Best Screenwriting Softwares – 2023
There are several best screenwriting software options available that can help you write and format your screenplay. Some of them are free and some of them cost you.
Here are a few options that are popular among screenwriters:
Final Draft: This is a professional screenwriting software that is widely used in the film and television industry. It has a range of features including automatic formatting, character name highlighting, and scene numbering.
Celtx: This is a free, cloud-based screenwriting software that includes features such as automatic formatting, collaboration tools, and the ability to import and export files.
WriterDuet: This is a cloud-based screenwriting software that offers real-time collaboration and a range of formatting options. It also has a free version with limited features.
Fade In: This is a professional screenwriting software that includes features such as automatic formatting, character highlighting, and the ability to import and export files.
Scrivener: This is a writing software that is popular among writers of all kinds, including screenwriters. It includes features such as outlining, research organization, and the ability to import and export files.
Ultimately, the best screenwriting software for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s a good idea to try out a few different options to see which one works best for you.
Final Draft is a professional screenwriting software that is widely used in the film and television industry. It is designed to help writers create and format their screenplays, stage plays, and TV scripts.
Some of the features of Final Draft include:
Automatic formatting: Final Draft automatically formats your script according to industry standards, so you don’t have to worry about getting the formatting right yourself.
Character name highlighting: Final Draft highlights character names in different colors, making it easier to keep track of which character is speaking.
Scene numbering: Final Draft automatically numbers your scenes, which can be helpful when you are working on a long script and need to reference specific scenes.
Collaboration tools: Final Draft allows multiple writers to work on the same script at the same time, using a feature called “Collaboration.”
Import and export options: Final Draft allows you to import and export your script to and from a variety of file formats, including PDF, Word, and Movie Magic Screenwriter.
Final Draft is available for both Windows and Mac and offers a free trial version. It is paid software, with pricing starting at $249.99 for a perpetual license.
Celtx is a cloud-based screenwriting software that is designed to help writers create and format their screenplays, stage plays, and TV scripts. It is available for free, with a paid version that includes additional features.
Some of the features of Celtx include:
Automatic formatting: Celtx automatically formats your script according to industry standards, so you don’t have to worry about getting the formatting right yourself.
Collaboration tools: Celtx allows multiple writers to work on the same script at the same time, using a feature called “Collaboration.”
Import and export options: Celtx allows you to import and export your script to and from a variety of file formats, including PDF and Word.
Media library: Celtx includes a media library where you can store and organize your research, notes, and other materials related to your script.
Project management tools: Celtx includes project management tools such as a calendar and task list to help you stay organized and on track with your writing.
Celtx is available for both Windows and Mac and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. The free version includes basic features, while the paid version, called Celtx Plus, includes additional features such as the ability to import and export scripts in different file formats and the ability to collaborate with an unlimited number of writers. Prices for Celtx Plus start at $9.99 per month.
WriterDuet is a cloud-based screenwriting software that is designed to help writers create and format their screenplays, stage plays, and TV scripts. It offers real-time collaboration, allowing multiple writers to work on the same script at the same time.
Some of the features of WriterDuet include:
Real-time collaboration: WriterDuet allows multiple writers to work on the same script at the same time, with changes appearing in real time on all devices.
Formatting options: WriterDuet offers a range of formatting options, including the ability to customize your own formatting styles.
Outlining and organization tools: WriterDuet includes outlining and organization tools to help you plan and structure your script.
Import and export options: WriterDuet allows you to import and export your script to and from a variety of file formats, including PDF and Final Draft.
Free version: WriterDuet offers a free version with limited features, as well as paid versions with additional features. Prices for paid versions start at $7.99 per month.
WriterDuet is available for both Windows and Mac and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. It is a paid software, with pricing starting at $7.99 per month for the Pro version.
Fade In is a professional screenwriting software that is designed to help writers create and format their screenplays, stage plays, and TV scripts. It includes a range of features to help with the writing process, as well as the ability to import and export files.
Some of the features of Fade In include:
Automatic formatting: Fade In automatically formats your script according to industry standards, so you don’t have to worry about getting the formatting right yourself.
The character highlighting: Fade In highlights character names in different colors, making it easier to keep track of which character is speaking.
Scene numbering: Fade In automatically numbers your scenes, which can be helpful when you are working on a long script and need to reference specific scenes.
Collaboration tools: Fade In allows multiple writers to work on the same script at the same time, using a feature called “Collaboration.”
Import and export options: Fade In allows you to import and export your script to and from a variety of file formats, including PDF, Word, and Final Draft.
Fade In is available for both Windows and Mac and offers a free trial version. It is paid software, with pricing starting at $79.95 for a perpetual license.
Scrivener is a writing software that is designed to help writers create and organize their writing projects. It is popular among writers of all kinds, including screenwriters, and includes features such as outlining research organization, and the ability to import and export files.
Some of the features of Scrivener include:
Outlining: Scrivener includes an outlining tool that allows you to create and organize the structure of your script.
Research organization: Scrivener includes a feature called the “Binder” that allows you to store and organize research and other materials related to your script.
Writing tools: Scrivener includes a range of writing tools such as a word count tracker, a corkboard view for organizing notes, and a full-screen writing mode.
Import and export options: Scrivener allows you to import and export your script to and from a variety of file formats, including PDF, Word, and Final Draft.
Scrivener is available for both Windows and Mac and offers a free trial version. It is paid software, with pricing starting at $45 for a perpetual license.
What is the difference between each of them?
There are several differences between the screenwriting software options I listed. Here is a summary of the main differences:
Final Draft is a professional screenwriting software that is widely used in the film and television industry. It has a range of features including automatic formatting, character name highlighting, and scene numbering. It is a paid software, with pricing starting at $249.99 for a perpetual license.
Celtx is a free, cloud-based screenwriting software that includes features such as automatic formatting, collaboration tools, and the ability to import and export files. It also has a paid version, called Celtx Plus, which includes additional features such as the ability to import and export scripts in different file formats and the ability to collaborate with an unlimited number of writers. Prices for Celtx Plus start at $9.99 per month.
WriterDuet is a cloud-based screenwriting software that offers real-time collaboration and a range of formatting options. It has a free version with limited features and paid versions with additional features. Prices for paid versions start at $7.99 per month.
Fade In is a professional screenwriting software that includes features such as automatic formatting, character highlighting, and the ability to import and export files. It is a paid software, with pricing starting at $79.95 for a perpetual license.
Scrivener is a writing software that is popular among writers of all kinds, including screenwriters. It includes features such as outlining, research organization, and the ability to import and export files. It is paid software, with pricing starting at $45 for a perpetual license.
