It was updated for Word for Windows circa 1988. Warren Script Application was initially released as a set of style sheets for Word for DOS.
The next generation of screenplay software hooked into Microsoft Word. Scriptor's limitation was that once formatted it was difficult to re-import the resulting text back into a word processor for further editing. And so the need for key macro programs was lessened.
Īn update to Scriptor understood the style sheets used in Microsoft Word for DOS. SmartKey was popular with screenwriters from 1982–1987, after which word processing programs had their own macro features. Additionally, keyboard macros could be programmed to properly indent and enter abbreviations-allowing a user to customize the working of the word processor.
When used in conjunction with a TSR program such as SmartKey or ProKey-keyboard utilities that assigned a sequence of commands to keystroke combinations-the "dot commands" that Scriptor required could be inserted semi-automatically. It took a text file generated by a word processor and inserted the proper page break tags. The first screenwriting software was a standalone script formatter, Scriptor, from Screenplay Systems. There is also a formatting package for LaTeX called screenplay. The Fountain markup syntax, co-developed by screenwriter John August, facilitates formatting screenplays directly from plain text, be it in dedicated writing software, email programs, or text generated through OCR.
Screenwriting programs exist for all varieties of platforms and environments including traditional standalone desktop applications that run directly on a personal computer, web applications that run solely within a browser, and mobile apps that run on phones, tablets, and other portable devices. in Highland 2, WriterDuet and the forthcoming Final Draft 11. In 2018, developers began adding functions that allow an analysis of gender representation such as the Bechdel test, e.g. Screenwriting software often also provides functions that allow writers to analyze their scripts for various characteristics.
Examples of this type of program includes Dramatica and Index Card. Īnother class of screenwriting software includes those that, rather than act as specialized word processors, attempt to direct the writer's storytelling process by utilizing story theory to facilitate the planning of a screenplay. Some screenwriting applications, such as Celtx and Sophocles, also incorporate production scheduling and budgeting features. Other features often required when writing shooting scripts include page-locking, scene numbering, revision-tracking, and production-related reports (such as which characters appear in a given scene or which scenes are set during the day or night).
Screenplay software often provides specialized shortcuts for quickly typing character names or slug lines, collaborating with other writers, adding production notes, character notes, easy outlining, scene reordering, and other tools to facilitate the creative process. Other Final Draft 10 features include real-time collaboration, an index card view to aid scene arrangement, over 100 templates, and a mobile version (sold separately).įinal Draft writing software has just about everything you need, barring some pre-production tools like storyboards, and shot lists.īut if it’s out of your price range ($249.99 at the time of of this writing) there are other robust options to consider.While add-ins and macros for word processors, such as Script Wizard for Microsoft Word, can be used to write screenplays, the need for dedicated screenwriting programs arises from the presence of certain peculiarities in standard screenplay format which are not handled well by generic word processors such as page-break constraints imposed by standard screenplay format.
It also includes organizational tools like Story Map (for outlining), Beat Board (for beat sheets) and Alternate Dialogue (for storing additional dialogue options).įREE TEMPLATE: Download a Save the Cat style beat sheet template hereĮven if you’ve got a keen sense of writing dialogue, it can a great help to give yourself options later on. This means you can break down scene elements (actors, wardrobe, props) to feed into production reports later. Its SmartType function remembers scene elements like characters and locations, which you can reinsert as you write.įinal Draft 10 also includes robust tagging and reporting tools. It’s been an industry standard for decades, and has been used by top writers and filmmakers. You can’t discuss screenwriting software without Final Draft 10.