Who it is for
Playwrights who want to start writing immediately and do not want to think about setup first.
Start Here
Write a play. Preview pages. Export a PDF.
Start with the Web Editor to write a scene, preview pages, and export a PDF without touching the command line.
Path 1 · Recommended for most
Web Editor
This is the default recommendation. It is the fastest way to go from a blank page to a readable PDF.
What you do
Open the editor, write your scene, check the live preview, then export a PDF when you want a manuscript.
Why start here
No install required. No terminal required. The first success is obvious.
Path 2 · For coders
Visual Studio Code
Already write code in Visual Studio Code? We've got you covered. A fully-featured VS Code extension is available, so you can enjoy the tools you already know and still have a great experience writing Downstage. If you've never heard of VS Code, no problem — the Web Editor does everything you need.
First session
Install the extension, open a .ds file, draft your scene, and use live preview or render commands when you want pages.
Why choose it
It adds completions, diagnostics, preview, and export without asking you to learn a new writing app.
Path 3 · For power users
Command Line
Use this if you are already comfortable with terminal workflows, automation, or editor setups built around CLI tools.
What it is good for
Validation, rendering, automation, and integrating Downstage into your existing toolchain.
What to expect
This path assumes more technical comfort. It is useful, but it should not be your first stop unless you already want it.