Yes, I know I could easily do online searches, but I want the opinion of real writers.
I've used Final Draft 8 for absolutely years. I just bought a new computer and I can't find my serial code to activate the bugger anywhere, so should I update to 11 or are other programs as good?I know a lot of people used to use CeltX, but I never liked the feel of it and I don't trust clouds - I want to be able to save my work to my computer, to a USB/external and back up in my email. Also, fdx files are pretty handy.
One of my mates also warned me that Final Draft 11 is very unstable and crashed for him about 6 or 7 times during writing sessions. It was so bad now he uninstalled and got a refund!
He's recommended StudioBinder, but from what I can tell, it's all online - and I like to turn my phone and internet off so I can focus.
I can't answer your question regarding suitability for Windows as I use FD on a Mac however, I saw the comment at the end that your friend recommended StudioBinder and I feel the need to chip in here.
I was looking at a script the other day that someone wrote using StudioBinder. I skimmed the first couple of pages and stopped, it was as though it was written in Word. The presentation was completely unprofessional and the format was garbage. As an example, a character name would appear at the bottom of the page and their dialogue would appear at the top of the following page.
I quite like the various tips that StudioBinder will publish but I strongly recommend you do not touch their screenwriting software.
Call the FD customer number and ask them if they will reissue a new key. FD 8 is a pretty old version (I'm only at 9) and they allowed me to reactivate 9 on a new desktop and on a laptop. I'm unaware of any serious glitches with the newer 11 and will instal it on a newer/bigger computer in a month or so.
I've been using 11 since it came out and it's never crashed on me.
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I use WriterDuet for my early drafts but I do have a copy of FinalDraft that I use for finishing. And like Doug Nelson said, call tech support. My hard drive crashed last year. They were able to provide me with a new key.
Celtx has exporting issues and I found that hard way, by doing re-write for the producer. Now I use it mainly for short scripts and domestic projects (God bless Europe where no one gives a damn of a page count :)))))
If ure up for free, try Trelby, it's easy to use and compatible with FD (you can export script in FD).
Otherwise I would go with advice's from more experienced here, probably FD is best choice.
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If you want to keep using Final Draft 8 contact F.D. and let them know. They have a website. They will find your serial number. I have Final Draft 10 and love it. Can't speak to Final Draft 11.
In the mean time you can use any text editor. Just do the following it will format correctly when you cut and paste later.
http://griffithscreative.com.au/do-i-need-screenwriting-software/
Writer Duet works pretty well.
I love WriterDuet, but it isn’t that cheap. It is a must if you collaborate with people overseas or in a different Timezone.
I've heard Trelby is a good, inexpensive option, if a bit bare bones. If you have the money, WriterDuet and FinalDraft are good and have a lot of features that help in editing.
As a p.s. FD 8 included a Tagger which becomes useful if you move on into production. I've kept the Tagger even though I've updated to 9 - I'm thinking about 11. but not sure why.
Writer Duet isn't bad at all...
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Hey, thanks everyone for the tips - especially those recommending that I contact FD support.
For those who don't know, the ownership of the program has changed. Here's a message on their website pertaining to support:
Registered users of Final Draft 11 / 10 / 9 or a Final Draft iOS application can get support questions answered by a Final Draft technician by email. You should receive a response by the next business day or sooner.
Aha, so no support for 8?
I decided to give Trelby a go, since it's apparently 100% free, saves locally and doesn't require an internet connection.
it's actually downloading as I type this (my internet's sssssssllllllllloooooooowwwww for some reason), so I'll come back later today or tomorrow to post an update as to how well it handles.
At the end of the day, all I need is the screenplay format and the ability to save as pdf (fdx is a bonus... and Trelby has that export option too!).
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Okay, so I downloaded Trelby... but I can't open fdx files in it!
Hmm, maybe it's good for new writers who haven't written anything, but not being able to import work is a deal-breaker for me.
I suppose there's always cut & paste...
At the end of the day, I've always written my notes on paper and my treatments in Word (or recently, Office Libre) - the screenplay phase is the last part and pretty much any program that formats correctly should do the job.
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C. D-Broughton , u can't import FD, u can export as FD :) My bug with Trelby is absence of shortcuts and some preferences...but being free and easy to use I still give it a go.
I like Trelby. My only complaint is that the spellcheck is not as sophisticated as most others.
FadeIn Pro. Excellent and keeps getting better, there's an iOS companion app, and updates are included.
Sound advice, Tiffany.