I'm VERY new at screen writing, and I am just learning how to get started in this field, but it's all a bit overwhelming for me. I've heard that you need (or at least, it's helpful), to get special software for script formatting. What's the best kind to get? I've seen so many suggestions for this, that I'm not sure what kind to get!

Jody, I'll let others weigh in after me, but this one is still free, far as I know...

https://www.trelby.org/

I use Final Draft, cause I'm used to it (just upgraded to 11)  but it costs.

There are other freebies I think - definitely to trial.

I use Writerduet - I believe you can have a couple of scripts on there for free (But if you want more projects on the go you need to upgrade)

I find it to be very user friendly - But there are a few free packages you can try, just see which one works best for you.

Celtx is popular with a lot of beginner screenwriters because it's free. The free basic version is very limited (it only lets you have three projects) but fully functional and cloud-based, so it's a great way to learn software without the cost commitment.

For a premium software, I like Fade In Pro. It costs about a third as much as Final Draft and does pretty much everything FD does, plus updates are free. There are many professional screenwriters who swear by it.

StudioBinder has a ton of cool free resources, I believe one of them is a could-based writing app.

I used Celtx when I had a PC, but as previously stated while it was free it was limited. Since moving to Mac I now use Highland 2. It cost me around £50 to upgrade to the Pro version which gives full functionality and isn’t as expensive as some of the more high end script writing programs but as a novice writer myself I find it perfect for my needs. Only thing is that it’s only Mac compatible as far as I am aware.
Good luck with your future projects.

Quoted from LC Jody, I'll let others weigh in after me, but this one is still free, far as I know... https://www.trelby.org/ I use Final Draft, cause I'm used to it (just upgraded to 11)  but it costs. There are other freebies I think - definitely to trial.

I'm a cheap SOB and still use Trelby after five years. No complaints from me. Remember, a poor craftsman blames their tools.

Final Draft for me.

I’ve always used Final Draft myself, for about 10 years now (I have a version 10 upgrade from the original one I downloaded and it pretty much goes way above anything I need it to do), but like others have stated, it’s a bit pricey, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t want to pay for something you may or may not use in the long run.

That being said, and just out of curiosity as to what I paid back in the day, I went through my emails and realized Final Draft will allow a 30 day free trial of their software, and, as you get closer to the trial end date they start bombing your inbox with promotion codes for up to 30% off the retail price… I took advantage of that and saved about $80 when I paid for a registration key, so… just a bit of info for you if you download a trial and consider buying.

I mean, if you think it's something you'll stick with, go for Final Draft, you cant go wrong. I think even though it costs a bit, I would call it a good beginner software because of how easy and logical the interface is.

I highly recommend Trelby. It may not have all the bells and whistles of Final Draft or other premium software -- for instance, no bold or italics (except on the title page) -- but it does have everything a writer needs (and you don't really need bold or italics anyway).

I used to use Final Draft religiously. Then in 2015, I DLed the trial version of what was at the time the newest version, and it proved too glitchy. I did some looking around for a new program and decided to give Trelby a try, and loved it. I've been using it exclusively ever since. It's completely free and has a clean, user-friendly interface. Six years and I haven't had a single complaint.

Final Draft is a great program. I've heard good things about Fade In as well. But expensive screenwriting programs don't sell your script. Good writing does.

When I was a kid, I wrote scripts with a pen and doodle paper.

I used to use the "Classic" desktop version of Celtx until I started losing revisions. I've been using Trelby ever since. The only real bummer is I don't have bold or italics, which would come in handy when incorporating lyrics. But it's no biggie; I can just capitalize lyrics if I need to. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it. It's nice, clean and easy to use. It will also import scripts from other programs such as Celtx or Final Draft. (You may need to remove || bars, but it's a small price to pay.)

Let's face it, not everybody can afford Final Draft or Fade In. Trelby is the best free option.

Jody, here's a ilnk to Anthony's article on screenwriting software too:

https://anthonycawood.wordpress.com/2016/09/30/screenwriting-software/

Thanks for the replies, everybody!