Screenwriting software is an integral part of your screenwriting journey. It can help you organize your thoughts, format them into a script, and then polish them into a final draft. The right writing software can also help you keep track of your progress as you write and make sure that you don’t miss any plot points or character nuances.
There are many different types of screenwriting software available, including desktop apps and online services. Each type has its own pros and cons in terms of what it can do for you as a writer.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the most popular options out there so that you can choose the best screenwriting software for your needs.
So without any delay, let’s get started.
Top 10 Screenwriting Software: In a Nutshell (2023)
| Sr. No. | Best Screenwriting Software | Key Takeaway |
| 1. | Final Draft | Highest-rated screenwriting software |
| 2. | WriterDuet | Professional screenwriting software |
| 3. | Arc Studio Pro | Excellent professional screenwriting software |
| 4. | Celtx | Scriptwriting Software for Video and Games |
| 5. | Slugline | Best screenplay software for Mac |
| 6. | Scrivener | Highly praised screenwriting software |
| 7. | Storyist | Feature-rich screenwriting software |
| 8. | Fade In | Powerful screenwriting software |
| 9. | Trelby | Open-source screenwriting tool |
| 10. | KIT Scenarist | Free screenwriting software |
Here Are The 10 Best Screenwriting Software
Here we present you with the 10 Best Screenwriting Software.
1. Final Draft
Final Draft is one of the market’s most popular and highest-rated screenwriting software. Over the past 30 years, the software has undergone several revisions and improvements.
Final Draft is presently in its 12th official version, and each update brings new and better features.
With so many features, and tools available in Final Draft, you can write your screenplay quickly and effectively.
Features of Final Draft
- Final Draft offers more than 100 professional templates with different categories.
- Using its smart type option to store the characters automatically will help you save time. Final Draft will also alert you as you type and build a list for you.
- This software lets you import a screenplay PDF and convert it into a fully editable file.
- Final Draft enables you to create a Plot Flow and highlight connections between story beat for an advanced screenplay outline.
Pricing of Final Draft
Final Draft has a 30-day free trial, after which it’ll cost you a $159.99 one-time fee.
2. WriterDuet
WriterDuet is also helpful for many types of writing, whether you’re writing a screenplay or a book. It stands out as robust, advanced, and professional screenwriting software that is simple to use and master.
In addition, WriterDuet offers collaborative features like real-time co-writing, in-app text & video chat, and simple commenting.
Features of WriterDuet
- Writerduet works even in offline mode, meaning if you don’t have access to the internet, you can still write a screenplay. Changes are immediately synced once you’re back online.
- WriterDuet offers templates like Stageplay, Podcast, Comics, and more. You can choose from them or make your own custom format.
- It provides a Ghost mode feature that allows authors to write privately. Using this feature, the writer can keep their work to themselves until they’re ready to publish.
Pricing of WriterDuet
WriterDuet offers different pricing plans starting from $9.99 per month. It also offers a free version with limited options.
3. Arc Studio Pro
Arc Studio Pro is another excellent professional screenwriting software designed to push your next screenplay beyond industry expectations, keeping you more focused, ready to cooperate, and prepared to produce beautiful storylines.
Whether you’re searching for new screenplay software or just getting started, Arc Studio Pro offers a fresh approach to outdated industry norms that suit newbies and professionals.
Features of Arc Studio Pro
- The interface of Arc Studio Pro offers a modern presentation for ideal flow script formatting.
- Its collaborative tools enable real-time edits and conversations that are seamlessly incorporated into the project when working with a team.
- With a single click, Arc Studio Pro transforms your ideas into well-structured narratives.
- Arc Studio Pro includes an automated function that saves your work at every stage.
Pricing of Arc Studio Pro
Arc Studio Pro plans starts at $69 per year. Apart from this, it is also a free version with limited functions.
4. Celtx
Celtx is a robust screenwriting software with more than 6 million users in 190 countries. It provides writing tools and project management for a wide range of projects, from video games to films and plays.
Moreover, Celtx launched as desktop software that you could use, but it has now migrated to a cloud-based model. Further, the software is compatible with Windows and Mac desktops and Android and iOS applications.
Features of Celtx
- Its story development feature assists in conceptualizing, writing, and enhancing your script, whether outlining scenes with a storyboard or planning plot beats with index cards.
- Celtx lets you make shot lists, segment your screenplay into scenes, scout locations, and update catalogs.
- You can create shot lists, call sheets, and sides to coordinate your crew and cast during production.
Pricing of Celtx
Celtx has three pricing options ranging from $13.49 to $53.99 per month (billed annually).
5. Slugline
Slugline is a leading screenplay software for the Mac that enables authors to structure scripts, make outlines, embed timelines, and more. Users can use sections and synopses to create an outline and highlight key moments and story elements.
Slugline uses Fountain, an open text-based screenplay format that is free and compatible with everything. In addition, the software automatically saves your writing in the cloud as you type, allowing you to view it from any device.
Features of Slugline
- Slugline keeps track of your revisions by comparing your current screenplay file to a different one.
- Slugline is completely compatible with Mac and supports file sharing via Dropbox and iCloud.
- You can drag & drop elements into the outline navigator of Slugline, preview them, and print them.
Pricing of Slugline
The first six pages are free, but after that, it costs $49.99 to access Unlimited Writing options.
6. Scrivener
Scrivener is a fantastic screenwriting software designed for all types of authors. It displays an overview of your work, provides useful features, and allows you to arrange and rebuild your work.
It is an all-in-one solution for writers of all genres, including best-selling novelists, nonfiction authors, screenwriters, professors, translators, journalists, and others. Scrivener will not teach you how to write; instead, it will give you everything you need to get started and keep writing.
Moreover, it’s a highly praised software that serious authors use and recommend.
Features of Scrivener
- Scrivener lets you import anything and save it in a convenient place.
- This screenwriter offers a color coding feature that you can use to color code anything from chapters to scenes to notes.
- You can set a word count target and the deadline for each work with Scrivener’s Targets.
Pricing of Scrivener
Scrivener is available in different versions, such as macOS, Windows, and iOS, and bundles start from $49.
7. Storyist
it’s a feature-rich screenwriting software that will assist you from planning and brainstorming to publishing your stories.
Storyist provides a distraction-free writing space, word processing tools, and perspectives that assist in thinking conceptually and creating a detailed plot framework.
It’s ideal for Apple users looking for more functionality than distraction-free applications can provide.
Features of Storyist
- To help you write well-formatted manuscripts and screenplays, Storyist provides an advanced text editor that supports graphics, headers, footers, comments, and style sheets.
- Storyist offers screenplay and manuscript templates so that you can concentrate on writing rather than formatting.
- You can add lengthy text sections using its Snippets function with only a few keystrokes.
Pricing of Storyist
You need to contact their sales team for pricing details.
8. Fade In
Fade In is powerful screenwriting software with most of the functionality that scriptwriters want. In addition, it is affordable and competitive software that assists scriptwriters in working effectively.
Moreover, it includes tools for planning, organizing, and navigating, as well as comprehensive screenplay formatting and powerful features for handling rewrites and revisions.
Features of Fade In
- You can customize the structure of your screenplay with its different customization options.
- Fad In is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- The system remembers the character names and places you use and can give autocompletion recommendations as you write.
Pricing of Fade In
You can get Fade In at $79.95.
9. Trelby
Trelby is a relaunch of an older application called Blyte, which was created for screenwriting. It is a free, multiplatform, and open-source screenwriting tool that automates screenplay formatting.
Furthermore, Trelby is designed to make screenwriting easy by being simple and quick.
Besides, Trelby can produce helpful reports for filmmakers, such as a location report outlining which sequences are shot in each location. This makes it a powerful tool for pre-production and the writing process.
Features of Trelby
- The tool uses automated text recognition and keyboard shortcuts to help streamline the screenplay writing process.
- Trelby also has a comparison view that displays the changes made between documents.
- It has an in-built and highly customizable PDF generator that supports embedding your desired fonts.
Pricing of Trelby
Trelby is a free screenwriting software.
10. KIT Scenarist
Next screenwriting software on our list is KIT Scenarist, which adheres to international film production standards.
KIT Scenarist is free software that allows you to customize your scripts more easily. This tool is used by over 3,000 authors worldwide, making it among the most popular of its type.
Features of KIT Scenarist
- KIT Scenarist is available in different versions, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
- The card module of KIT Scenarist displays the screenplay in the form of cards, allowing a visual approach to interacting with the structure.
- You can use a light or dark theme based on your interests and the time of day you are working.
Pricing of KIT Scenarist
The pricing of KIT Scenarist starts from $4.99 per month.
11. Studiobinder
It is a full-featured cloud-based production management system that offers adaptable solutions for video and photo production firms to manage their operations all in one platform more effectively.
StudioBinder provides a central location to manage all aspects of a project, from pre-production to post-production. Users can assign tasks and deadlines, create schedules, track progress, and collaborate with their team.
StudioBinder’s call sheet feature allows users to create and distribute call sheets quickly and easily.
Features of Studiobinder
- StudioBinder’s call sheet feature allows users to create and distribute call sheets quickly and easily.
- Users can add detailed notes and diagrams for each shot, making it easy to communicate the director’s vision to the rest of the team.
- It provides a comprehensive budgeting tool, allowing users to track expenses, create estimates, and generate reports.
- You can easily manage and send messages to talent, crew, vendors, clients and many more.
Pricing of Studiobinder
Studiobinder provides three plans. The INDIE plan costs you around $29/month with 50 GB file storage.
Professional plan comes for $49/month, and the STUDIO plan costs around $99/month with 100GB file storage.
12. ScriptBuilder
This is a user-friendly program that allows users to create and format scripts in the industry-standard screenplay format easily.
The software includes a wide variety of tools and features that help writers create complex characters, compelling dialogue, and engaging plotlines.
It also includes a range of templates, including a screenplay template, to help writers get started quickly and easily.
ScriptBilder’s built-in collaboration tools make it easy for multiple writers to work on the same script simultaneously, regardless of their location.
Features of Scriptbuilder
- The software includes a code editor that allows users to write and edit their scripts.
- ScriptBuilder comes with built-in debugging tools that allow users to identify and fix errors in their scripts.
- It provides a range of script templates that users can use to jumpstart their scripting process.
- This software integrates with popular game engines, such as Unity and Unreal Engine, to provide a seamless scripting experience.
Pricing of ScriptBuilder
There is a free version available of this app. Moreover, it costs 99 cents to upgrade with features.
How to Choose the Best Screenwriting Software for Your Needs?
Screenwriting software is a necessity for any screenwriter. If you’re serious about your career and want to make it as a screenwriter, you need to have a good set of software options available in order to choose the right tools for your needs.
There are many different types of screenwriting software out there, but they all have one thing in common: they’re designed to make the writing process easier.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced writer, having a good tool that will help you get your ideas down on paper in the right way will help you improve your skills and put those ideas into actionable steps that can lead to success in your career.
So what makes great screenwriting software? Here are some factors to consider before choosing:
1) Price/Value: Does the price of the software match its value? If it’s too expensive, there’s no reason to use it. If it’s too cheap, there’s no reason to stick with it.
2) Features: Does the software have enough features to complete the job? If not, then look elsewhere. But, again, you’ll want something that meets your needs and will grow with you over time.
3) Interface: Does the interface look easy enough to use? You don’t want complicated menus or confusing buttons; you want something simple. And if there are too many options or features packed into one page, then maybe this isn’t for you either.
4) Support: Does support exist for any issues arising from using this software or general questions about screenwriting?
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Wrapping Up: Best Screenwriting Software (2023)
Screenwriting software can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to get your story down on paper. It’s no secret that writing a screenplay can be a time-consuming and frustrating process, but with the right software, it can be made much easier.
To help you select the best software for your need, we have provided the list of the 10 best screenwriting software above.
Hope you find this article helpful.
