Writing software

[u/SheepherderShoddy937]

Hello! I was wondering what people use to write their plays. I have heard Google Docs, WriterDuet, and Arc Studios from screenwriters, but I don't know about playwriting.

[u/Vesurel]

I use Fade In, I found a UK stage play template from the BBC.

[u/Austinbennettwrites → u/Vesurel]

Fade In has a built in stageplay format though

[u/Sullyridesbikes151]

I use Final Draft. The shortcuts make it easy.

[u/VampireInTheDorms]

I just use Word tbh

[u/creept]

I use Final Draft but it’s sort of expensive. Though I’ve been using the same version for like 10 years so I guess it’s not that expensive from a yearly perspective. Final Draft has really amazing keyboard shortcuts that take the hassle out or formatting and really let me get into the flow. Personally if I had to go back and reformat something after using a plain word processor I’d probably just stop writing. 

Celtx is one I hear about a lot. Never used it personally. 

[u/poonbrah]

just docs for me

[u/Money_Many3592]

FadeIn with a template I created

[u/musicaljerks]

I used to use WriterDuet (and still do for screenwriting sometimes!) but their stage play format isn’t the best. Now I stick to Final Draft for playwriting because their template for plays is much better.

[u/TheCityThatCriedWolf]

I used to use fancier software but now I primarily use Google Docs, but that’s primarily because it’s easier to edit and get comments from collaborators/editors. Anyone can do it. Formatting is something I worry about when creating drafts worthy of putting in front of actors.

[u/FeistyInvestment]

I use Scrivener. Love it.

[u/Idiot_Abroad1959 → u/FeistyInvestment]

I think their yearly sale may be upcoming

[u/FeistyInvestment → u/Idiot_Abroad1959]

I used a dramatists guild discount as well. Not sure if they still offer one.

[u/glowingsnakeplant]

I just use Google docs or Word for my plays and format them manually. As far as I’m aware, there’s no widely used formatting software for plays (as Final Draft etc are all geared towards screenplays) and frankly, formatting them manually takes very little effort as long as you know how to use the tab ke

Edit: never heard of Fade In, but even then, I’m not sure why anyone would pay for specific software when you can do it easily (for free) on Google docs.

[u/helpfultran]

Fade In all day and all night.

[u/Purple-Custard-5799 → u/helpfultran]

Fade-in is no good on mobile

[u/helpfultran → u/Purple-Custard-5799]

Recently rediscovered this. Bummer.

[u/No-Mud-8434]

Final Draft

[u/Chance_Bed_8212]

I just use Google docs as I'm usually writing collaboratively - sometimes I use word.

I make sure my formatting is consistent, but most plays have there own quirks as far as I've seen 🤷‍♀️

[u/tikijay]

Final Draft is the standard. Celtx is ok but it’s gotten expensive. WritersDuet is a great affordable choice between the two. Formatting is incredibly important when sending stuff out to theaters and such. Plus the ability to write in the format without hassle really helps the work flow.

[u/ScienceAteMyKid]

I use a word template with pre-set formatting.

[u/Natural-Doctor-485]

Final Draft til I die!!!

[u/talkingdraft]

I use Final Draft. For outlining and my first draft though I use TalkingDraft

[u/KerryAnnCoder]

I'm coming from screenwriting so I just went ahead and used FadeIn.