As a screenwriter, it's essential to have the best screenwriting software tools to help craft your story and bring your script to life. From outlining and organizing your ideas to formatting and polishing your final draft, the right screenwriting software can make all the difference.

But finding the right screenwriting software to help bring your stories to life can be daunting. There are countless options available, each with its unique features and capabilities. To help you find the best screenwriting software, I've ranked and reviewed the best options today.

Disclosure: I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost when you purchase a paid plan through the links in this article.

1. Final Draft

What is Final Draft?

One of the best screenwriting software tools that have stood the test of time and consistently tops the list for many professionals is Final Draft.

Final Draft is a comprehensive screenwriting program that provides everything you need to write, format, and create high-quality scripts for film, television, and theatre plays to industry standards.

Pros of Final Draft

Industry-standard software: Final Draft is the most popular screenwriting software in the film industry and is often seen as the worldwide standard in scriptwriting software used by many writers and filmmakers in the entertainment industry.
Advanced features: Final Draft includes a wide range of advanced features, such as index cards, character highlighting, and custom keyboard shortcuts, that can save users time and make their writing process more efficient.
Collaboration tools: Final Draft's collaboration tools make it easier for teams to work together on a single script.
Revision Tracking: The software includes a robust revision tracking system, allowing users to keep track of changes to their scripts over time.
Multiple file format support: Final Draft can import and export scripts in multiple file formats, including PDF, FDX, and Fountain.
Mobile app: Final Draft also offers a mobile app that allows users to work on their scripts from anywhere.
Excellent customer support: The company behind Final Draft is known for its responsive customer support and willingness to help users with issues.

Cons of Final Draft

Expensive pricing: Compared to other screenwriting software programs, Final Draft offer no free version and it's pricing is relatively high, making it less accessible to writers on a budget.
Steep learning curve: Final Draft can be complex and take time to learn, which can be a new user entry barrier.
Limited mobile functionality: Final Draft's mobile app is limited compared to the desktop version and only offers some features and functionality. This can be frustrating for writers who want to use their mobile devices to work on their screenplay but are limited by the app's capabilities.

Final Draft Pricing and Plans

The pricing for Final Draft is based on user licenses. You pay a one-time fee of $199.99 per license on a desktop, and if you want to have access to the software on an iPad or iPhone, you can download the Final Draft app for a one-time fee of $9.99.

Final thoughts on Final Draft

In conclusion, Final Draft is a top-tier industry-standard screenwriting software that offers a wide range of features and tools to help you bring your stories to life.

While it may be pricier, all the features, like its intuitive interface and extensive customization options, make it the perfect screenwriting software for many professional writers.

So, if you're serious about writing screenplays and want a reliable, dedicated screenwriting software tool to help you in the creative process and get the job done, Final Draft is the best screenwriting software option to go for.

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2. Arc Studio

What is Arc Studio

Arc Studio is a screenwriting software designed for writers who want to focus on writing their stories creatively. It aims to simplify the screenwriting process by providing a simple user interface and powerful tools to help writers create high-quality scripts.

Pros of Arc Studio

User-friendly interface: Arc Studio's interface is easy to navigate, allowing writers to focus on their stories without getting bogged down in complex menus or features.
Automatic formatting: The software automatically formats your script to industry standards, saving writers time and ensuring their script looks professional.
Collaboration features: Arc Studio allows writers to collaborate with others in real time, making it easy to work with co-writers, editors, and producers.
Customizable templates: The software offers templates for various genres, making it easy to get started on your script.
Story organization tools: Arc Studio provides tools to help writers organize their stories, including a timeline view, character arcs, and a visual storytelling tool.

Cons of Arc Studio

Limited production tools: Arc Studio focuses on the creative writing process, so there may be better choices for writers who need comprehensive production tools.
Limited customization options: While the software offers customizable templates, it provides a different level of customization than other screenwriting software options.

Arc Studio pricing and plans

Arc studio offers three different plans and pricing options:

Free Plan: Arc Studio starts with a free plan to discover the software.
Essentials Plan: $69/year.
Pro Plan: $99/year.

Final Thoughts on Arc Studio

Arc Studio is an excellent option for writers who want simple, user-friendly screenwriting software that focuses on writing their stories creatively. It's automatic formatting, collaboration features, and story organization tools make it an excellent choice for writers new to screenwriting software or who want to simplify their writing process.

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3. Celtx

What is Celtx?

Celtx is a cloud-based screenwriting software offering various features for writing scripts, formatting, and collaborating on scripts. It includes a script library, automatic formatting, scene-by-scene breakdowns, and various pre-production and production tools. Celtx is a good option for screenwriters working on their scripts from anywhere and collaborating with others in real time.

Pros of Celtx

Comprehensive features: Celtx provides a range of features that cover all aspects of the screenwriting process, from outlining to storyboarding to scriptwriting. The program includes a "Storyboard" feature, allowing you to visually map your scenes and plot points. Celtx also has a "Pre-Production" mode that helps you plan and organize your production. This includes a production calendar, crew list, and shot list. It even has a budgeting tool that allows you to track your expenses and stay on budget!
Collaboration tools: Celtx's collaboration tools, like adding notes and comments to specific parts, make it easier for teams to collaborate and get feedback while working together on a single script.
Mobile app: Celtx's mobile app allows users to work on their scripts from anywhere, making it an excellent option for writers on the go.

Cons of Celtx

Technical glitches: Some users have reported experiencing technical glitches and bugs when using the app, such as scripts not saving correctly, crashes, or errors when attempting to export files. This can be frustrating for writers relying on the software to complete their work.
Limited mobile functionality: While Celtx does offer a mobile app, some users have noted that the app has limited functionality compared to the desktop version. For example, it may provide only some formatting options or collaboration tools writers need to create a polished screenplay.

Celtx Pricing & Plans

Every plan starts with a free trial period, after that, you can upgrade to a paid version of the software:

Writer Plan: Starts at $13.49/month, billed yearly, or $14.99/month billed monthly.
Writer Pro Plan: Starts at $22.49/month, billed yearly, or $24.99/month billed monthly.
Team Plan: Starts at $53.99/month, billed yearly, or $59.99/month billed monthly.

Celtx Screenwriting Software Pricing Table

Final thoughts on Celtx

Despite these potential drawbacks, Celtx remains a popular choice among screenwriters. Its comprehensive range of features, tools and affordable price point make it an excellent option for those looking to bring their stories to life. If you're in the market for screenwriting software, Celtx is worth considering.

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4. Fade In

What is Fade In?

Fade In is a scriptwriting software offering various features for writing, formatting, and organizing your script. It includes a comprehensive script library, automatic formatting, scene-by-scene breakdowns, and collaboration and project management tools. Fade In is a good option for screenwriters who want powerful, feature-rich scriptwriting software that is also user-friendly.

Pros of Fade In

Cross-platform compatibility: Fade In is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Collaboration tools: Users can share their scripts with others and collaborate in real time, making it easier for teams to work together.
Multiple file format support: Fade In can import and export scripts in a variety of file formats, including Final Draft, PDF, and Fountain.
Affordable pricing: Compared to other professional screenwriting software, Fade In's pricing is reasonable, making it accessible to writers on a budget.
Automatic backups: Fade In automatically saves backups of all scripts, providing an added layer of security.

Cons of Fade In

Fewer integrations: Fade In has fewer integrations with other software and tools than some competitors.

Fade In Plans and Pricing

Fade In starts with a free trial, and if this is the best screenwriting software for you, you can buy the tool for a one-time fee of $79.99.

Final Thoughts on Fade In

Overall, Fade In is a powerful and versatile screenwriting software that is an excellent choice for writers who want a professional-grade screenwriting tool without breaking the bank. Its clean interface, advanced features, and responsive customer support make it a perfect option for individual writers and production teams who want to create professional-quality scripts.

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5. Writerduet

What is WriterDuet?

WriterDuet is a cloud-based screenwriting software that offers real-time collaboration and a range of formatting and organization tools. It includes a corkboard view for organizing scenes, various formatting options, and a script library for storing and managing your scripts. WriterDuet is a good option for screenwriters who want to collaborate with others in real-time and have access to their scripts from anywhere.

Pros of WriterDuet

Easy to use: WriterDuet's user-friendly interface makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Automatic formatting: The software automatically formats your script to industry-standard configuration, saving you time and ensuring your script looks professional.
Real-time collaboration: WriterDuet makes it easy for writers to collaborate in real time with others in the cloud. This feature allows screenwriters to work on the same script simultaneously with their colleagues or partners, regardless of location.
Advanced features: WriterDuet provides a range of advanced features, such as revision mode and outlining tools, that can help writers improve their scripts.
Export And Integration: Another great feature of WriterDuet is its integration with other software and devices. It is compatible with various file formats, including FDX, PDF, and Final Draft, making it easy to import and export scripts to and from other software or devices.

Cons of WriterDuet

Cost: While WriterDuet offers a free version, some more advanced features require a paid subscription, which may be cost-prohibitive for some users.
Lack of offline access: WriterDuet is a web-based application and therefore requires an internet connection to use. This may be an issue for writers who prefer to work offline or in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Writers Duet Pricing and Plans

Free Plan: The free trial allows you to work on three projects using an industry-standard template.
Plus Plan: Starts at $7.49/month, billed yearly, or $9.99/month billed monthly.
Pro Plan: Starts at $8.99/month, billed yearly, or $11.99/month billed monthly.
Premium Plan: Starts at $10.49/month, billed yearly, or $13.99/month billed monthly.

Final Thoughts on WriterDuet

WriterDuet is an excellent choice for screenwriters who want a user-friendly, collaborative screenwriting software that provides advanced features such as revision mode and outlining tools.

While it can be more expensive than other screenwriting software options, especially in the long run, its automatic formatting and collaboration features make it a valuable investment for writers.

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6. Squibler

What is Squibler?

Squibler is a cloud-based screenwriting software that offers writers a range of features to help them write and organize their scripts. The software is designed to be easy to use and provides various tools to help writers create high-quality screenplays.

The pros of Squibler

Collaboration features: The software's collaboration features make it an excellent choice for writing teams and co-writers.
Scene cards: Squibler allows writers to create and organize scene cards to help plan their script and keep track of story beats.
Character profiles: The software provides tools to create and organize character profiles, which can help writers develop more fully realized characters.
Automatic formatting: Squibler automatically formats your script to industry standards, saving you time and ensuring your script looks professional.
Revision mode: The software makes tracking changes and collaborating with other writers efficiently.
Research tools: Squibler provides various research tools to help writers create more accurate and realistic stories.

The Cons of Squibler

Limited exporting options: Squibler currently only supports exporting to PDF format, which may disadvantage writers who need to export to other formats.
No mobile app: Squibler does not currently offer one, which may be a disadvantage for writers who prefer to work on their scripts on mobile devices.

Squibler Pricing And Plans

Squibler offers a free 14-day trial and paid subscription for $9.99/month billed monthly, which provides access to all of the software's features.

Final Thoughts on Squibler

Squibler is an excellent choice for screenwriters who want a cloud-based, collaborative screenwriting software that provides advanced features such as scene cards and character profiles.

While it currently only supports exporting to PDF format and does not offer a mobile app, its research tools and collaboration features make it a valuable investment for writers. If you're looking for screenwriting software that provides collaboration and advanced organizational features, Squibler is worth considering.

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7. Scrite

What is Scrite?

Scrite is a free screenwriting software designed to help writers turn their ideas into professional-quality screenplays. This Indian-made screenplay software is gaining popularity among writers and filmmakers for its unique features and user-friendly interface.

The Pros of Scrite

Automatic formatting: Scrite automatically formats your script based on industry standards, making it easy to create professional-looking screenplays.
Affordable pricing: Scrite is free screenwriting software (for now), making it accessible to writers on a budget.
Smart suggestions: Scrite has a powerful suggestion engine that recommends character names, locations, and more based on your written content.
Multilingual support: Scrite supports various Indian languages in addition to English, making it a versatile option for writers working in multiple languages.

The Cons of Scrite

Limited features: Scrite's features are somewhat limited compared to other professional screenwriting software options.
Limited collaboration tools: While Scrite does include collaboration features, they are slightly limited compared to other software options.
Not as widely used: Scrite is relatively new software and may not be as widely used or recognized as alternatives.

Scrite Pricing And Plans

Scrite is available for free!

Final Thoughts On Scrite

Scrite is a unique and versatile screenwriting software that offers some great features for Indian writers and filmmakers. Its smart suggestions, multilingual support, and user-friendly interface make it an excellent option for beginners and experienced writers.

However, its limited features and collaboration tools may not be suitable for larger production teams. If you're a writer on a budget or looking for a unique screenwriting software option, Scrite is worth considering.

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8. Movie Magic Screenwriter

What is Movie Magic Screenwriter?

Movie Magic Screenwriter is a screenwriting software designed to help writers create professional-quality scripts for film and television. It is a powerful tool packed with features designed to make the screenwriting process easier, faster, and more efficient.

Pros of Movie Magic Screenwriter

Comprehensive production tools: Movie Magic Screenwriter offers a range of production tools, including a production board and scheduling tools, making it a popular choice among production companies.
SmartType: Movie Magic Screenwriter offers SmartType, a tool that predicts and completes common words and phrases, which can save writers time and improve accuracy.
Index card view: The software provides an index card view, allowing writers to visualize and organize their story beats easily.
Character development tools: The software includes a character arc calculator that helps you plot the journey of your characters, as well as a character questionnaire that enables you to flesh out your characters and make them more realistic and believable.

Cons of Movie Magic Screenwriter

Outdated interface: The interface of Movie Magic Screenwriter can feel outdated, with a design that has not been updated in years. This can make it feel clunky and less intuitive than other modern screenwriting software options.
Limited collaboration features: While Movie Magic Screenwriter offers collaboration features, they are not as extended as other screenwriting software options, making it more difficult for teams to work together on a script.

Movie Magic Screenwriter Pricing and Plans

Movie Magic Screenwriter is available for a one-time purchase of $124.95, including a year of free updates. After the first year, updates can be purchased for an additional fee.

Final thoughts on Movie Magic Screenwriter

Movie Magic Screenwriter is a powerful screenwriting software designed for professional screenwriters and production companies. Its comprehensive production tools and collaboration features make it an excellent choice for writers working on film and television projects to help them create professional-quality scripts.

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9. Kit Scenarist

What is Kit Scenarist?

Kit Scenarist is a free and open-source screenwriting software that provides writers with various tools and features. It was designed to help writers easily create high-quality scripts and provide a straightforward user interface.

the Pros of Kit scenarist

Free and open-source: Kit Scenarist is free and accessible to all writers.
Automatic formatting: The software automatically formats your script to industry standards, saving time and ensuring your writing looks professional.
Collaboration features: Kit Scenarist's collaboration features make working with others on your project easy.
Customizable templates: The software provides templates for various genres, allowing you to start your script quickly.
Export options: The software provides a range of export options, including PDF, Fountain, and Final Draft, making it easy to share your script with others.

the Cons of Kit Scenarist

Limited features: While Kit Scenarist provides a range of essential features, it offers a different level of customization or advanced features than other screenwriting software options.
Interface: Some users may find the software's interface less user-friendly than other options.

Kit Scenarist Pricing and plans

Kit Scenarist is free and open-source, making it accessible to all writers. You can upgrade to a Pro membership to collaborate on projects in the cloud and have them seamlessly synchronized between all devices. The subscription cost will depend on how long you want to use the service:

One month - $4.99
Two months - $9.99
Three months - $14.99
Six months - $27.90
Twelve months - $52.90

Every option comes with a free 30-day trial. You pay a fee for placing your projects on a remote server and supporting the system's infrastructure for collaborative work with projects.

Final thoughts on kit scenarist

Kit Scenarist is an excellent option for writers who want free, open-source screenwriting software. Their automatic formatting, collaboration features, and customizable templates make it a perfect choice for writers with a straightforward and accessible screenwriting experience.

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10. Highland 2

What is Highland 2?

Highland 2 is a comprehensive screenwriting software designed for aspiring and professional screenwriters. It offers a range of features that make writing a screenplay faster, easier, and more enjoyable. With Highland 2, you can focus on the writing process and leave the formatting to the software.

The pros of highland 2

Easy to Use: Highland 2 has an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate. You can focus on your writing without worrying about formatting, as the software takes care of that for you.
Formatting: Highland 2 uses industry-standard screenplay formatting, which makes it easier for you to get your script into the hands of producers and directors.
Collaboration: Highland 2 has a collaborative feature that allows you to work with other writers on the same script. You can track changes, leave comments, and edit in real-time.
Script Analysis: Highland 2 provides a detailed script analysis, including character arcs, plot points, and pacing. This feature can help you identify areas where your script needs improvement.

The Cons of highland 2

Mac-Only: Highland 2 is only available for Mac users, meaning Windows users must use alternative screenwriting software.

Highland 2 pricing and plans

Highland 2 is available on the Mac App Store for $49.99.

Final Thoughts on Highland 2

In conclusion, Highland 2 is a powerful and comprehensive screenwriting software explicitly designed for aspiring and professional screenwriters. With its easy-to-use interface, industry-standard formatting, collaboration features, and script analysis, Highland 2 is an excellent tool for writers who want to take their screenwriting to the next level.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right screenwriting software is a personal decision that will depend on your needs and preferences. Consider all the features and tools most important to you, and try out a few different software options to see which one works best for you. With the right screenwriting software, you'll have the tools to craft a compelling and professional-grade script.

Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Writing Software (FAQs)

What is screenwriting software?

Screenwriting software is a computer program designed explicitly for screenplays, scripts, and other audiovisual content writers. It offers a range of features for writing, formatting, and organizing your screenplay or writing scripts, including a comprehensive script library, automatic formatting, and scene-by-scene breakdowns.

Some screenwriting software also includes a range of pre-production and production tools, making it a comprehensive tool for screenwriters.

Why should I use screenwriting software?

There are several reasons why you might want to use screenwriting software:

Efficiency: Screenwriting software can help you organize and outline your script, making it easier to focus on your writing and avoid getting bogged down in the details.
Professionalism: Screenwriting software can help you create a professional-grade script that is properly formatted and ready for submission. This can increase your chances of getting your script read and considered by industry professionals.
Collaboration: Some screenwriting software offers collaboration tools, making working with others on your screenplay easy. This can be especially useful if you work with a writing partner or are part of a writing team.

What are some features to look for in screenwriting software?

Some basic features to look for in screenwriting software include:

Script library: A script library is a feature that allows you to store and organize your scripts in one place. This can be especially useful if you are working on multiple scripts or projects at the same time.
Automatic formatting: Automatic formatting helps ensure your script is formatted correctly and ready for submission. This can save you time and ensure that your script looks professional.
Scene-by-scene breakdowns: Scene-by-scene breakdowns allow you to view your script scene-by-scene and organize your scenes in a corkboard view. This can help outline and organize your script.
Pre-production and production tools: Some screenwriting software includes tools for pre-production and production, such as budgeting, scheduling, and shooting breakdowns. This can be especially useful for screenwriters involved in the production process.

Is screenwriting software expensive?

Prices for screenwriting software can vary widely, from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Some award-winning screenwriting software is available on a subscription basis, while others are one-time purchases. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when selecting screenwriting software.

Can I use screenwriting software on my phone or tablet?

Some screenwriting software is available as a mobile app, allowing you to access and edit your script on your phone or tablet. Others are available as cloud-based software, accessed from any device with an internet connection. Consider your needs and preferences when selecting screenwriting software and whether mobile access is essential.

Can I import and export my scripts to and from other software?

Most screenwriting software offers import and export options in multiple file formats, allowing you to bring in scripts from other software or save your script in a format that can be opened in another software. Consider your needs and preferences when selecting screenwriting software and whether compatibility with other software is essential.

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