Software for drafting plot branches (or general tips)?

[logogriph]

I apologize if this question gets asked a lot around here, but I'm actually looking for specific program that I had before. I uninstalled it a while ago thinking I was done with the VN plotting scene, but low and behold, I'm back with a vengeance. I toned down my original idea to something much, much less ambitious, and I have all the basics plotted out in writing; characters, backstory, settings, the main conflict and goal, and rough, general ideas of all the paths from beginning to end (which, wow, is a big deal for me. Because endings). In other words, it's starting to look promising story-wise. I've gotten far enough into individual scene drafting that keeping track of all the different branches is becoming problematic, thus this thread.

I can't remember the name of the program I had for the life of me, and vague googling has been nothing short of entirely unproductive. I really can't think of any other way to describe it than a bare bones flowchart-esque software that is simple, clean, and (most importantly) free. I actually found the software linked by a user here on Lemma, which is why I decided to ask here. BUT, I'm more than open to just general VN story drafting tips. I encourage it, actually. Please. Even just telling me your normal process could be a lot of help. I've found that it's a pretty different beast from regular old story drafting.

Boy, I sure did add a lot of unnecessary words to a very simple question. Anyway, any help at all is much appreciated!

[merdeamour]

I heard of a program called "Freeplane". It's totally free (I'm being such a Captain Obvious, aren't I?). Maybe that's what you're looking for?

[pwisaguacate]

I don't know any software designed specifically to aid with this, but I thought I'd chip in with something not quite amazing.* A tabbed text editor (such as Renpy's bundles) can be used with separate files named by their chapter or etc. Pseudocode the route layout on one file and have stuff on the others.
*Was I being obvious?

This doesn't sound too helpful for complex VN's and/or people who can't easily visualize how a mess works, but it's certainly do-able for some.

Oh wait. Also, an alternative is to use paper and pen. You may be able to do whatever flowchart you want on paper if you're good with that. (I suppose this would defeat the purpose of the original question though...)

[Anima]

For general diagram drawing you can use Dia. It's mostly used in the technical field but can be used for general flowcharts as well.

[Cyrus]

Was it twine? http://gimcrackd.com/etc/src/

[logogriph]

I heard of a program called "Freeplane". It's totally free (I'm being such a Captain Obvious, aren't I?). Maybe that's what you're looking for?

no, that isn't what a was looking for exactly, but yes, it is very similar! it's MIND-MAPPING software. yes, that is the word i was trying to remember to google /falls to knees. if i can't find the one i used to have (i'm very stuck in my old ways) then this would be a great substitute! thank you!

I don't know any software designed specifically to aid with this, but I thought I'd chip in with something not quite amazing.* A tabbed text editor (such as Renpy's bundles) can be used with separate files named by their chapter or etc. Pseudocode the route layout on one file and have stuff on the others.
*Was I being obvious?

This doesn't sound too helpful for complex VN's and/or people who can't easily visualize how a mess works, but it's certainly do-able for some.

Oh wait. Also, an alternative is to use paper and pen. You may be able to do whatever flowchart you want on paper if you're good with that. (I suppose this would defeat the purpose of the original question though...)

pen and paper. how sad is it that that never even crossed my mind? (computers what are you doing to me?) well, i did consider sticky notes. but the renpy bundle thing is an interesting take! that never crossed my mind either. although, i'm still very much a renpy rookie, so that's probably why. thanks for your suggestions!

For general diagram drawing you can use Dia. It's mostly used in the technical field but can be used for general flowcharts as well.

googled it and it definitely looks like i could make it work! thanks for the input

[pwisaguacate]

pen and paper. how sad is it that that never even crossed my mind? (computers what are you doing to me?) well, i did consider sticky notes. but the renpy bundle thing is an interesting take! that never crossed my mind either. although, i'm still very much a renpy rookie, so that's probably why. thanks for your suggestions!

Ha ha, yeah. It also feels like I use less paper as time goes on.

What I meant by "bundles" was the text editors that Ren'Py can use/open directly. When you first open a project within the launcher, it'll ask you to choose Editra or jEdit, and it'll download it to Renpy's directory.

[OokamiKasumi]

I heard of a program called "Freeplane". It's totally free (I'm being such a Captain Obvious, aren't I?). Maybe that's what you're looking for?

No, that isn't what a was looking for exactly, but yes, it is very similar! it's MIND-MAPPING software. yes, that is the word i was trying to remember to google /falls to knees. if i can't find the one i used to have (i'm very stuck in my old ways) then this would be a great substitute! thank you!

Could you be talking about FreeMind? It's the grandparent of FreePlane, and so close in design that you can actually use the FreeMind (.mm) documents on FreePlane. FreePlane, however has a SpellCheck, and allows for jumping to other bubbles (via little green 'link' arrows,) so you don't have to repeat whole branches, just hop over to the original.

Example:

[Semienigma]

I was wondering if there was a program that does that! I'm using paper and pencil right now but it looks like i just had a seizure on the page...I'm gonna check out that freemind and freeplane thing

[modesty]

When dealing with branches I utilize flowchart programs which are usually free.
The one I'm currently loving on is called yEd: http://www.yworks.com/en/products_yed_about.html

I like it because I can highlight things like triggering a plot flag or checking for a plot flag or adding a variable.
Example: http://seacurse.wikispaces.com/file/vie ... _part4.jpg
I color code and use shapes for outlining my story. (Yellow boxes are choice menus, diamonds are the choice options, etc)

There is a bit of a learning curve to get the graphs to look nice. There is a way to get the program to layout the graph in various ways.

[Boomsickle]

I started out using a pen and paper but my branches seem to steer off ounce you have to make a choice between 3 things than i have to use another paper attached to it so it just looks real bad.

I just started using lucidchart and i gotta say it looks amazing. Definitely check it out. There is a free version and two paid version but it looks so good if you have the cash shell it out. I sound like a promoter -_-"

https://www.lucidchart.com

[dramspringfeald]

Also http://www.chat-mapper.com/ is useful.