Screenwriting Software for You... FINAL DRAFT... CELTX... or ????

In this video we are giving an overview of screenwriting software, some things to consider when deciding, and advice to help you choose the software that’s best for you… and it may not be Final Draft or Celtx like you might think.
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💬 Q U E S T I O N S & C O M M E N T S
If you have any questions about screenwriting, drop them in the comments section. If it’s a short answer, I’ll reply here. If not, I’ll try to tackle it in a future video.
// N O T E
This video was recorded in early January 2021. Some of the information and screen recordings within the video reflect end of year and new year sales for the software (which is why I only talk in general terms about cost within the video).
// L I N K S
I’ve linked a summary document with some important overview information about each of the software packages mentioned within the video. You can download that for free if you wish for reference.
Below are links to the software mentioned in this video. These are NOT affiliate links. Explore the software you are interested in and make an informed decision.
| | F R E E S O F T W A R E | |
Fountain: bit.ly/BRS_Fountain
Trelby: bit.ly/BRS_Trelby
Highland 2: bit.ly/BRS_Highland2
Celtx: bit.ly/BRS_Celtx
StudioBinder: bit.ly/BRS_StudioBinder
WriterSolo: bit.ly/BRS_WriterSolo
| | P A I D S O F T W A R E | |
Celtx: bit.ly/BRS_Celtx
Movie Magic Screenwriter: bit.ly/BRS_MovieMagicScreenwriter
Final Draft: bit.ly/BRS_FinalDraft
Scrivener: bit.ly/BRS_Scrivener
WriterDuet: bit.ly/BRS_WriterDuet
FadeIn Pro: bit.ly/BRS_FadeInPro
// C O M M E N T S
If you notice any of these links broken, please make a note in the comments so I can update the link.
Also, feel free to comment about what software you use and why… this may help someone else make a better decision.
***
// I G N O R E
#bigredstripe #screenwritingfasttrack #screenplaynavigator

[@JulianJohnJunior]

I have a VERY OLD free version of Celtx on my computer. It has EVERYTHING that the paid version has minus whatever they've added over time. But it's great, I found it on an old article in 2014 and now that article or the website itself is gone now. So, I have a very rare version of it on my computer. I'm so glad to have it.

[@HoriaNeagu]

Same here. I must have discovered Celtx around the same time and I've been in love with it. I tried the paid version, but they completely ruined it. I'll take my old local installation of Celtx over their downgraded, clunky, buggy tool, thank you!

[@donatodicamillo1]

I’m assuming we can’t find it anywhere?

[@JulianJohnJunior]

@@donatodicamillo1 It used to be on some screenwriting article. Forgot what the site was. I used to have it saved but I think I deleted the link since it was dead. So, the site it was on is most likely gone too. Doubt the site got much traffic and had any chance of being on wayback machine.

[@johnjay370]

Good for you. Long ago I used Celtex the downloaded version but now its online trash. I am now just using word. Might be difficult when I will format it later on but it work just fine.

[@lawrencediggs7957]

Thanks a lot. It is great to watch a video that doesn't feel like an advertisement. No screaming like a used car seller, no loud music or diversions about what you had for breakfast or your dogs favorite toy, just "what it says on the tin". Thanks again.

[@vaughancapstick9961]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. All the info within a few minutes. And revealing, without having to do the hard yards! Perfect. Thank you 😊

[@BigRedStripe]

My pleasure. Glad it was helpful.

[@Brave2standalone]

Thank you for the overview!

[@nikecontd]

Such an underrated YT Account! Nice structuring of the content (well, you're a screenwriter, so that makes sense) and very honest. Thank you!

[@BigRedStripe]

Aww, shucks. Thanks so much. Glad I'm being helpful.

[@SantinoDomani]

Fantastic content. Thank you very much for the information.

[@renevincent912]

Just the video I need to watch to get a perfect overview. Thanks.

[@davidemiable]

Thank you for explaining things so clearly and telling us why you like what you do and looking at it depending on the person's needs and resources

[@mariamariahwilson2487]

Thank you so much for the info. Good informative video

[@mixchief]

Thanks, didn't know about Fade In. Gonna look it up!

[@J.MJ.]

This was detailed and extremely helpful !

[@BigRedStripe]

Always my hope! Glad you found it helpful.

[@zeebrook]

I wrote several small film scripts many years ago on a mechanical typewriter (Hard work). I have started writing my first play and working on my second book. This video has given me some very good advice on the software for writing and formatting my script. Thanks.

[@BigRedStripe]

You're welcome.

[@mariaalaniz719]

Good job! Thank you.

[@ohyeah2269]

cool background music. refreshing, thanks. Video was great too. Helpful

[@BigRedStripe]

Glad it was helpful.

[@PhilDrury]

Not surprised about the recommendation for fadein.

[@MrThelonliestpunk]

Great advice thanks for making this video.

[@BigRedStripe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angelicazadak]

Thank you SO much for this video. I started using WriterDuet and began second guessing going with Final Draft just because it's "industry standard." Because of this video (coupled with another recommendation), I downloaded Fade In. AND I don't feel weird or bad about having more than one writing tool that feels easy to use FOR ME. Thank you!

[@BigRedStripe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dirkgrotepas5393]

I have the stand alone Celtx and I love it; but now they don't offer the stand alone anymore... So glad I got it when I did.

[@mirrorlessny]

very informative, thank you

[@CapuletPoeChannel]

Best video about screenwriting software on youtube!

[@BigRedStripe]

Aww... shucks. Thanks for the high praise!

[@realbadger]

I used Celtx until files I'd save Celtx would later declare Don't Exist. Now I use Trelby, with which I've had no issues. Trelby formats properly, and when one is ready it can save the script as a .pdf file. When updating a script, one can save/overwrite the.pdf version as well. Trelby doesn't do italics and such; I just put asterisks and words I want to emphasize.

[@rutepereira7628]

i am aware this video is over a year old but i wanna chime in with Story Architect in case folks are looking! It's a deviant of KIT Scenarist and it works really great! It's also free :)

[@BigRedStripe]

Thanks for sharing!

[@rabiaachouri6520]

I just find this vedeo but really it's what i looked for thanks

[@BigRedStripe]

Glad I could help.

[@raghunathsamudrala]

quite helpful!

[@BigRedStripe]

Thank you. Glad to help.

[@fhajji]

I started with KIT Scenarist, but I decided to bite the bullet and bought Final Draft 12 since it was on sale.

[@harshs6597]

how much u got on sale for ?

[@ImprobableTodd]

Have had Final Draft on my iPad for a year or so and finally decided to skip the daunting task of writing a book and have launched into scriptwriting for the serialized Netflix kind of market. Am I right in thinking that 30 pages is about right for an hour-long episode? The science fiction idea that has been bouncing around in my head for 35 years is now all gushing out of me. Thank you so much for your analysis, and I look forward to digging into your videos as a new subscriber. I love how jumping right to dialog instead of noodling around with descriptors has me 75 pages, two-plus episodes, completed in less than a week.

[@BigRedStripe]

44-53 pages is for an hour-long episode of network TV (that builds in space for commercials). For streaming services, that number is closer to 55-57 pages. If you've formatted your script properly, than 1 page = roughly 1 minute of screen time... that's one reason why format matters if you're wondering. So a 30-page script is a half-hour show, not an hour. Hope that helps.

[@nicholasdarienzo8117]

Jake, this was so helpful, thank you! Where did you get those pieces btw - the "inspire" "write" "imagine" typewriters? Did you make them? You made me an instant fan, thanks for your guidance!

[@BigRedStripe]

Glad this was helpful. And yes, I did make those pieces, but I also sell them in my store for writers: writingdelights.com. There's a link in the description of pretty much every video... and a bunch of new products are coming in the next couple of months.

[@mechanicheart]

If you are a student final draft have discount for you; I just bought my copy for 79 bucks, I bought with a seasonal and student discount so it was a really good deal

[@BigRedStripe]

Yes, students get discounts. I just looked and the current rate is $99 for the software (you will have to verify your student status). The student version is a full version, but you will still have to pay for any upgrades in the future, and the iPhone and iPad apps are still an additional $9.99. Still, $99 is better than the current $199 (currently on sale, reg price is $249; reg student price is $129), so if you're a student, definitely the best time to get Final Draft because it's basically 50% cheaper.

[@hiroooooooo4656]

I downloaded a trial copy the the upgraded got a massive discount

[@tommyzai7038]

Wonderful! I wish you created this kind of summary for every writing tool . . . heck . . . even dishwashers, cars, and choosing which girl to marry.

[@BigRedStripe]

Well, if there is a specific type of writing tool, let me know... I'll consider doing it. You don't want me reviewing dishwashers or cars, though. That's gonna end in a trainwreck of epic proportions. Choosing which girl to marry? She should be your best friend (and you her's), should make you better in every part of your life (and you her), should be attractive to you (and attracted to you), you both should put "preserving the relationship" on a much higher level of priority than "being right," and God is at the center of everything. Those are the things that have helped my wife and I (and we don't always get it right) in our almost 28 years of marriage. It's not about being perfect... it's about loving your spouse more than you love yourself because it is for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do you part. And what I tell my girls? All of the above plus this: don't settle. Have high standards and don't apologize for them. And at the same time, realize you aren't perfect either... so live up to the standards you are imposing on your potential spouse-to-be. Not sure if you really wanted that, Tommy, but you asked, so there you go. And that concludes this episode of: Which Person to Marry, season 1, episode 1.

[@tommyzai7038]

@@BigRedStripe Thanks so much for responding. I was half serious, but appreciate the other half. Yeah, putting someone else first for a lifetime is not always easy, but loving your spouse with God at the center will certainly help! Girls should have high standards . . . everyone should. NEVER settle. One life. Live it well. I look forward to Season 1, epi 2. ;-) BTW, I hate plumbing. Double BTW, Fade In looks sweet. Any thoughts on a simple yet powerful markup or word processor for Mac?

[@tommyzai7038]

"Well, if there is a specific type of writing tool, let me know​" - @@BigRedStripe Mark-up vs. Standard Word Processors for writing, not any HTML or coding.

[@BigRedStripe]

@@tommyzai7038 For me... if I'm integrating graphics, then Microsoft Word. If I'm just writing text? Google docs. If I'm writing a script? Neither. Screenwriting software... I use Fade In and WriterSolo. I'm sure there's a video there somewhere, but I'll have to think about that one and how I could integrate it with screenwriting. And for what it's worth, for HTML, I just use Dreamweaver. 🙂

[@jettawatpattarapakorn5086]

I like your content :)

[@BigRedStripe]

Thank you!

[@ricardourroz9322]

Just a clarification... I am almost sure that Writer Solo is the same exactly as the fully priced Writer duet the difference is that you can´t automatically backup to the cloud. And you can´t do collaborations, something like that.. but it´s like having the FULL PAID Duet.

[@BigRedStripe]

Yes, Writer Solo is identical to Writer Duet minus a couple of the cloud and collaborative functions (I think there's a couple of other things it doesn't do, but they aren't things I use so I can't recall). That's one reason I really like this free software as it's basically paid software... for free. And who doesn't like free things?

[@jammydodger222Xxd]

I was pretty excited about Highland but unfortuantely it's not available on windows.

[@thomasnyman6657]

Great video, Thanks! I compile (export) from Scrivener to Word because it's better for spell check, but I have to tediously check every page break before I convert to a pdf. But then I have to bring it back into Scrivener for major structural rewrites. The back and forth is excruciating. Can you suggest a better way? THANKS!

[@BigRedStripe]

A couple of suggestions: You've probably done this, but just in case, check all settings because with Scrivener there are more than one place to check (and yes, I just became that annoying tech support help dork who asks, "Is it plugged in and turned on?"... sorry). If you're on a Mac, you'll want to check (1) the global settings (System Preference), (2) Scrivener's Preferences, and (3) within each project (under Edit > Spelling and Grammar). If you're on a PC, check the equivalents of those (I'm a Mac guy, so I have no idea what the PC equivalents are). My understanding of Scrivener is that you can determine the spellchecky-ness for each project, so that could be an issue if you weren't aware. If that's not the issue and all your settings are good to go (I found several posts online about how Scrivener's spell check is whack and / or inconsistent), a solution for not going back and forth is to send it to Word like you have been, but keep the Scrivener file open. Scan the Word doc for issues, but make all changes in Scrivener, not Word. This will save you the reimporting nightmare. Any other option I'd suggest would more than likely involve additional software, and I'm not gonna be that guy. Spell checking is always an issue for any writer. One proof reading suggestion I'd offer is to read each element out loud. This forces your eyes to slow down, and you'll probably catch most spelling errors that way without even having to do the export thing you are doing. Others suggest reading the story out loud and backward (this is annoying to me and tedious, but it does work). Anything to slow your eyes down helps you spot the errors more easily. Wish I had a better solution / magic bullet fix. I'm not a current Scrivener user, so I'm not sure how many other weeds I can get in and still be helpful. Good luck.

[@mariaalaniz719]

I have installed Final Draft on the free trial version. It is not very intuitive software for me, still I am making use of it.

[@BigRedStripe]

Final Draft has a lot of features that you don't use, so it can make it a bit confusing and counterintuitive for finding where things are at. You do get used to it.

[@mariaalaniz719]

@@BigRedStripe Anyway all prgrams sem to be not ituitive to me! Thanks for your help.

[@sanitariocontra1112]

Hi, great content! I have a question and you might be able to help me. I have a writing partner who is completely averse to learning English and we need software that its settings can be changed entirely to Spanish. Thanks so much for the info.

[@BigRedStripe]

Most screenwriting software supports writing in Spanish (and several other languages), although the menu and display settings typically need to be done through the device settings (these are typically the default for the computer). I know Fade In Pro and Final Draft both support Spanish, and Writer Duet (Writer Solo... the free version) also supports Spanish. You'll need to search the specific help guides within each software or on their respective websites for how to activate / install the language of your choice as they are all a bit different. If you do a search for "software spanish" (so "fade in pro spanish") you should be able to find the information you are looking for. Good luck.

[@davidsuper773]

I have ARC Studio but can you tell me how to change the font style?

[@BigRedStripe]

Arc Studio only has a few font choices. You can request that feature through their help... it's one I hope they are planning to add soon.

[@rodrigokirchnerfilmdirector]

from what I here - Arc Studio Pro is your software of the future - great video though

[@BigRedStripe]

I'm not familiar with Arc Studio Pro. When I went to their website, it looks like a monthly subscription based model. I was a bit frustrated in that the "Pricing" tab doesn't actually list the prices. A software not listing its price? Feels off to me. And then there was the "Start Writting" (sic) button icon... on a writing site.. misspelling "writing." Kinda makes me want to pass, but I'll try to look into a bit more. It does at least import and export to .fdx... so that's a plus, but I'm not a fan of the monthly things because after a year, you could have already purchased other software instead of doling out a monthly fee. My first impressions....

[@TalmoTheSell]

What nice about FD is that is has a student discount

[@BigRedStripe]

As long as you are a student. :-)

[@dean8483]

Final Draft is good for English speaker. However, as a Chinese writer, when you typed in Chinese, no matter you keep it or delete them, or you paste in the English translation from Google, GPT or Word, Final Draft will not be able to SAVE or SAVE as a new file. And that's why I use Fade in on PC, and Celtex on Mac.

[@GSttarr]

I have been using celtx desktop version for years and I think WriterSolo is a great upgrade for a desktop version. But I'm having one problem. When ever I open a project it opens to the top as suppose to my last saved position. Is this a requirement or do I have a problem ? ? ? ?

[@BigRedStripe]

I think that's normal. Pretty much every software does this when you open the file... it goes to the top. Not sure you can set it to do anything different.

[@thomasnichols6618]

you should do one on drama queen screen writting progame.

[@BigRedStripe]

I looked. Seems interesting, but many of the features are not available on the free version. When I do another software video, I'll try to include it. Thanks for letting me know.

[@mylittlecoldcase]

Can anyone tell me the name of the very simple site that was created by like one dude for open source screenwriting? It was rad and I can't remember the name or find it anywhere

[@BigRedStripe]

KIT Scenarist. It's still there. It's a great option for international writers because there are a lot of built in language libraries so people can write in their native language.

[@XRos28]

Please help me here: which PC software can use with Speech to Text, for Screenwriting? I see that FD12 can't use speech on PC, only MAC... Thank you.

[@BigRedStripe]

I'm actually not a PC guy, but the only software I know that uses speech to text is Final Draft. There might be others, but I just don't know. One option is to use Fountain, the mark up text for screenwriting. You can use that in any word processing software. So if you have solid speech to text in Microsoft Word, for example, you can use the mark up text to format it for you, and then bring it into Final Draft or any other software that reads Fountain. Hope that helps.

[@XRos28]

@@BigRedStripeI actually know that MAC Final Draft has speech to text, but not the PC version, for some reason... As for the rest, thank you.

[@michaelsix9684]

do you use two computers to write or two screens?

[@BigRedStripe]

I only write on one computer at a time. Usually a laptop, but my laptop is currently DOA. So it's the desktop for me. And on my desktop, I use two screens.

[@burtclemons5438]

Very good video. I have watched soooo many videos, and this one hits the spot. I will get FadeIn, because you explained things so well. I have a story, I'll let you know when I'm done, smile.

[@BigRedStripe]

@Burt: Yes, I love FadeIn and highly recommend it. Other software can be good and be of benefit, but I have found FadeIn needs to do everything I need, and if I need to pull the trigger on Final Draft, I can... haven't needed to do that yet, though. Happy writing! And yes, let me know when you're done.

[@spryglet7807]

Very basic question from an absolute beginner: Can you import a PDF into any of these programs? Thank you in advance.

[@BigRedStripe]

Generally, the screenwriting software won't read a PDF properly. It might preserve all of the words upon import, but you'll more than likely lose formatting. If you have a script in one specific screenwriting software, however, usually at least one or several other programs will import that original file without too many issues (there may still be a few minor formatting issues). But if your original script is in something like Word or Google Docs (which many beginners write in when just starting out), that will be more of a challenge. At that point, my recommendation would be to either: a) try and tackle a rewrite of that script and just literally rewrite it in some free software as you go... so keep what you want and rework the rest kind of thing, OR b) let that script go and put it in a metaphorical drawer (most 1st, 2nd, and 3rd scripts are usually not that great anyway), and move on to a different story with at least some free screenwriting software. And then after you've written a few more scripts, if you still feel strongly about one of your earlier stories, then revisit it and rewrite it in the new software, but it will be much better because you will have learned several things along the way. There may be some software that does import a PDF without issues, but I'm not aware of any (I don't use all of the programs regularly). If anyone reading this knows of a software that does, please drop it in the comments. Otherwise, Spryglet, I think you're left with either option A or B. Hope that helps. -Jacob

[@spryglet7807]

@@BigRedStripe Thank you so very much for your very thoughtful reply. I sincerely appreciate it and it certainly gives me a lot to think about. You have some great videos. Thanks for passing on your knowledge and experience. Peace.

[@BigRedStripe]

@Spryglet UPDATE: per another post here, the new version of Final Draft does apparently import PDFs. You'll still want to double-check to make sure everything comes in okay, but there is an option for you.

[@spryglet7807]

@@BigRedStripe I appreciate your follow up! Many thanks!

[@jeffryvanwormer7829]

What about Drama Queen?

[@BigRedStripe]

I honestly had never heard of Drama Queen software until I read this comment. I've never known anyone who uses it and no one has ever recommended it to me. But after looking at it, it'd definitely be something worth checking out. So for anyone reading this who is on the fence about some software, you could check it out. The Free version seems solid and has some decent features, including unlimited scripts (a huge plus). But many of the additional features have to be paid for. The Pro version (the most expensive tier) is more expensive than Final Draft, so if you're just itching to spend $300, you can get it. But there are cheaper options for the features available. Still... the free version might be a good solution for some. Thanks for letting me know about it!

[@michaelsix9684]

ever heard of Fade In? free screenwriting program

[@BigRedStripe]

I didn't know Fade In had a free option. I use the paid version and have for 15 or so years as I write this. My guess is their free version has a watermark.

[@tony5444]

I'm sorry but I disagree 100% with your advice on which software should be used in the film industry for Screen Writers. Industry PROFESSIONAL'S use Final Draft, period! Yes, the end product needs to be delivered in PDF, BUT what are you going to do when you sell your script and/or end up collaborating with another Writer (let's say for a Marvel movie or with any other big Studio), and you didn't write your script in FD, but that's what they're working on? FD is the go-to industry standard application to write your scripts. Simple! No matter what the factor is, whether, it's time, cost, etc., you MUST invest in yourself, no matter the craft you're pursuing! If you're an Actor you invest in acting classes, yes? If you're a Carpenter, an Electrician, a Lawyer, you don't try to find ways "around" learning those skill sets, do you? The same concept applies to being a Screen Writer.

[@BigRedStripe]

You're very welcome to disagree. I'm speaking from my experience and my relationships with Hollywood people, and only about half of the working writers I know actually use Final Draft. And of those that do use it, most of them are staffed on a TV show (which has a faster turnaround time from script to production). Final Draft tends to be the "go to" once a script goes into production, so if your script isn't going into production, no one will ask for an .fdx file. Plus, most software exports an .fdx file without any issue, so you have that option. And even if you don't have Final Draft but you absolutely must get it, by the time you get to your script going into actual pre-production, you'll have been paid a decent amount of money and can spare the $$$ to buy it. But until then? You don't need it. And yes, anyone who wants to be a screenwriter needs to invest in themselves and the craft. That might mean taking classes, buying books, and, yes, software. But why start telling a brand new writer who doesn't know the difference between story and storytelling yet, or in how to even construct a solid scene, that they have to buy one of the most expensive screenwriting software packages? It's gonna take a few years before they are skilled enough to have a script that has a shot at going into production. And during that time, Final Draft will release at least one, if not two, updates at about $100 a pop. So let them learn for less money with free or low cost software and invest their money in classes and books and whatever else to learn the craft better and faster... the software expense can come later when the writer is ready OR when they've managed to sell something that is going into pre-production and can afford it. I'm just not into people wasting their money before they are skilled enough for that expense to actually be worth it.

[@masonmcdowell9755]

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