Writing Tools

danspinola4 appsUpdated
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  1. Online word processor offering real-time collaboration, document conversion, robust formatting, revision history, redownloading, and language translation.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Google Docs screenshot 1
    Google Docs screenshot 1
    Google Docs screenshot 2
    danspinola’s note

    Free. Online. Integrated.

    Your writings are automatically backed up. You can jump from the desktop to the tablet to the smartphone and continue the writing anywhere, as soon as inspiration hits you or when you manage a few quiet moments. It's also integrated with Google, which means quick searches from inside the text document, one of the best language grammar check, transcription tools, etc. GDocs has fewer features than, say, Microsoft Word, however, it has access to a library of plugins that will definitely cater to any specific needs and even outdo Word.

    My favorite add-ons: • Better Word Count (not available in the G Suite Marketplace) • Extensis Fonts (gives an extended library of fonts which can be easily filtered) • Fountainize (easily produce formated documents) • LanguageTool (think "Grammarly" but with support for a wider range of languages) • OneLook Thesaurus (one of the best thesaurus out there, seriously – also a website)

  2. Celtx icon
     Like

    Based on the Firefox engine, supports standards, visual storyboarding, production scheduling, publication & international languages MUI support. Free tutorials, videos & wiki are available from the site. There is a very helpful community too.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Online
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Celtx screenshot 1
    Celtx screenshot 1
    danspinola’s note

    There are many other tools for writing screenplays out there. However, Celtx is second to none in terms of "hitting the ground running". It should satisfy the casual writer as well as the professional ones and it's one of the best tools for someone beginning to dip their toes in these waters. On that note, I have only used the old (discontinued) installable version, since then, Celtx has shifted to become an online solution and added more features, about which I cannot comment.

  3. Scrivener icon
     Like

    Ideal for long writing projects with flexibility in structure, Scrivener integrates easy project outlines and allows seamless restructuring with drag and drop.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • PlayOnLinux - PlayOnMac
    • Wine
    Scrivener screenshot 1
    Scrivener screenshot 1
    Grow your manuscript your way
    +9
    See the forest or the trees
    danspinola’s note

    Scrivener is really powerful and chock-full of features aimed at writers, whether they be screenplay writers, playwrights, authors, teachers, journalists, and what have you. Users will hardly take full advantage of the software's full capabilities. The downside is that the learning curve is harder than for other common writing software. My favorite feature, and honestly the only one that keeps me coming back is the corkboard and notecards features.

  4. Widely-used word processor offering extensive document editing tools, SmartArt, PDF support, and integrated search features on multiple platforms.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    New document view
    Microsoft Word screenshot 1
    danspinola’s note

    Word is probably the most ubiquitous writing tool there is. Instantly recognized by anyone who has not been living under a rock for the last 30 years.

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