What is the best programme for writing a script?

For me, one of the slowest and most difficult parts of writing a screenplay is what software to use. Not many writers sit behind a typewriter these days! Over the past year I have been experimenting with three different programmes.

Celtx – A free media-writing programme for (Windows and Mac)

Scrivener – An affordable programme for writing anything (Mac and Windows Beta)

Final Draft – Expensive but the leading script writing software available (Mac and Windows)

Each one I found has its good and bad points. For those considering using either of these I have a quick review on each.

Celtx

A free programme that is aimed at the beginner. I found Celtx to be extremely basic and straightforward. It offers several templates and sample projects to help you get started. I would say that if you want to write a script then you need to understand the scheme in order to use Celtx.

The layout itself is much like using Word so there is not actually much to learn. It’s an excellent programme for the beginner and best of all no cost at all. If you are new to writing scripts, or want to write a book then I highly recommend Celtx.

Scrivener

This costs 45 USD and is available from the App Store and also Windows. Scrivener acts much like a corkboard. It focuses on being a content generation tool. When writing a script or novel, most writers will have some kind of storyboard. For some this is a detailed map of the plot, for others it could be a multitude of post it notes spread around a room. Scrivener aims to gather all ideas and put them into a neatly organized programme that is both straightforward and intuitive. It certainly acts as a cross between a word processor and a management tool. Giving the author the freedom to do what is most important, being creative. Like Celtx it comes with a variety of ready to use templates and you can also include character profiles so everything that you need is readily available to hand to make the process of writing the story as easy as can be.

For 45 dollars, it’s an excellent investment for those who want to maybe look at writing as a career instead of a hobby.

Final Draft

Final draft is the leading script-writing package available. It comes at a price of 249 dollars, which is intended for those serious about scriptwriting. When you look at the writers who use it, JJ Abrams, James Cameron, Ron Howard etc., you can clearly see how highly regarded this is.

Unlike the previous two programmes, final draft is solely used for writing scripts. There are many templates, but those using this programme will need a little help in knowing how to write a script. It uses a panel system for referencing scenes or characters, much like Scrivener. Script Notes are also a fantastic tool when it comes to adding ideas or giving feedback on a script. I have found this to be an invaluable tool when writing.

Final Draft certainly is a fully comprehensive programme that contains everything that a writer needs when completing a script and the online resource and community is a marvellous place to raise any questions.

Of course many people’s decision will be a financial one and they may not want to pay 250 dollars for a programme that they may not feel comfortable with (though Final Draft does have a free demo).

I have used all three and each has its positives and negatives. If I had to choose one, I would choose Scrivener. It’s affordable, has an extremely intuitive layout and at 45 dollars is a good investment for anyone who is considering a career in writing. Celtx is a superb programme for beginners and Final Draft I would say is purely for the professional.

If you are using any of these let me know which one. Would be interested to find out your thoughts.

Celtx