Quick Overview
- 1#1: Final Draft - Industry-standard screenwriting software with precise formatting, revision tracking, and collaboration features for professional scripts.
- 2#2: Celtx - Cloud-based scriptwriting and pre-production platform offering storyboarding, scheduling, and team collaboration.
- 3#3: Fade In - Affordable professional screenwriting tool with full industry-standard formatting, navigation, and export options.
- 4#4: WriterDuet - Real-time collaborative screenwriting software supporting multiple formats and live editing for writers anywhere.
- 5#5: Arc Studio Pro - Modern screenwriting app with AI-powered tools, beat sheets, outlining, and seamless collaboration.
- 6#6: Highland 2 - Plain-text screenwriting editor that automatically formats Fountain markup into professional scripts.
- 7#7: Scrivener - Powerful writing suite with script templates, corkboard outlining, and research organization for complex projects.
- 8#8: Slugline - Distraction-free Markdown-based screenwriting app for Mac with Fountain support and PDF export.
- 9#9: Trelby - Free open-source screenplay software with auto-completion, statistics, and standard formatting.
- 10#10: StudioBinder - Free online scriptwriter integrated with production tools for breakdowns, scheduling, and call sheets.
Tools were selected based on a blend of robust features (e.g., formatting precision, collaboration tools), user-centric design, and value, ensuring they meet the needs of both seasoned professionals and aspiring writers.
Comparison Table
Scriptwriting software is a vital tool for writers, simplifying tasks from plotting to polished formatting; with options ranging from industry-standard Final Draft to versatile picks like Celtx, Fade In, WriterDuet, and Arc Studio Pro, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. This comparison table outlines key features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help writers identify the software that best matches their workflow and creative needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Draft Industry-standard screenwriting software with precise formatting, revision tracking, and collaboration features for professional scripts. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 2 | Celtx Cloud-based scriptwriting and pre-production platform offering storyboarding, scheduling, and team collaboration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | Fade In Affordable professional screenwriting tool with full industry-standard formatting, navigation, and export options. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 4 | WriterDuet Real-time collaborative screenwriting software supporting multiple formats and live editing for writers anywhere. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Arc Studio Pro Modern screenwriting app with AI-powered tools, beat sheets, outlining, and seamless collaboration. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | Highland 2 Plain-text screenwriting editor that automatically formats Fountain markup into professional scripts. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | Scrivener Powerful writing suite with script templates, corkboard outlining, and research organization for complex projects. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 8 | Slugline Distraction-free Markdown-based screenwriting app for Mac with Fountain support and PDF export. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 9 | Trelby Free open-source screenplay software with auto-completion, statistics, and standard formatting. | other | 6.2/10 | 5.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | StudioBinder Free online scriptwriter integrated with production tools for breakdowns, scheduling, and call sheets. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
Industry-standard screenwriting software with precise formatting, revision tracking, and collaboration features for professional scripts.
Cloud-based scriptwriting and pre-production platform offering storyboarding, scheduling, and team collaboration.
Affordable professional screenwriting tool with full industry-standard formatting, navigation, and export options.
Real-time collaborative screenwriting software supporting multiple formats and live editing for writers anywhere.
Modern screenwriting app with AI-powered tools, beat sheets, outlining, and seamless collaboration.
Plain-text screenwriting editor that automatically formats Fountain markup into professional scripts.
Powerful writing suite with script templates, corkboard outlining, and research organization for complex projects.
Distraction-free Markdown-based screenwriting app for Mac with Fountain support and PDF export.
Free open-source screenplay software with auto-completion, statistics, and standard formatting.
Free online scriptwriter integrated with production tools for breakdowns, scheduling, and call sheets.
Final Draft
specializedIndustry-standard screenwriting software with precise formatting, revision tracking, and collaboration features for professional scripts.
Non-stop Auto-Format that dynamically adjusts pagination, margins, and elements to exact industry specs as you type.
Final Draft is the industry-standard scriptwriting software used by professional screenwriters, filmmakers, and studios worldwide for over 30 years. It excels in automatic, precise formatting for screenplays, television scripts, stage plays, graphic novels, and more, ensuring compliance with Hollywood standards without manual adjustments. Advanced features include real-time collaboration, revision tracking, beat boards, and integration with tools like Movie Magic Scheduling and production software.
Pros
- Unrivaled automatic industry-standard formatting and pagination
- Robust collaboration tools including real-time co-writing and cloud sync
- Extensive template library and integration with production workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to dense feature set
- Dated interface that feels less modern than competitors
- High cost with limited free alternatives for casual users
Best For
Professional screenwriters, showrunners, and production teams requiring precise formatting and collaboration for feature films, TV, and theater.
Pricing
One-time perpetual license: $249.99; Annual subscription (Final Draft Everywhere): $99.99–$199 depending on features and devices.
Celtx
specializedCloud-based scriptwriting and pre-production platform offering storyboarding, scheduling, and team collaboration.
Integrated pre-production toolkit with automatic script breakdowns and scheduling
Celtx is a comprehensive cloud-based scriptwriting platform tailored for screenwriters, playwrights, and filmmakers, providing industry-standard formatting for screenplays, stage plays, and more. It extends beyond writing with built-in tools for storyboarding, script breakdowns, index cards, and pre-production scheduling. The software emphasizes real-time collaboration, making it ideal for teams working remotely on productions.
Pros
- Robust collaboration tools for real-time team editing
- Extensive pre-production features like breakdowns and scheduling
- Professional-grade formatting compliant with industry standards
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered and dated for new users
- Subscription required for full features, no perpetual license
- Occasional performance lags with large scripts or teams
Best For
Production teams and screenwriters needing an all-in-one tool for writing, collaboration, and pre-production planning.
Pricing
Free basic plan; paid Scripts plan at $14.99/month, Pro at $29.99/month, and Teams at $49.99/month (billed annually).
Fade In
specializedAffordable professional screenwriting tool with full industry-standard formatting, navigation, and export options.
True cross-platform compatibility with full native support on Linux, desktops, and mobile devices
Fade In is a professional-grade screenwriting software that provides industry-standard formatting for screenplays, stage plays, and other formats across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It includes powerful tools like scene navigation, outlining with index cards, revision tracking, and support for Fountain and Final Draft file imports/exports. With its one-time purchase model and robust stability, it's designed for serious writers seeking reliability without ongoing costs.
Pros
- Cross-platform support including native Linux and mobile apps
- Perpetual license with no subscriptions
- Comprehensive tools like Navigator, Beat Board, and automatic formatting
Cons
- Demo limited to 45 pages
- No real-time multiplayer collaboration
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to modern web apps
Best For
Professional screenwriters who work across multiple devices and prioritize long-term value over subscriptions.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $79.95 for desktop license; $29.95 for mobile; bundles available.
WriterDuet
specializedReal-time collaborative screenwriting software supporting multiple formats and live editing for writers anywhere.
Real-time multiplayer collaboration allowing simultaneous live editing by multiple users
WriterDuet is a cloud-based scriptwriting software that enables screenwriters to create, format, and collaborate on professional scripts in real-time. It provides industry-standard formatting tools, revision tracking, beat boards for outlining, and support for various script types like screenplays and stage plays. With desktop, web, and mobile apps, it emphasizes seamless multiplayer editing for teams.
Pros
- Exceptional real-time collaboration for multiple users
- Automatic industry-standard script formatting
- Cross-platform availability including offline desktop apps
Cons
- Subscription needed for full pro features and unlimited storage
- Occasional sync issues or lags with very large scripts
- Fewer advanced production tools compared to dedicated software like Final Draft
Best For
Collaborative writing teams and production companies needing real-time script editing without compatibility hassles.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro at $11.99/month or $7.49/month annually ($89.99/year); Partners/Teams at $24.99/month per user.
Arc Studio Pro
specializedModern screenwriting app with AI-powered tools, beat sheets, outlining, and seamless collaboration.
Beat Board: an infinite canvas for drag-and-drop beat organization and visual story development.
Arc Studio Pro is a cloud-based screenwriting software tailored for professional writers, offering industry-standard formatting, advanced outlining, and real-time collaboration. It features tools like the Beat Board for visual story planning, Character Keeper for arc tracking, and revision modes for efficient script management. Available across web, Mac, Windows, and iOS, it emphasizes a modern interface with seamless syncing.
Pros
- Intuitive modern interface superior to legacy tools like Final Draft
- Powerful Beat Board for visual outlining and beat management
- Strong real-time collaboration and cross-device syncing
Cons
- Free plan has significant limitations on features and projects
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to top competitors
- Some advanced tools require the highest pricing tier
Best For
Professional screenwriters and writing teams seeking a collaborative, cloud-first platform with visual planning tools.
Pricing
Free Starter plan; Pro at $69/year ($9/month); Pro Ultimate at $199/year ($23/month).
Highland 2
specializedPlain-text screenwriting editor that automatically formats Fountain markup into professional scripts.
Fountain markup language support for Git-compatible, future-proof plain-text scripts
Highland 2 is a streamlined screenwriting software built around the Fountain plain-text markup language, enabling writers to produce professional screenplay PDFs with automatic formatting. It offers intuitive tools like beat sheets, index cards, scene cards, and revision tracking, available across Mac, iOS, and web platforms. Designed by screenwriter John August, it prioritizes simplicity, collaboration via Git-friendly files, and distraction-free writing for efficient script development.
Pros
- Fountain plain-text format enables seamless version control and collaboration
- Highly intuitive interface with smart auto-completion and outlining tools
- Strong cross-platform support including excellent iOS apps
Cons
- No native Windows desktop application
- Lacks some advanced industry-standard features found in Final Draft
- Web version requires ongoing subscription
Best For
Screenwriters and filmmakers who value lightweight, plain-text workflows and primarily use Apple devices.
Pricing
Mac/iOS apps: $49.99 one-time purchase (per platform); Web: $9.99/month or $99/year.
Scrivener
creative_suitePowerful writing suite with script templates, corkboard outlining, and research organization for complex projects.
The Compile feature, which transforms disorganized text into polished, professionally formatted screenplays with customizable presets.
Scrivener is a versatile writing studio from Literature & Latte, tailored for long-form projects including screenplays, offering unparalleled organization through its binder, corkboard, and outliner views. It supports scriptwriting with Fountain markup, screenplay templates, and exports to professional formats like PDF, FDX, and Final Draft XML. While not exclusively a scriptwriting tool, its flexibility shines for writers managing complex narratives with research, notes, and revisions.
Pros
- Superior project organization with binder, corkboard, and outliner for restructuring scripts
- Robust compile engine for exporting to industry-standard screenplay formats
- One-time purchase model with cross-platform support (Mac, Windows, iOS)
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface and feature set
- Lacks advanced script-specific tools like beat boards or real-time collaboration
- Mobile version limited compared to desktop for full scriptwriting workflows
Best For
Screenwriters handling research-intensive, multi-act projects who prioritize organization and flexibility over production-ready collaboration features.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $59 for Mac/Windows desktop, $23.99 for iOS; bundle discounts and educational pricing available.
Slugline
specializedDistraction-free Markdown-based screenwriting app for Mac with Fountain support and PDF export.
Intelligent Fountain markup with live two-up preview for seamless writing and formatting without complex menus.
Slugline is a minimalist screenwriting application for macOS and iOS that uses the Fountain markup language to enable writers to create professional screenplays with simple text-based formatting. It offers a distraction-free writing environment with live previews, automatic scene numbering, and exports to PDF and Final Draft formats. Ideal for authors seeking simplicity over bloated feature sets, it syncs via iCloud or Dropbox for seamless cross-device work.
Pros
- Exceptionally clean and distraction-free interface
- Fountain markup provides intuitive, keyboard-driven formatting
- Reliable PDF and Final Draft exports with one-time purchase model
Cons
- Limited to Apple ecosystem (no Windows or Android support)
- Lacks advanced collaboration, outlining, or revision tracking tools
- Requires familiarity with Fountain syntax for optimal use
Best For
Screenwriters on Mac or iOS who value simplicity and Markdown-style writing over comprehensive production features.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $39.99 for macOS, $19.99 for iOS (no subscription required).
Trelby
otherFree open-source screenplay software with auto-completion, statistics, and standard formatting.
Ultra-lightweight, fully offline design with precise industry-standard formatting out of the box
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, character and dialogue reports, spell-checking, and exports to PDF, Final Draft, and Fountain formats. Designed for distraction-free writing, it runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS without requiring an internet connection.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no hidden costs
- Lightweight and distraction-free for focused writing
- Reliable auto-formatting for professional screenplay standards
Cons
- Development discontinued since 2012, leading to outdated interface and potential compatibility issues
- Lacks modern features like collaboration, cloud sync, or advanced planning tools
- Minimal customization options and basic reporting
Best For
Beginner or budget-conscious writers who need a simple, offline tool for basic screenplay formatting without bells and whistles.
Pricing
100% free (open-source, no subscriptions or premium features)
StudioBinder
enterpriseFree online scriptwriter integrated with production tools for breakdowns, scheduling, and call sheets.
Automated script breakdown that extracts scenes, characters, and elements to generate production schedules
StudioBinder is a comprehensive production management platform with integrated scriptwriting tools tailored for filmmakers and production teams. It enables users to write and format scripts in industry-standard styles, perform detailed scene breakdowns, tag elements like characters and props, and generate production reports such as schedules and call sheets. While not a standalone screenwriting app, it excels in bridging creative writing with pre-production workflows.
Pros
- Seamless transition from script to production breakdowns and scheduling
- Real-time collaboration for teams
- Robust import/export options for scripts
Cons
- Scriptwriting editor lacks advanced formatting finesse of dedicated tools like Final Draft
- Steep learning curve for full platform features
- Pricing scales quickly for multiple projects
Best For
Independent filmmakers and production teams needing an all-in-one tool from script to shoot.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features (1 project); paid plans from $29/month (Indie, 1 project) to $199/month (Team, unlimited projects).
Conclusion
This list of top scriptwriting software highlights tools with distinct strengths, with Final Draft leading as the top choice due to its industry-leading precise formatting and robust collaboration features. Celtx impresses with its cloud-based pre-production tools and storyboarding, while Fade In stands out for its affordable yet professional formatting, making them strong alternatives for different needs. The right pick depends on user priorities, but Final Draft remains the gold standard for serious writers.
Start bringing your stories to life—try Final Draft, the top scriptwriting tool that combines precision and functionality to elevate your craft.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison