2859 The Celtx screenwriting software got an impressive update this month (version 0.995) as it approaches a "stable" 1.0 release. The open-source project added support for:

• LaTex text layout processing (which allows users to see, on demand, what the print-out of the script will look like). LaTex also adds "More/Continued" to dialogue and paragraphs that are split by a page break.


• Formatting for stage plays, audio plays, and dual-column AV scripts


• Dual-dialogue formatting

Another big change to the software is that Celtx now supports the "index card" layout method, used in other popular screenwriting programs (such as Final Draft). This method allows users to see the different scenes as individual "cards," as well as notate with plot/subplot they follow, and rearrange their order.

I started using Celtx over a year ago for a play I was writing, and found that version of the program to be so frustrating that I swore I'd never touch it again. However, the latest version of the program have won me over by smoothing over the major problems with save files and the ability to manipulate the screenplay.

Celtx has moved from being a "it's nice because it's free" program to a much more mature, robust piece of software, and these major additions to it (especially the new layouts for stage plays and the LaTex formatting) have made it into a viable alternative to the expensive "pro" apps. And I'm just talking about its use as a screenwriting tool, without even its uses as a preproduction program (storyboarding, props management, costuming, etc.).

Celtx 0.995 is available now as a free download for OS X, Windows, and Linux in many languages.

Bill's been using Macs since the late 80s. When he's not making smartass remarks to amuse Kirk Hiner, he enjoys fighting for the user.

Tags: News ï

(0) Trackbacks ï

Login † or † Register † †