Top 10 Best Script Software of 2026

Final Draft is the industry-leading screenwriting software used by Hollywood professionals for over three decades to create feature films, TV shows, and stage plays. It automatically formats scripts to precise industry standards as you type, eliminating manual adjustments and ensuring studio compliance. Advanced tools include the Navigator for scene reorganization, Index Cards for outlining, real-time collaboration via Final Draft Everywhere, and integration with production software like Movie Magic.

Fade In is a professional screenwriting software that delivers industry-standard formatting for screenplays, teleplays, stage plays, graphic novels, and more, with robust tools for outlining, revision tracking, and scene navigation. It supports seamless import/export of formats like Final Draft (.fdx), Fountain, PDF, and HTML, making it versatile for collaboration and production handoffs. Cross-platform availability on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and web ensures accessibility for writers anywhere, backed by a stable, lightweight engine praised for speed and reliability.

Celtx is a cloud-based screenwriting and pre-production platform that enables users to write industry-standard scripts, create storyboards, generate breakdowns, and manage production schedules all in one place. It supports real-time collaboration for teams, making it ideal for filmmakers from script development through pre-production. The software also offers tools like index cards for outlining and automatic reports for budgeting and casting.

Arc Studio Pro is a modern, cloud-based screenwriting software designed for film and TV writers, offering industry-standard formatting, advanced outlining tools, and collaboration features. It streamlines the scriptwriting process with beat boards, revision modes, and a distraction-free editor. Ideal for both solo creators and teams, it supports importing from Final Draft and exporting to PDF.

WriterDuet is a cloud-based screenwriting software focused on real-time collaboration, enabling multiple writers to edit scripts simultaneously like Google Docs for screenplays. It offers industry-standard auto-formatting, beat boards for outlining, revision tracking, and import/export compatibility with Final Draft and Fountain. Available on web, iOS, and Android, it's ideal for remote teams but also supports solo writing with offline capabilities in apps.

Slugline is a minimalist screenwriting app for macOS and iOS that leverages Fountain markup—a simple text-based format—to create professional screenplays without complex software interfaces. It offers a distraction-free writing environment with live dual-pane preview, allowing writers to see formatted output in real-time as they type. Projects sync seamlessly across Apple devices via iCloud or Dropbox, and exports include high-quality PDFs compatible with industry standards.

Highland 2 is a minimalist screenwriting app built around the Fountain plain-text markup language, enabling writers to focus on story while it handles professional formatting automatically. It supports outlining, revision tracking, set breakdowns, and exports to industry-standard PDF, with seamless syncing across web, Mac, iOS, and Windows. Ideal for screenwriters seeking a distraction-free environment that embraces open formats for version control and collaboration.

Scrivener is a powerful project management tool for writers, including a dedicated scriptwriting mode that handles industry-standard formatting for screenplays, stage plays, and TV scripts. It excels at organizing complex narratives through its binder structure, index cards on a virtual corkboard, and outliner for rearranging scenes effortlessly. The software integrates research materials, character sheets, and notes within a single workspace, culminating in flexible compilation to professional PDF or Final Draft files.

Trelby is a free, open-source screenwriting software that focuses on simplicity and strict adherence to industry-standard screenplay formatting. It provides essential tools like a scene navigator, title pages, and reports for cast lists, locations, and scene breakdowns. Designed primarily for Linux but cross-platform compatible, it's a lightweight, offline solution for drafting scripts without distractions.

KIT Scenarist is a free, open-source screenwriting software designed for creating professional screenplays in standard formats like Fountain and Final Draft. It offers a non-linear editor, research notes, character development tools, and a dedicated subtitle module for bilingual scripts. Supporting multiple languages including English and Russian, it exports to PDF, FDX, and other formats, making it accessible for international writers.