- Highland 2 0 5 – Powerful Straightforward Screenwriting Approaches Techniques
- Highland 2 0 5 – Powerful Straightforward Screenwriting Approaches Examples
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As of this afternoon, version 1.7.1 of Highland has exactly one review on its main page in the Mac App Store:
I honestly never knew how much time I was spending formatting and making pages look pretty, until I started writing in Highland. I’m a more efficient writer, focusing on what a writer should be focusing on: words. I’ve switched over to Highland for my latest screenplay and I can honestly say that I will never go back. Highland is where I will write from now on.
The highest compliment I can pay this program is that it gets out of my way. It makes me want to KEEP writing. Which is a writer’s dream.
Jmedwarren’s five-star review is so lovely that I almost don’t want to tell him the backstory: Highland wasn’t meant for writing at all.
When we announced Highland in 2012, we billed it as a “screenplay utility” for converting between formats: PDF, FDX and the newly-minted Fountain. You dropped a file on it and selected a new file type.
This is what it looked like:
The initial betas had no editing view, because we assumed users would write and edit Fountain using any of the excellent plain-text editors available. Likewise, we had no preview, because we were going to export a PDF or Final Draft file anyway.
In practice, we discovered that we often wanted to make small tweaks to a file we had just converted. For example, if we needed to modify title page information, it was a hassle to have to save the Fountain text, open it in iAWriter, fix it, then re-open it in Highland.
To avoid this round-tripping, we added a very basic editor and a preview. The user could switch between these views to see the changes reflected before export.
As the betas progressed, we changed the UI significantly, moving from two tabs on the top to the current sidebar.1 This is what version 1.7 looks like:
By the time we shipped — almost a year later — we saw ourselves largely as a companion to Slugline. They focused on writing while we converted files.2
Still, I started to be comfortable calling Highland a screenplay editor rather than a screenplay utility. Last year, I wrote:
Highland is a great bridge between apps, but over the last year we’ve found more and more users are simply doing their writing in Highland. It’s a full-featured editor, with spelling, versions and find-and-replace. Because it’s plain text, you can focus on the words and not the formatting.
When asked if someone could write a script in Highland, my answer was generally, “Well, you could. But that’s not really what it’s for.” I steered users to other apps as alternatives. As a company, we spent our time refining Highland’s underlying engine for parsing PDFs and dealing with edge cases.
But people kept using Highland like a traditional screenwriting app. Or perhaps it’s better to say they used Highland in lieu of a traditional screenwriting app.
People like our app store reviewer Jmedwarren saw Highland as primarily a writing tool, not a converter.
So with version 1.7 of Highland, we’re embracing the fact that we’re really a screenwriting app. We don’t do everything other apps do, but we do some things significantly better, enough so that we’re the right choice for some screenwriters.
Highland pros and cons
Here’s where Highland is actually better:
Focus. When you’re writing in Highland, it’s just the words. There’s nothing to distract you. You can’t fiddle with margins, or futz with how the pages break. Even the little bits of syntax gray themselves out so all you see is your text.
Speed. Highland is lean and mean. From scrolling to previews, Highland is blisteringly fast. Because it’s Mac-only, we optimize it using the latest Apple technologies. Because we separate editing from preview, you’re never waiting for a long document to reformat as you type.
It’s hard to market speed as a feature, because you don’t think of a screenwriting app needing to be fast. But in practice, Highland feels better under your fingers.
Typography. Highland features Courier Prime and Highland Sans, two typefaces we commissioned. Screenwriters shouldn’t have to look at ugly fonts all day.
Standards. Because we helped forge the Fountain standard, Highland does it well. We’re often the first to incorporate new specs, such as lyrics and forced character names. But you can always open Highland’s files in any plain text editor, so you’re never stuck with us. If another screenwriting app comes along that’s vastly better, you can jump ship instantly.
Dark Mode. I don’t understand why more apps don’t offer it. It makes writing in dark places — or public spaces — much more comfortable.
PDF melting. This was Highland’s breakout feature. While other apps have added it, our PDF parsing is unmatched. It’s a tricky, thankless task, but a key part of both Highland and now Weekend Read, so we keep getting better.
Active development. Highland receives regular updates, sometimes twice a month, incorporating user-requested features in almost every build. We’re small enough to move quickly, but big enough that we’re not going out of business tomorrow. When things break — and they do — we fix them fast.
Created by working screenwriters. This is the hardest advantage to show, but probably the most important factor in why Highland works the way it does. I use Highland every day for actual paid work. I rely on it, so major and minor annoyances get addressed.
I’m not the only one using it, either. Justin Marks wrote me to say he was doing his latest feature largely in Highland, in part because it made working with lyrics so much easier.
These are some of Highland’s advantages, but there are things other screenwriting apps do better than Highland — or that we don’t do at all. Our work this next year will be figuring out what we can do to make Highland more useful without losing focus.
Outlining. I use Workflowy for outlining, but I’d love an integrated outliner that smartly leverages Fountain’s section and synopsis lingo. Slugline sort of does it, but its sidebar outline is mostly a navigator rather than a writing tool. (Still, Slugline’s sidebar is really useful for long documents, and I miss it sometimes.)
Revisions. Last week, I needed to turn in a draft with small changes. I really wanted to create starred changes in the margins without having to leave the comfort of Highland. We have ideas for dealing with revisions, both within the Fountain spec and on an app level, but it’s a challenging problem. For all my issues with Final Draft, it actually does a solid job with starred changes (and more complicated production features) once you understand how it works.
Collaboration. This is a topic for a longer blog post, but collaboration can mean both two people typing in the same document at the same time (like Google Docs) or the ability to suggest edits (like Draft). Both are useful. Both are difficult. But Fountain’s plain-text background is a huge help. Fully online tools like WriterDuet may be plenty for some writers, but I have a hunch there’s more to be done here, particularly for writers working on the staff of a show.
Title Pages. This is a Fountain issue as much as anything, but creating a title page in Highland is frustratingly hit-or-miss. We had good intentions; title and author metadata is part of the file itself, as it should be. But it’s very hard to get title pages to look the way you really want. We may call a mulligan and find a better way.
All of these issues are shortcomings, not showstoppers.
For my daily use, Highland is still a better way to write a screenplay. Particularly for my first drafts, I agree with Jmedwarren in that the best thing about Highland is that it gets out of your way.
We’ve redesigned the Highland site to reflect Highland’s role as a screenwriting app. Take a look and see how it works for you.
- The sidebar was prompted largely by plans for an iPad version of Highland. ↩
- To this day, Slugline still has a “Send to Highland” menu command. ↩
Screenwriting software is a rapidly growing market that’s expected to reach $235.8 million by 2026. As a screenwriter or scriptwriter, you need a specialized tool to help you in writing killer screenplays efficiently.
If you are a screenwriter, having access to the right screenwriting software should be your top priority. Why?
Because it has now become an industry norm. When all the other screenwriters are using tools and software to write better scripts, you have to use the best screenwriting software to be at the top.
This article covers everything you need to know about screenwriting software, what features to look for when choosing one, and a list of the best screenwriting software to help you choose the right one.
Let’s get cracking.
What is Screenwriting Software?
Screenwriting software is a writing tool (like word processors) designed specifically for writing screenplays and scripts. Normal word processors (e.g. Microsoft Word) can’t handle the special needs of screenwriters.
For example, screenwriters deal with several characters and they need quick shortcuts to type character names. Similarly, screenwriters have to take notes, collaborate with other writers, and need access to outline quickly.
Microsoft Word has macros that make it easier for screenwriters to use these features but it’s a painful process. Dedicated screenwriting software provides you with all the features and benefits that you need to produce awesome scripts quickly yet comfortably.
Most importantly, screenwriting software comes with templates that is a huge plus. Templates make writing super-easy. Select a template based on the script type, make the edits, and you are done. Having the best screenwriting software will help you stay organized, save time, write quickly, and focus on what’s essential instead of dealing with the technicalities of the tool.
Features & Benefits of Screenwriting Software
Highland 2 0 5 – Powerful Straightforward Screenwriting Approaches Techniques
Screenwriting software offers you with several features and benefits that make them essential for writing screenplays and scripts. Here is an over of the major benefits that you should expect to see in the best screenwriting tool:
- Easy-to-use interface that requires minimal or no training
- Ready-to-use templates
- Outlines and mind mapping assistance
- Story maps
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Real-time collaboration with other writers and stakeholders
- Distraction-free writing
- On-screen sidebar to quickly access characters and scenes
- Note-taking tool
- Auto-correct, spell check, and grammar recommendation
- Quick draft import and export
- Sync and integration with third-party apps (e.g. cloud services)
- Multiple device support
Here are the top three features that you must consider before choosing any screenwriting software:
1. Templates
Screenplay templates help you plot your story quickly. Templates provide you with the basic elements of a screenplay that you can tweak as per requirement. For instance, you'll find headline, action, character names, dialogue, transition, shot, and other elements in the template. This saves a lot of time and makes your job easier.
2. Ease of Use
If it requires training and you have to spend a lot of time learning how to use a screenwriting tool, it isn’t worth it. The interface and layout should be simple and easy-to-use. This is one of the core features that you should look for in a screenwriting program.
The user interface should be self-explanatory with icons and buttons clearly visible. A graphical interface is ideal with a drag-and-drop tool.
3. Collaboration
Real-time collaboration is an essential feature that you shouldn’t miss. You have to collaborate with fellow writers, editors, and several other stakeholders during the writing process. Collaboration feature helps you collaborate with peers within the screenwriting software, you don’t have to use another tool. This keeps everything streamlined and organized within a single platform.
You also have to take notes (private and shared) related to characters, story, outline, and writing projects. The easier it is to take notes while writing, the better.
What screenwriting software features you prefer is more of a personal choice, but these three features should be your top priority as it will prove handy in the long run. So always look for these three features when evaluating software options.
The Best Screenwriting Software 2020
Here is an overview and review of the best screenwriting software available in the market to choose from in 2020.
These include both free screenwriting software and paid ones. Let’s dig in.
1. Squibler
Squibler is the #1 and top-rated screenwriting software that has a powerful yet easy-to-use text editor for screenwriters. It comes loaded with 30+ screenplay templates that help you in getting started hassle-free. The drag-and-drop user interface makes it extremely easy to add headings, beat boards, and other elements. With its collaboration feature, multiple writers can work on a single story simultaneously. This saves you from the hassle of sending story to multiple peers and then waiting for them to add their section.
Main Features
- Easy-to-use scriptwriting software
- Drag and drop interface
- Distraction-free mode
- More than 30 templates to choose from
- Powerful built-in collaboration feature
- Comes with several handy tools for writers such as plot generator
- Works on web, pc, Ipad, IPhone, and Android
- Integrates seamlessly with Google Drive and Dropbox
- 30-days free trial
Best For
Squibler screenwriting software is an all-purpose platform that is suitable for all types of scriptwriters, authors, and fiction and non-fiction writers. It is perfect for screenwriters who need easy-to-use and reliable software to produce quality content with peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
Squibler is multi-purpose feature-rich screenwriting software that’s a perfect choice for any writer. It has all the features that you need in the best screenwriting tool. It has templates, easy-to-use, and has amazing collaboration and note-taking features.
Importantly, you can try it free.
Squibler Pricing
Squibler offers the following plans:
- Free Trial – enjoy the 14-day trial period providing basic features (creating drafts, customizing templates, sharing options, etc) for free.
- Squibler Pro (monthly plan) – use its advanced features by upgrading to Squibler Pro for $9.99 per month (billed monthly).
Claim your free trial today.
2. Fade In
Fade In screenwriting software that’s specifically made for motion picture screenplays and is perfect for writers who are associated with the film industry, television, and gaming. It comes with a lot of handy features that make it suitable for scriptwriters of all genres. It is a cross-device software that works on Mac, Windows, mobile, and Linux.
Main Features
- Simple user interface
- Supports multiple languages
- Real-time collaboration
- Autocomplete tool
- Distraction-free typing
- Support multiple file formats including images and PDF
- Works on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile
- Support for cloud services
- Comes with a free demo
Best For
Fade In is suitable for screenwriters who are working with film, TV, or gaming industry. The tools and features support motion picture screenplays.
Key Takeaways
Fade In screenwriting software is the best choice for people who work within the film industry. The real-time collaboration and its rewrite and revision tools help several people work on a single story simultaneously.
You can grab its free demo and check it out, but you won’t be able to download or use any content developed with the demo version.
Fade In Pricing
Fade In offers the following plans:
- Free Demo Version – download Fade In’s fully functional demo version (3.0.636) for free and check out all the features it has to offer.
- Full Version – if you like the software, get registered as a permanent user by purchasing the full version. You can purchase the full version for $75.
Registered users can download Fade In using the personalized download link sent via email or by checking for updates from the application.
3. Final Draft
Final Draft screenwriting software is best in the game. It is extensively used in the entertainment industry and it has won several awards over the years. It has more than 300 templates to choose from that make your work easier than ever. You can use Final Draft on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices making it a perfect multi-device software.
Main Features
- More than 300 templates
- Story mapping tool
- Beat boards that let you visually organize ideas
- Distraction-free writing
- Speech to script tool
- Real-time collaboration
- Easy-to-use interface
- Powerful formatting options with revision mode
- Auto-backup
- 30-day free trial
Best For
Final Draft is best for the motion picture market. It is widely used by leading TV shows for screenwriting so if you are planning to write stage plays following industry standard for a television show or a Hollywood movie, Final Draft is your best bet.
Key Takeaways
Final Draft screenwriting software is professional and reliable that is used by some of the leading companies like Netflix, Pixar, and BBC. If you are working in the motion pictures industry, it is a great option. However, it is expensive than most of the other software in this list.
Good news: You can try it free for 30-days and see how it goes for you.
Final Draft Pricing
Final Draft offers the following plans:
- Free Trial – download and install the trial version and use and enjoy a 30-day free trial.
- Full Version – purchase the full version for $99.99.
Final Draft has a special upgrade pricing for its current customers who can purchase it for only $79.99.
Highland 2 0 5 – Powerful Straightforward Screenwriting Approaches Examples
4. Trelby
![Highland 2 0 5 – Powerful Straightforward Screenwriting Approaches Highland 2 0 5 – Powerful Straightforward Screenwriting Approaches](https://i0.wp.com/www.la-screenwriter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/h2sc.jpg?fit=736%2C430&ssl=1)
Looking for a free screenwriting software? Trelby is one of the best free open source programs for screenwriters. Being an open-source scriptwriting software, Trelby is updated and improved quite often by developers. Based on input from screenwriters, the software gets regular updates. It is multiplatform that works on Windows and Linux.
Main Features
- Easy-to-use interface that’s like any text editor
- The interface is configurable and can be customized as per need
- Multiple view options
- A comprehensive database of character names
- Supports multiple file formats including PDF
- Import and export files in a wide range of formats
- Free for life
Best For
Trelby screenwriting software is flexible, customizable, and free making it a perfect choice for writers who are on a budget. It is suitable for new screenwriters who are just getting started and don’t want to spend money on screenwriting software.
Key Takeaways
Trelby is open source free software that’s exceptionally easy-to-use. It doesn’t have any learning curve. You can find scripts and codes free of cost on Github. However, it doesn’t offer you features that you'll find with some of the other screenwriting programs on this list.
If you are a newbie screenwriter, using Trelby should be your preference as it will give you a good idea of what your requirements are and will help you find a better paid screenwriting software in the future.
Trelby Pricing
Trelby is a feature-rich screenwriting tool that you can download for free. You can download the current version (2.2) on your Windows and Linux systems.
5. Celtx
Celtx is a multi-purpose scriptwriting and production tool that is designed specifically for large teams and companies that want to plan, write, and shoot with from a single platform. The interface is user-friendly and straightforward making is easy for screenwriters to get started. It offers several tools that help with writing, script format, production, cost management, reporting, collaboration, and more.
Main Features
- Simple and intuitive user interface
- Real-time team collaboration
- Supports storyboard and index cards for story development
- Works offline
- Revision tracking
- Multi-purpose software that also supports production and budgeting
- Supports team and multiple members
- 30-days free trial
Best For
Celtx screenwriting software is suitable for screenwriters who work within a team. It is mostly used for pre-production by companies that wish to handle everything from scriptwriting to production management.
Key Takeaways
Celtx is a powerful and feature-rich screenwriting platform that comes with an easy-to-use interface. It is a multi-purpose program that is focused on both screenwriting and production management. As a screenwriter who is working alone on a single project, it doesn’t turn out to be a great option.
If you are working with a team that is interested in production management too, Celtx will work great. You can use its free trial to explore features and interface.
Celtx Pricing
Celtx offers the following pricing plans:
- Scriptwriting Plan – $7.50 / month for the first year (billed annually) and $10 / month for the first three months (billed monthly).
- Celtx Pro – enjoy Celtx Pro’s 30-day free trial. Contact the sales team for purchasing this version.
- Education – request a quote from the sales team to get the pricing.
You can also combine plans based on your production needs. Videoscan 1 0 2.
6. WriterDuet
WriterDuet is simple yet effective screenwriting app that is focused on real-time collaboration. It was developed in 2013 as a collaboration tool for writers. It has now transformed into a full-fledged screenwriting software. It comes with templates, outlining tool, and tagging features. It is a cloud-based software so you can access it from anywhere in the world.
Main Features
- Real-time collaboration
- Easy-to-use interface
- Customizable software that comes with plugins and scripts
- Comes with templates
- Ability to create your own templates and workflows
- Tagging and outlining feature
- Can be used from any device including mobile and offline desktop app
- Comes with a free plan
Best For
WriterDuet screenwriting software is best for professional screenwriters who work with writing partners. If you have a team of multiple writers and you want to write and edit script simultaneously without ruining other’s work, this is the software you must use. Real-time collaboration is its real strength.
Key Takeaways
It is a simple and easy-to-use screenwriting tool for teams. It offers almost all the essential features that you need to write great scripts. However, it is most suitable for real-time collaboration for scriptwriting and sluglines. You can use it for collaboration and simultaneous writing, editing, and revision.
You can try WriterDuet free and see how it works for you. However, the free version comes with limited features, so you'll have to switch to a paid plan to fully explore all the features.
WriterDuet Pricing
WriterDuet offers the following three plans:
- Plus – $7.99 / month (billed monthly) and $5.00 / month (billed annually)
- Pro – $11.99 / month (billed monthly) and $7.42 / month (billed annually)
- Premium – $15.99 / month (billed monthly) and $9.992 / month (billed annually)
Switch to yearly plans and you can save 38%.
Choose the Right Screenwriting Software
The above list is not, by no means, exhaustive. There are several other best screenwriting software such as Scrivener, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Highland, Fountain, KIT Scenarist, and others.
It isn’t impossible to write scripts and screenplays without a tool, but it will be one heck of a task if you try doing it without the help of appropriate screenwriting software. That’s how the industry works.
Selecting the right screenwriting software will get easier if you know your project requirements and your personal interests. Here are a few basic questions that you should ask yourself before choosing a screenwriting program:
Do you want to get started quickly and need assistance with templates?
Are you a newbie screenwriter?
Are you working on a script with multiple other writers?
Are you working alone?
Do you want yourself involved in production management?
Your answers will help you select the best screenwriting software from the list above.