Alexis Kestler
Screenwriting software is an invaluable tool for any screenwriter or filmmaker. Proper script formatting and planning can make or break how your story comes across on the page. Screenwriting software automates the formatting process and includes robust tools for outlining, writing, collaborating, and publishing scripts. Whether you‘re writing your first short film or a big budget Hollywood blockbuster, these tools can help take your scriptwriting to the next level.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore 14 of the top options and how they can benefit screenwriters.
What Does Screenwriting Software Do?
Before diving into the top software picks, let‘s look at some of the key things screenwriting software assists with:
-
Auto-formatting – Takes care of proper script formatting like scene headings, action lines, character names, transitions etc. This saves tons of time and ensures correct industry standard script format.
-
Outline Tools – Helps plan out beats, story structure, scenes, sequences etc. Visual index cards are commonly used.
-
Writing and Editing – Many include specialized writing and editing features beyond just a text editor. Things like autocomplete, tagging, version history etc.
-
Collaboration – Allows multiple writers to co-author scripts and provide feedback in real-time. Very helpful for writing teams.
-
Production Planning – Some apps bridge the gap between scriptwriting and production planning with things like automatic scheduling, breakdown reports etc.
-
Publishing and Exporting – Easy exporting to PDF, .fdx and other formats for sharing scripts and sending out to producers.
The right software turns scriptwriting into a smooth, organized process so you can focus on storytelling rather than formatting. Let‘s look at some top options across a range of budgets and experience levels.
1. Arc Studio
Arc Studio is one of the most full-featured cloud-based screenwriting apps available. It goes far beyond just formatting with tools for outlining, plotting, writing, and collaboration.
Some highlights include:
- Built-in Plot Board outliner with drag and drop functionality
- Real-time collaboration for co-writing scripts
- Automatic cloud sync across devices
- Multiplatform support – web, Mac, Windows, Linux apps
- Robust production planning features
Arc Studio has a free tier for testing it out, then paid plans start at $11.99/month when billed annually. It‘s an excellent option for professional screenwriters juggling multiple projects and collaborators.
2. Celtx
Celtx is an integrated media production platform used by over 5 million media creatives worldwide. It includes specilized tools for every step of the production process including screenwriting, storyboarding, scheduling, budgeting and more.
For scriptwriting it provides:
- Real-time collaboration features for co-writing
- Multi-platform support – Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
- Auto-formatting for scripts
- Index cards for outlining scenes
- Importing/exporting scripts in various formats
Celtx offers a free tier with limited features otherwise pricing starts at $14.99/month for the Team plan that includes unlimited projects and collaborators. It‘s great for full production teams that need end-to-end software.
3. WriterDuet
WriterDuet stands out for its real-time collaboration capabilities. It‘s used by professional screenwriters that need seamless co-writing workflows.
Some useful features include:
- Real-time co-writing with chat and commenting
- Multi-platform – iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, web apps
- Automatic cloud sync across devices
- Index cards for structuring outlines
- Importing/exporting various script formats
WriterDuet has a generous free version for solo writing. Paid plans start at $7.99/month for additional collaboration features. It‘s a great choice if you‘ll be co-writing scripts with other writers.
4. Final Draft
Final Draft is the industry standard screenwriting software used by 95% of film and TV productions. It‘s packed with formatting tools and features to take your script from first draft to production.
Key features include:
- Hundreds of templates for screenplays, stage plays, novels, comics, etc.
- Brainstorming and outlining tools
- Integrated production scheduling and reporting
- Revision tracking and alternates for scenes
- Real-time collaboration is available as an add-on
Final Draft runs on Mac and Windows. Subscription pricing starts at $99.99/year for the desktop app and $129.99/year if you need the collaboration add-on. It‘s the premium software choice for professional screenwriters.
5. StudioBinder
StudioBinder is a great mid-range option balancing automation with an intuitive interface. It includes handy pre-production features as well.
Some useful capabilities:
- Real-time collaboration for co-writing
- Multi-platform – Mac, Windows, Linux, web browser
- Imports/exports Final Draft, Fountain, .fdx, PDF, Word and more
- Automated scheduling and breakdowns for production prep
- Unlimited free projects with StudioBinder‘s free plan
StudioBinder has a forever free version with unlimited scripts for solo writers. Paid plans with collaboration start at $12/month. It hits a nice sweet spot between advanced features and affordability.
6. Scrivener
Scrivener has gained a big following with novelists and long-form writers. It provides tools to structure and organize complex stories.
Key features for screenwriters:
- Corkboard for visual outlining
- Detailed metadata and notes on characters, locations, etc
- Snapshots for easy version history
- Scrivenings mode to view multiple scenes together
- Export to Final Draft, PDF, Word, plain text, etc
Scrivener runs on Mac, Windows, and iOS. A license costs a one-time fee of $49. It‘s best suited for screenwriters working on character-driven stories with lots of plot details to track.
7. Fade In
Fade In is full-featured professional screenwriting software used widely for television and film scripts.
Some of its capabilities include:
- Real-time collaboration
- Multi-platform – Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
- Index cards for structuring outlines
- Tagging system to track characters, locations, etc
- Revision tracking and reports
- Auto-complete suggestions as you type
Fade In offers a free demo version to test out. Paid licenses start at $79.95 for desktop or $99.95 for desktop + mobile. It‘s a top-notch option suitable for any experience level.
8. Highland 2
Highland 2 markets itself as screenwriting software "made by writers for writers". It focuses on a streamlined, minimalist writing experience.
Some interesting capabilities:
- Live preview that auto-formats as you type
- Gender analysis to evaluate characterization
- Fountain syntax support – works with any text editor
- Dark mode for night owls
- Free sync across Mac, Windows, Linux
Highland 2 has a free version for basic scriptwriting. A Pro license is $49 and adds extra features like PDF exporting. It‘s great if you want a fuss-free writing environment.
9. Screenplay.com
Screenplay.com by Write Brothers provides the popular Movie Magic Screenwriter software in a few different versions.
It offers typical features like:
- Auto-formatting for scripts
- Templates for various script types
- Outlining and organizing tools
- Importing/exporting various formats
- Revision tracking
They have an option designed for students/teachers priced at $99.95. Overall it‘s a solid mid-range screenwriting program worth looking at.
10. Scrite
Scrite is an intuitive screenwriting app with great outlining capabilities. It makes structuring stories easy.
Some useful features:
- Index cards to map story beats
- Relationships mapping for characters
- Multi-language writing support
- Reporting for scenes, characters, dialogues etc
- Syncing with video playback
Scrite has iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux apps. Pricing starts at $4.99/month or $47.99/year. It‘s beginner friendly and great for outlining and organizing scripts.
11. Storyist
Storyist excels at keeping all your story materials neatly organized in one place. It provides rich tools for long-form writing.
Key features:
- Index cards for structuring outlines
- Metadata on characters, places, etc
- Document notes and comments
- Share docs and synchronize via cloud
- Export to PDF, Final Draft, Word, etc
Storyist runs on Mac and iOS. A single license costs $59. It suits those writing complex stories like novels who need to track extensive details.
12. KIT Scenarist
KIT Scenarist is free and open source screenwriting software with enough features to handle professional scriptwriting.
It includes:
- Auto-formatting for scripts
- Index cards for structuring outlines
- Real-time collaboration for co-writing
- Statistics and reports on characters, locations etc
- Revision tracking and ability to compare drafts
- Free sync across Windows, Mac, Linux
For a full-featured free option, KIT Scenarist is hard to beat. Paid pro plans are also available starting at $15/month. It‘s great for writers on a budget.
13. Celtx
Celtx provides cloud-based tools for every part of video and media production. This includes screenwriting, storyboarding, scheduling, budgeting and more.
For writing it provides:
- Real-time collaboration for co-writing scripts
- Auto-formatting tools for scripts
- Index cards for structuring story beats
- Import/export various formats like Final Draft, PDF, etc
- Multiplatform – Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Celtx has a free tier then paid plans starting at $14.99/month. It suits production teams looking for end-to-end production software.
14. Plottr
Plottr focuses entirely on outlining and organizing story plots. It provides various views to visualize your story structure.
Some key features:
- Index cards for structuring beats
- Corkboard view to arrange cards
- Outline view to see the flow
- Scenes, characters, locations can be tracked
- Charts for pacing and consistency
Plottr runs on Mac, iOS, and the web. Subscription pricing starts at $4.99/month. If outlining is your main pain point, Plottr targets that specifically.
Key Factors When Choosing Screenwriting Software
With so many options to choose from, here are some key factors to consider:
- Budget – How much do you want to spend? There are fantastic free and low-cost tools.
- Complexity – Beginner or pro? Some have steeper learning curves.
- Collaboration – Will you co-write with others? Look for real-time features.
- Platforms – What OS do you use? Windows? Mac? Linux?
- Mobile – Do you need iOS or Android apps to write on the go?
- Files – Does it support Final Draft, Fountain, .fdx? Can it export PDF?
Think about your specific needs in these areas. It will help narrow down your best options.
Conclusion
There‘s no one single "best" screenwriting software. The right program depends on your budget, experience level, collaboration needs, and technical requirements.
The options covered provide awesome capabilities for planning, writing, and formatting scripts. Features like auto-formatting, outlining tools, collaboration, and exporting remove headaches so you can focus on storytelling.
Hopefully this guide gave you a good overview of the top screenwriting tools available today. The key is finding the one that aligns with your workflow and needs. Take advantage of free trials and demos to zero in on the perfect software to bring your scripts to life.
