Quick Overview
- 1#1: Final Draft - Industry-standard screenwriting software offering professional formatting, collaboration, and production tools used by Hollywood professionals.
- 2#2: Celtx - Cloud-based platform for screenwriting, storyboarding, and pre-production management with real-time collaboration.
- 3#3: WriterDuet - Real-time collaborative screenwriting tool with automatic industry-standard formatting and offline support.
- 4#4: Fade In - Affordable, cross-platform screenwriting software with full professional features, navigation tools, and PDF export.
- 5#5: Arc Studio Pro - Modern screenwriting app with advanced outlining, beat sheets, collaboration, and revision tracking.
- 6#6: Highland 2 - Simple Fountain markup-based screenwriting editor that generates industry-standard PDFs.
- 7#7: Slugline - Distraction-free Fountain screenwriting app for macOS and iOS with live formatting preview.
- 8#8: Scrivener - Versatile writing suite with dedicated screenplay mode, corkboard outlining, and multi-format export.
- 9#9: Trelby - Free, open-source cross-platform screenplay formatter with scene navigation and PDF export.
- 10#10: Movie Magic Screenwriter - Professional screenwriting software with advanced scene cards, reports, and industry-standard formatting.
We assessed tools based on industry-standard formatting, collaboration features, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring they cater to both professional and aspiring writers with diverse requirements.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading screenplay writing tools, including Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, Fade In, Arc Studio Pro, and more, to help users navigate their options. By examining features, collaboration tools, interface design, and cost structures, readers will gain insights into which software aligns with their workflow, whether for solo writing or team projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Draft Industry-standard screenwriting software offering professional formatting, collaboration, and production tools used by Hollywood professionals. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Celtx Cloud-based platform for screenwriting, storyboarding, and pre-production management with real-time collaboration. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | WriterDuet Real-time collaborative screenwriting tool with automatic industry-standard formatting and offline support. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Fade In Affordable, cross-platform screenwriting software with full professional features, navigation tools, and PDF export. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | Arc Studio Pro Modern screenwriting app with advanced outlining, beat sheets, collaboration, and revision tracking. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Highland 2 Simple Fountain markup-based screenwriting editor that generates industry-standard PDFs. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Slugline Distraction-free Fountain screenwriting app for macOS and iOS with live formatting preview. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | Scrivener Versatile writing suite with dedicated screenplay mode, corkboard outlining, and multi-format export. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Trelby Free, open-source cross-platform screenplay formatter with scene navigation and PDF export. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 10/10 |
| 10 | Movie Magic Screenwriter Professional screenwriting software with advanced scene cards, reports, and industry-standard formatting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
Industry-standard screenwriting software offering professional formatting, collaboration, and production tools used by Hollywood professionals.
Cloud-based platform for screenwriting, storyboarding, and pre-production management with real-time collaboration.
Real-time collaborative screenwriting tool with automatic industry-standard formatting and offline support.
Affordable, cross-platform screenwriting software with full professional features, navigation tools, and PDF export.
Modern screenwriting app with advanced outlining, beat sheets, collaboration, and revision tracking.
Simple Fountain markup-based screenwriting editor that generates industry-standard PDFs.
Distraction-free Fountain screenwriting app for macOS and iOS with live formatting preview.
Versatile writing suite with dedicated screenplay mode, corkboard outlining, and multi-format export.
Free, open-source cross-platform screenplay formatter with scene navigation and PDF export.
Professional screenwriting software with advanced scene cards, reports, and industry-standard formatting.
Final Draft
specializedIndustry-standard screenwriting software offering professional formatting, collaboration, and production tools used by Hollywood professionals.
Proprietary formatting engine that automatically handles complex screenplay rules, ensuring pixel-perfect industry compliance without manual tweaks
Final Draft is the industry-standard screenplay writing software trusted by 95% of Hollywood productions for creating professionally formatted scripts. It offers precise automatic formatting for screenplays, teleplays, stage plays, graphic novels, and more, with tools like SmartType for quick entry of elements, Outline mode for structuring stories, and Navigator for scene management. Additional features include collaboration via Final Draft Cloud, revision tracking, and exports to PDF, Fountain, and production formats.
Pros
- Unrivaled automatic formatting that meets Hollywood standards out-of-the-box
- Comprehensive toolkit including Outline, Beat Board, and collaboration features
- Seamless integration with production software like Movie Magic and robust import/export options
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to dense feature set
- Subscription model adds ongoing costs after initial purchase
- Interface appears dated compared to modern writing apps
Best For
Professional screenwriters and production teams who need reliable, industry-accepted formatting for film and TV scripts.
Pricing
Perpetual license for Final Draft 12 at $249.99; annual subscription from $99.99/year or $9.99/month via Final Draft Everywhere.
Celtx
specializedCloud-based platform for screenwriting, storyboarding, and pre-production management with real-time collaboration.
Integrated storyboarding and automatic production reports generated directly from the script
Celtx is a comprehensive cloud-based screenwriting software that provides professional script formatting, storyboarding, index cards, and pre-production tools like breakdowns, scheduling, and budgeting. It supports real-time collaboration for teams and offers apps across web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Designed for filmmakers from script to production, it streamlines the entire workflow in one platform.
Pros
- Robust pre-production tools including storyboarding and scheduling
- Excellent real-time collaboration for remote teams
- Free tier available with core scriptwriting functionality
Cons
- Interface can feel dated and occasionally clunky
- Advanced exports and features locked behind paid plans
- Steeper learning curve for production management tools
Best For
Indie filmmakers and collaborative writing teams needing an all-in-one solution from script to pre-production.
Pricing
Free plan; Plus ($10.99/mo billed annually); Pro ($24.99/mo billed annually) with team features.
WriterDuet
specializedReal-time collaborative screenwriting tool with automatic industry-standard formatting and offline support.
Real-time simultaneous editing with live cursors and chat for multiple users
WriterDuet is a cloud-based screenwriting software that excels in real-time collaboration, allowing multiple writers to edit screenplays simultaneously like Google Docs for scripts. It offers industry-standard formatting, revision tracking, beat boards, and tools for outlining and reporting. Available across web, desktop, and mobile platforms, it supports professional workflows with exports to PDF, Final Draft, and Fountain formats.
Pros
- Seamless real-time multiplayer collaboration
- Professional screenplay formatting and industry-standard tools
- Cross-platform accessibility on web, desktop, and mobile
Cons
- Free version has limitations like watermarks and file size caps
- Lacks some advanced production features found in desktop-heavy competitors
- Occasional performance lags with very large scripts or many collaborators
Best For
Teams of writers, co-authors, or remote production crews needing real-time collaborative screenwriting without compatibility issues.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro at $11.99/month or $7.49/month annually (unlimited scripts, no watermarks); Teams at $24.99/user/month.
Fade In
specializedAffordable, cross-platform screenwriting software with full professional features, navigation tools, and PDF export.
Bulletproof, guaranteed industry-standard screenplay formatting engine with automatic element recognition
Fade In is a professional screenplay writing software renowned for its rock-solid industry-standard formatting and cross-platform compatibility across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It offers comprehensive tools for outlining, navigation, revision tracking, reports, and seamless import/export with formats like Final Draft and Fountain. Ideal for writers seeking a stable, no-frills alternative to subscription-based tools, it emphasizes speed, reliability, and lifetime ownership.
Pros
- Exceptional industry-standard formatting that rarely breaks
- True cross-platform support including native Linux
- Outstanding value with one-time purchase and free lifetime updates
Cons
- No built-in real-time cloud collaboration
- Interface appears somewhat dated compared to modern apps
- Fewer pre-built templates than some competitors
Best For
Professional screenwriters and playwrights who prioritize reliable formatting, cross-platform use, and avoiding subscriptions.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $79.95 for desktop (Personal license), $249.95 for Pro; mobile apps $9.99 each.
Arc Studio Pro
specializedModern screenwriting app with advanced outlining, beat sheets, collaboration, and revision tracking.
Beat Board for visual, drag-and-drop scene planning and outlining
Arc Studio Pro is a modern, cloud-based screenwriting software designed specifically for professional writers, offering tools for drafting, outlining, and collaboration on screenplays. It features industry-standard formatting, beat sheets, character arcs, and revision modes to enhance the writing workflow. With desktop apps for Mac, Windows, and web access, it ensures seamless syncing across devices while supporting Fountain import/export.
Pros
- Intuitive modern interface with distraction-free writing mode
- Powerful outlining tools including Beat Board and character development features
- Strong collaboration and revision tracking for teams
Cons
- Subscription-only model may deter one-time purchase fans
- Some advanced features locked behind Pro tier
- Requires internet for full sync, though offline mode available
Best For
Professional screenwriters and writing teams seeking robust outlining and collaborative tools in a sleek, contemporary platform.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro at $69/year or $9/month; Team plans start at $27/user/month.
Highland 2
specializedSimple Fountain markup-based screenwriting editor that generates industry-standard PDFs.
Fountain markup language integration for effortless, industry-compatible plain-text screenplays
Highland 2 is a streamlined screenwriting software built around the Fountain plain-text markup language, enabling writers to create professional screenplays without complex formatting menus. It provides real-time previews, PDF exports, revision tracking, and beat sheets in a distraction-free environment. Available on Mac, iOS, and web, it prioritizes portability and simplicity for focused writing sessions.
Pros
- Intuitive Fountain markup for quick, portable screenplay writing
- High-quality PDF exports and real-time formatting preview
- Distraction-free interface with useful tools like notes and statistics
Cons
- Lacks advanced industry-standard features like Final Draft's navigation and scene cards
- Web version requires subscription; desktop is platform-limited (primarily Apple)
- Collaboration tools are basic compared to cloud-first competitors
Best For
Screenwriters seeking a lightweight, plain-text-focused tool for solo drafting on Apple devices.
Pricing
Mac app $49.99 one-time; iOS $19.99 one-time; Web Pro $9.99/month or $99.99/year
Slugline
specializedDistraction-free Fountain screenwriting app for macOS and iOS with live formatting preview.
Seamless Fountain plain-text support for future-proof, editable scripts anywhere
Slugline is a minimalist screenplay writing app for Mac and iOS that leverages Fountain markup language to enable distraction-free scriptwriting in plain text. It automatically formats and exports scripts to industry-standard PDF while supporting iCloud sync across Apple devices. Ideal for writers prioritizing simplicity over complex tools, it focuses on core writing without unnecessary features.
Pros
- Ultra-simple Fountain Markdown interface for fast writing
- Distraction-free full-screen mode with live PDF preview
- One-time purchase with reliable iCloud syncing
Cons
- Lacks advanced features like collaboration or revision modes
- Mac and iOS only, no Windows or web support
- Minimal outlining and scene navigation tools
Best For
Screenwriters who want a lightweight, portable tool for solo drafting without the complexity of full-featured software.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $39.99 for Mac, $19.99 for iOS (no subscription).
Scrivener
creative_suiteVersatile writing suite with dedicated screenplay mode, corkboard outlining, and multi-format export.
Corkboard view for dragging and rearranging index cards representing scenes like physical notecards
Scrivener is a versatile writing application from Literature & Latte that excels in managing complex long-form projects, including screenplays, through its binder-based organization and industry-standard formatting templates. It provides tools like index cards, corkboards, and outliners for structuring acts, scenes, and characters, while allowing seamless compilation to PDF, Final Draft, or Fountain formats. Though not exclusively a screenplay tool, its flexibility supports screenwriters handling revisions and non-linear workflows effectively.
Pros
- Powerful organization with binder, corkboard, and outliner for script structuring
- Customizable compile feature exports to professional screenplay formats
- One-time purchase with cross-platform support (Mac, Windows, iOS)
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with its project-based interface
- Screenplay formatting less intuitive than dedicated tools like Final Draft
- Occasional glitches in auto-formatting during heavy revisions
Best For
Screenwriters managing large, outline-heavy projects who value organization over plug-and-play simplicity.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $59 (macOS/iOS), $49 (Windows/Linux); free trial available.
Trelby
otherFree, open-source cross-platform screenplay formatter with scene navigation and PDF export.
Fully open-source nature allowing complete customization and no licensing restrictions
Trelby is a free, open-source screenplay writing software primarily designed for Linux users but compatible with Windows and macOS. It focuses on delivering precise industry-standard formatting for screenplays, with tools like a scene navigator, statistics reports, and export options to PDF, Final Draft XML, and Fountain. The program emphasizes simplicity and distraction-free writing, making it ideal for straightforward script drafting without advanced collaboration or multimedia features.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs
- Accurate, automatic screenplay formatting adhering to industry standards
- Lightweight and distraction-free interface for focused writing
Cons
- Lacks modern features like real-time collaboration or cloud syncing
- Dated user interface that feels outdated compared to contemporaries
- Limited advanced tools such as storyboarding, revision tracking, or mobile support
Best For
Budget-conscious writers or Linux users who need a simple, offline tool for basic screenplay formatting and drafting.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions).
Movie Magic Screenwriter
specializedProfessional screenwriting software with advanced scene cards, reports, and industry-standard formatting.
SmartType technology that predicts and auto-fills recurring elements like characters and scenes for faster writing
Movie Magic Screenwriter is a long-standing professional screenwriting software from Bishware, renowned for its unwavering adherence to Hollywood-standard script formatting rules. It provides essential tools like SmartType for quick auto-completion of elements such as character names and locations, a Navigator panel for easy scene reorganization, and support for multiple formats including screenplays, stage plays, and outlines. While powerful for serious writers, its interface feels dated compared to modern competitors.
Pros
- Exceptional industry-standard formatting accuracy
- Robust Navigator and SmartType for efficient writing and editing
- Proven reliability used by Hollywood professionals
Cons
- Outdated, clunky user interface
- High one-time cost with no free tier
- Limited real-time collaboration or cloud features
Best For
Experienced professional screenwriters who need precise formatting and don't mind a traditional interface.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $249.95; no subscription option.
Conclusion
The top 10 screenplay writing software options cater to varied needs, but Final Draft leads as the unrivaled choice, trusted by Hollywood professionals for its industry-standard formatting and production tools. Runners-up Celtx and WriterDuet shine bright too—Celtx for cloud-based collaboration and pre-production support, and WriterDuet for real-time co-writing with automatic formatting—proving there’s a perfect fit for every writer, whether independent or professional.
Take your screenwriting to the next level by trying Final Draft, the gold standard for crafting polished, professional scripts that stand out in the industry.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison