Top 8 Professional Screenwriting Software Ranked
A properly formatted screenplay (aka Industry Standard) is essential. But which software or subscription service do you choose? Below are the Top 7 Screenwriting Software/Subscription Services ranked.
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7/25/20248 min read
Choosing the right professional screenwriting software can feel like navigating a minefield. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an aspiring writer, the right tools can make or break your creative flow.
I've ranked the seven most popular screenwriting software options: Final Draft, Celtx, Scrivener, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Fade In, Writer Duet, Arc Studio Pro, and Studio Binder based on ease of use, cool features, compatibility, price, and production management capabilities.
Spoiler Alert: A few of these are game-changers and others... well, let’s say you’d be better off writing on a napkin.
Final Draft
Overview: The Rolls-Royce of screenwriting software, Final Draft, is the go-to for many industry professionals. It boasts a wealth of features, including real-time collaboration and advanced productivity tools. This stand-alone screenwriting software is used by 95% of film and television productions, and its intuitive interface ensures that your creative process is as smooth as possible. The SmartType feature auto-fills frequently used names, locations, and more, and the speech-to-text feature speeds up your writing process by automatically formatting the screenplay perfectly.
Price: $199.99 (one-time purchase). Upgrades $99.99 each.
Pros: Comprehensive feature set, user-friendly interface, real-time collaboration, stellar customer support.
Cons: Costs an arm and a leg upfront, not Chromebook-friendly.
Update Frequency: Regularly (1-2 times per year)
Upgrade Frequency: Infrequent (every 2-3 years Currently Final Draft 13)
Celtx
Overview: Celtx is a cloud-based platform that's a hit for its collaborative features and comprehensive production management tools. Designed with production teams in mind, Celtx allows you to move seamlessly from script to film shoot with tools for budgeting, scheduling, and storyboarding. The Script Insights feature offers real-time analytics to help improve your screenplay. It’s ideal for both solo writers and large teams working remotely.
Price: Free, Writer Plan ($15/month), Writer Pro Plan ($24.99/month), Custom Team Plan ($TBD).
Pros: Beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, extensive production tools, real-time collaboration.
Cons: Occasional mobile app glitches and online dependency. No WiFi, no screenplay.
Update Frequency: Frequently (Monthly)
Scrivener
Overview: Scrivener is the Swiss Army knife of writing software, perfect for juggling various projects. It offers powerful organizational tools, such as the corkboard and outliner views, which let you rearrange sections of your text visually. Ideal for complex projects, Scrivener supports everything from screenplays to novels, academic papers, and more. The customizable interface lets you create your perfect writing environment, and the Compile feature makes exporting your work a breeze.
Price: $59 (one-time purchase)
Pros: Comprehensive features, customizable interface, cross-platform compatibility, affordable.
Cons: Steep learning curve, no native collaboration features, limited iOS functionality.
Update Frequency: Regularly (1-2 times per year)
Movie Magic Screenwriter
Overview: The OG software Movie Magic Screenwriter offers standard tools and integrates seamlessly with other stand-alone Movie Magic production tools and software (Budgeting/Scheduling). It’s known for its extensive library of templates and formatting options, which can save you a ton of time. Despite its clunky interface, it remains a reliable choice for those entrenched in the industry.
Price: $169 (standard), $99.95 (academic), $69.95-$89.95 (upgrade)
Pros: Extensive templates, collaborative tools, comprehensive formatting options, industry usage.
Cons: No free trial, pricier as every Movie Magic Software is stand-alone, and updates as frequent as a blue moon.
Update Frequency: Infrequently
Upgrade Frequency: Who knows? The last update was in 2018.
Fade In
Overview: Fade In is loved for its affordability and extensive feature set. It’s a solid alternative to pricier programs. With free updates and compatibility with Final Draft files, it’s designed for screenwriters who want professional-grade tools without breaking the bank. Fade In offers distraction-free writing mode, scene management, and robust import/export options. The clean interface and customizable toolbar make it easy to navigate.
Price: $79.95 (one-time purchase)
Pros: Affordable, free updates, compatibility with Final Draft, cross-platform availability, rave user reviews.
Cons: Mobile app issues on Chromebooks, limited autosave function, and occasional support delays.
Update Frequency: Regularly (1-2 times per year)
Website: Fade In
Writer Duet
Overview: This cloud-based software is known for its stellar real-time collaboration capabilities. Writer Duet is perfect for writing partners or teams who need to work together seamlessly. It includes features like in-line commenting, version history, and real-time co-writing. The intuitive interface and robust feature set make it a favorite among many screenwriters. Plus, it supports voice dictation and has built-in video chat for brainstorming sessions.
Price: Plus Plan ($7.99/month), Pro Plan ($11.99/month), Premium Plan ($15.99/month)
Pros: Real-time collaboration, affordable, cross-platform compatibility, extensive features.
Cons: Desktop performance issues, subscription pricing, and occasional support delays.
Update Frequency: Frequently (Monthly)
Arc Studio Pro
Overview: A modern, user-friendly option that includes features for production scheduling, call sheet creation, and budgeting. Arc Studio Pro is designed for screenwriters who need a streamlined, efficient tool. It offers robust collaboration features and integrates well with industry-standard software like Final Draft. The distraction-free mode helps you focus, and the cloud-based system ensures your scripts are always backed up and accessible from any device.
Price: Free, Essentials Plan ($69/year), Pro Plan ($99/year)
Pros: Affordable, real-time collaboration, user-friendly design, comprehensive production tools, compatibility with Final Draft.
Cons: Limited offline features, some advanced features only in the Pro plan.
Update Frequency: Frequently (Monthly)
Studio Binder
Price: Free plan available, Starter Plan ($29/month), Indie Plan ($49/month), Professional Plan ($99/month)
Pros: Comprehensive production management tools, user-friendly interface, seamless integration between script and production planning, cloud-based for accessibility.
Cons: Higher pricing for advanced plans; some cooler features are limited to higher-tier plans.
Update Frequency: Frequently (Monthly)
Website: Studio Binder
* All pricing is current as of the writing of this post. Pricing is subject to change without notice.
Alright, so who wins? If you're serious about screenwriting, Final Draft is the gold standard. Yes, it's expensive, but it's the industry favorite for a reason…. Everybody uses it!
As a stand-alone software, Final Draft simply cannot be beat.
That said, if you’re looking for all-in-one software, just dipping your toes in, or the Final Draft price tag is too high, I've broken down the recommendations below. At the end of the day, it's all about looking professional with a well-structured, perfectly formatted screenplay, and all of these professional screenwriting software do the trick.
Best for Industry Standard:
Final Draft: As I said, if you want to play with the pros, go with Final Draft. It’s the industry’s darling for a reason. Its comprehensive feature set and user-friendly interface make it a must-have for any serious screenwriter. The real-time collaboration tools allow you to work seamlessly with your writing partners or team, and the SmartType feature saves you time by auto-filling commonly used names and locations. Regular updates ensure you’ll work with the latest tools and features the industry demands.
Best Overall:
Arc Studio Pro Arc Studio Pro wins for its user-friendly design, affordability, and frequent updates. It's perfect for both newbies and seasoned pros. The software’s ability to handle production tasks like scheduling and budgeting makes it an invaluable tool for any writer looking to produce. Plus, the collaborative features mean you can work with your team in real-time, ensuring everyone is on the same page (literally).
Best for Budget:
Fade In As the direct competitor to Final Draft, Fade In offers the best bang for your buck. Affordable and feature-rich, it’s a no-brainer. For a one-time purchase, you get robust tools, free updates, and cross-platform compatibility. The distraction-free writing mode and customizable interface help you focus on your work, while the scene management and import/export options make organizing and sharing your scripts easy. It’s the perfect choice for writers who want professional-grade software without the hefty price tag.
Best for Beginners:
Celtx Celtx is the ideal starting point with its user-friendly interface and comprehensive production tools. The cloud-based platform allows you to collaborate in real-time and manage your production tasks simultaneously. The Script Insights feature provides real-time analytics to help you improve your screenplay, and the extensive learning resources make it easy to get up to speed. Whether you’re writing solo or as part of a team, Celtx’s affordability and beginner-friendly design make it a fantastic choice.
Best for Organization:
Scrivener If you are a left-brainer with mild OCD and organization is your jam, Scrivener's might be for you. The corkboard and outliner views let you visually rearrange sections of your text, making it easy to manage complex projects. The customizable interface allows you to create your perfect writing environment, and the Compile feature ensures that exporting your work is a breeze. Whether you’re working on a screenplay, novel, or academic paper, Scrivener’s comprehensive features and affordability make it the go-to choice for varied, long-form writers.
Best For Production:
Studio Binder: This all-in-one software is perfect for screenwriters and filmmakers who are heavily involved in their projects' writing and production phases. Studio Binder excels in integrating scriptwriting with production planning, making it ideal for those who need to manage everything from script breakdowns to scheduling and call sheets. Unique features like customizable shot lists and detailed script breakdowns streamline the transition from writing to shooting, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. Additionally, the cloud-based system allows team collaboration in real-time, making it perfect for crazy production environments where constant updates and accessibility are crucial.
Best to Skip Altogether:
Movie Magic Screenwriter: While the website is getting a modern overhaul, I think it's time to retire this old warhorse. There are better, more up-to-date stand-alone options out there. While Movie Magic Screenwriter has been a reliable tool in the past and a worthy competitor to Final Draft, its infrequent updates and outdated interface make it less appealing today. The extensive templates and formatting options are still helpful, but the high price and lack of modern features make it hard to recommend. Save your money and invest in a more current, feature-rich software to better meet your needs.
So there you go, friends. All that’s left is to pick your tool and start writing. Because, let’s be honest, that Oscar isn’t going to win itself.
Happy Writing.
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