Storyist screenwriting software is very affordable and will not only aid you in the writing and formatting of your script, but also help you develop the story and characters. However, with all the various development and script options, the user interface becomes cluttered with windows. It lands in fifth place on our list of screenplay writing software.
Storyist is relatively easy to use script writing software, but we recommend using the video tutorials and manual as a quick start guide, so you can ease into the user interface (UI) and start working. When you launch the screenwriting software, a template list opens; choose Screenplay to get started. See below for more on templates.
As with other screenwriting software applications, it uses Tab and Return key commands to format the script to Hollywood standards. You can also select what you want to type next, such as scene heading or dialogue, with the Style Chooser.
On the toolbar, you will find an option that opens the Inspector window (button is in the toolbar) and choosing the Styles tab. As with similar screenwriting software apps, Storyist will predict the formatting option for you.
The screenwriting software’s UI is laid out in three general windows: the Toolbar at the top, the Text View on the right (where you’ll do your writing) and the Project View on the left (where you’ll organize your scenes and more).
Other Storyist features include adding comments, using an outline view to develop and organize the story; adding summaries to the outline, color coding and adding elements to the plot. The software also gives you tools to develop characters and create scene sheets.
Use the Collage view to put a scene index card up, and add in photos for inspiration and comments. If you use the Notebooks feature to store and write information, or if you drag text files to the Notebook icon, Storyist screenwriting software will make it into virtual Notebooks.
You can view many of these elements in separate windows while you’re writing, using the Workspaces icon in the toolbar. However, it can clutter up the user interface and become a bit distracting.
There aren’t any standard rewriting tools, such as locking pages, for on-set revisions during film production. However, if you’re rewriting to make the script stronger, use the notes, outline and other available tools to help with those revisions.
You can easily export both the script and the documents you create, with images, as you develop the story and characters. The formats include rich text format, HTML, Final Draft (including the newest format, .fdx), Word (.doc and .docx) and ePub for use on eReader devices like the iPad and the Kindle.
Storyist screenwriting software has a limited number of templates available, but chances are they are the ones you’ll need the most. They include Blank, Novel, Screenplay and Stage Play. There is also a sample script to see how the structure and format will look, which is great for budding screenwriters.
It would be nice to see TV scripts for dramas and sitcoms included in the next version, but you can work with the blank template and find an example online.
To help out with learning the screenwriting software, there are video tutorials on the website, a user guide, a brief introduction (PDF) and user forums to connect with others. If you need technical support, you can email the company.
While Storyist is a very affordable screenwriting software app, and is capable of helping users develop and write a screenplay, though the user interface tends to get a little cluttered when multiple windows are opened. This is a common occurrence as you work on your screenplay.
