. Let’s take a look!
Photo credit: FinalDraft.com
Final Draft
Whether you just started your first script or you’re already a paid scriptwriter, you most likely know what Final Draft is. For those of you that don’t know, Final Draft is a word processor that is meant for scriptwriting. In fact, it’s the industry standard when it comes to screenwriting.
The program has essential functions like putting your script in proper screenplay format. Still, it has a variety of other useful tools. It has brainstorming tools, beat boards, story maps, collaboration, speech function, and much more.
However, with it being the industry standard for screenwriting, it tends to be a bit pricey. Although the price fluctuates, they occasionally offer a sale from time to time. So, if you don’t have a ton of money to spend on a program like this, be sure to be aware of any sale from them. If you’re interested in buying Final Draft, but want to try it out first, they do offer a 30-day free trial.
WriterDuet
If you’re looking for something a bit simpler than Final Draft, Writer Duet is a perfect option. Other than screenwriting capabilities, the program features brainstorming, organizing, mind maps, scene cards, and other tools to help you with your script.
Like most screenwriting tools, it’s completely cloud-based. Since it’s in the cloud, you have the ability to access it anywhere, anytime. Always a huge benefit to not worry about storing your files on your computer somewhere. A really cool aspect of Writer Duet is the ability to collaborate on it. If you’re looking for feedback or want to just co-write with someone, it’s an awesome tool that works directly on the platform.
Price-wise, they offer a plus, pro, and premium option. You can either pay a monthly or yearly option for each, and they all offer a variety of benefits from one another. Definitely check out each one to see which is best for you
Scrivener
If you're a scriptwriter but have a passion for other forms of writing, then you should consider checking out Scrivener. Scrivener is an excellent program that provides a variety of tools for writers.
With Scrivener, you can import, collect, organize, brainstorm, plan, write, and format whatever kind of writing you intend to do. Of the arrangements they offer, they have a screenwriting format to utilize as well.
If you're a writer of any kind, then Scrivener is one of the tools you should consider checking out. It runs very well and isn't too expensive, considering what it does.
Celtx
Celtx is a somewhat simpler version of Final Draft, but there's one main reason it's on here. That reason being there's a free version of Celtx that offers screenwriting functions for up to three scripts at a time.
Plus, it's cloud-based, which means you don't have to worry about having a ton of extra space on your computer for another program. It's effortless to use, and if you enjoy the platform, you can purchase the pro version.
There are a few different pro versions available, and each one offers a variety of tools that can be useful for you. Other than being celebrated for screenwriting, the pro versions of Celtx specialize in getting your script directly into a video piece. If you're looking to make indie films or even YouTube videos, this should be a program you consider.
Fade In Pro
Last, but not least is Fade In Pro. It is used for teleplays, stage plays, radio plays, multimedia, graphic novels, and other similar script formats. It is cheaper than most tools and dialogue tuner is one awesome feature, making the entire program easier to use. This allows you to see and edit all of a single character’s dialogue in one place to check for consistency and voice. Plus, you can delete character names unlike most software, where if you misspell a name you’ll constantly see it in auto fill.
It also works on mobile, and so you can import your scripts from Fade In Professional Screenwriting Software to the mobile version in the blink of an eye.
Have a look at the free version and decide for yourself. Plus, Fade In Pro is also sponsoring our competition, and the 1st and 2nd place winners of the 2020 edition will receive a free license worth $79.95.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our article on some of our favorite screenwriting tools. Remember to check each one out for yourself and see which of them works best for you. Truth be told, you can probably get something useful out of them all.