Guide:Tools for Drafting a VN
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This guide is a list of tools/software to use when drafting (writing) a visual novel. Several of them are specifically designed to handle branching narratives.
- Google Docs - Free. Easy to share for scripts, with basic formatting and built-in comment capabilities for co-writers, editors, and beta readers.
- Twine - Free and lightweight, browser and desktop versions available. Fantastic for visualizing choices, building flowcharts, and even making interactive games. Low skill barrier, you can make it as fancy or as simple as you want.
- Obsidian - Free version available. Has a learning curve, but can be a powerful tool for worldbuilding, note taking, and even choice planning.
- Notion - Free version is available, but is limited. Very powerful planning tool that can be shared with teams. Has a moderate learning curve, but can be used for project management and script planning alike.
- Scrivener - Must be bought. Coupons are commonly given as prizes for completing NaNoWriMo. Robust text editor with massive organizational capability. Small learning curve. Cannot be easily edited by others.
- Spreadsheets - I use LibreOffice (a free and open source software) but Microsoft Excel is also popular. Branching choices can be planned with some effort by putting choices/scenes/etc. in cells. Works well for script comments for voice actor direction, and project planning as well.
- Pen and Paper - Shout out to doing it old school. Sticky notes, notebooks, corkboards--whatever works best for your process can help with outlining and writing your complete script alike.
