9+ Best Screenwriting Software in 2025 (Reviewed)
Looking for screenwriting software that actually works for you? I get it – finding the right tool is hard. You’ve tried programs that were missing important features. Or they were stuffed with distracting extras you’d never use.
Maybe you’ve only tried the free versions so far, and now you’re starting to work on your second script and need to finally pay for software!
We’ve all been there – staring at the blank screen, fingers itching to start the next big script. But the wrong software bogs you down before you can even get going.
What if there was an option that just worked? No jumping through hoops or wasting time. Just a smooth, focused writing experience.
In this guide, I’ll show you the absolute best screenwriting software that you can find. I’ll show you pro-grade tools that are packed with everything a writer needs to bring their vision to the big screen. You’ll be able to dive right in and let your creativity flow. Let’s get into it!
My Experience with Script Writing Software
As a screenwriter and indie filmmaker, I’ve tried many different screenwriting software programs over the years.
Sometimes I’ve needed to use the screenplay software that a film production uses already (if I’ve been hired to work on an existing script), and other times I’ve gotten to choose for myself.
Based on these experiences, this article will take a look at which screenwriting software programs are the most helpful for writers.
I’ll review each program and explain why it made the list. I’ll also mention a few other names you’ll see floating around, and describe why they aren’t my go-to choices.
Neil Chase Film is supported by its readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for your support!
What is the Best Screenwriting Software?
Final Draft has been considered the “industry standard” screenwriting software for decades – but times are changing. I’ve discovered that right now, Celtx is the best screenwriting software for indie studios and upcoming screenwriters.
Celtx has met screenwriters’ needs for over 15 years and has a solid user base that can offer support. In recent years, Celtx has become more than just screenwriting software – it can handle many aspects of production management, from budgeting to call sheets.
But Celtx isn’t the only good option. If you’re a beginning screenwriter, you’ll find Arc Studio affordable (or even free!) and extremely easy to use. WriterDuet and Fade In are a bit more complicated, but loaded with features. Let’s start with my top choice, Celtx.
1. Celtx
Celtx is my top choice for the best screenwriting software.
It has a great free plan, makes your scripts look professional, and allows you to go from storyboard to script to call sheets and production management in one software program!
In short: Celtx is ideal for indie studios or small production companies that need to collaborate as a team. It has features like storyboarding and A/V planning timelines that are hard to find in other software.
There’s a moderate learning curve to it, but Celtx has saved me tons of time and helped me stay organized. Celtx provides small studios with invaluable tools at a very reasonable price.
Top Benefits
Platforms: Cloud-based. Mobile apps for Windows and Android only. (No iOS app.)
What it can do: Scriptwriting, storyboarding, character lists, beat sheets, A/V planning, as well as other pre-production tools such as budgeting, call sheets, and scheduling.
Pricing
What it costs: Plans from $14.99/month to $59.95/month. 25% discount if billed yearly.
Free plan includes: One script writing project with limited features
Free trial options: 7-day free trial of all features; no credit card required.
My Experience with Celtx for Screenwriting
Celtx is one of the few screenwriting programs (besides Final Draft) that is recognized in Hollywood. With over 6 million users of the program (as claimed by the company), it’s easy to find someone who can help you learn the software.
Since being acquired by Backlight, Celtx has transformed from just a scriptwriting program to a full production management suite. You can produce cast lists, schedules, budgets, call sheets, and more in Celtx, keeping your team members working in one space.
As a screenwriting software, it’s not the simplest program to learn. But when you take time to play with the beat sheet, the storyboard, and the keyboard shortcuts, you can develop an efficient and powerful workflow.
Celtx has one of the best revision control systems among screenwriting software, automatically saving drafts every five seconds. You can save and tag revisions for reference later. You can tag and comment on items in a script and see when a collaborator is working on the screen with you.
Here’s a helpful video on how to use the beat sheet in Celtx:
The best bit: Several programs let you set goals for your script, but in Celtx, this amazing animated “goal mole” dude pops up to congratulate you when you meet your target.
This is such an unexpected source of comic relief for me after an exhausting day of writing that I just had to mention it!
The drawbacks: All these tools sound amazing – and they are – but the biggest downside to Celtx is that you don’t get all the features unless you buy one of the higher subscription tiers.
The $24.99/month “Writer Pro” plan will get you access to story planning tools like the beat sheet, shot list, and storyboard. For production planning features like budgets, schedules, and call sheets, you’ll need the $59.95/mo “Team” plan. Thankfully, there is a 25% discount if you pay annually.
Bottom Line
I think that Celtx is the best screenwriting tool to check out. Its got tons of useful features and it’s affordable.
I think it’s particularly useful for screenwriters who want to use one software program for writing their script and planning out the production of their film!
2. Arc Studio Pro
Arc Studio Pro is my favorite screenwriting software program if you are on a strict budget but want to write a well-formatted script.
It has a forever-free version (which I love!), or you can pay a small fee for more features.
In short: If you’re writing your first screenplay and want an easy-to-use, affordable software to help, you’ll really like ArcStudio Pro.
The interface is bright and intuitive and the company is constantly improving the software. It’s great for learning screenwriting conventions and banging out a first draft.
Top Benefits
This software is the perfect tool for beginning screenwriters, or those on a strict budget. Here are just a few of its top features:
- What it can do: Screenwriting, outlining, plot board.
- Flexible format: Arc Studio Pro allows you to write in any standard screenplay format, making switching between different software programs easy.
- Real-time collaboration: With it, you can invite other professional screenwriters to work on your script in real time. This makes it easy to get feedback and make changes on the fly.
- Built-in note taking: Arc Studio Pro includes a built-in notes tool to keep track of ideas and inspirations as you write.
- Powerful story development tools: Arc Studio Pro includes everything you need to develop your story, from the premise and character development to scene planning and outline creation.
- Export to PDF: When you’re finished writing, you can easily export your screenplay to PDF so it’s ready to send to agents or producers.
Pricing
Arc Studio Pro is highly affordable.
What it costs: $69 or $99 annually. $20 discount on the first year.
Free version includes: Two scripts; no collaboration, comments, history, or mobile app features.
Free trial options: 7-day free trial of all features; no credit card required.
Platforms: Cloud browser app, offline desktop app, iOS app.
My Experience with Arc Studio Pro for Screenwriting
Of all the software I’ve used, I was up and writing the fastest with ArcStudio Pro. The interface has a very different look and feel from most screenwriting software – it’s modern, spacious, and colorful.
Some might find the interface’s abundance of icons distracting, but it was very easy to use and find what I was looking for.
When I import a script into Arc Studio Pro, the software formats and tags more elements correctly than other programs do.
Arc Studio Pro has two awesome features called the Plot Board and “the Stash.”
The Plot Board is where you jot down your virtual index cards. “The Stash” is where you stow your “darlings” – those bits of action or dialog that don’t really work in the current iteration of your script, but you love them too much to say goodbye forever.
The fun part: When you first create an account, Arc Studio populates a “script” that, if you read it carefully, is actually a software tutorial!
The drawbacks: Arc Studio Pro is just a screenwriting software. It doesn’t (at present) include other tools like scheduling or cataloging. And as you advance in your screenwriting career, you may want more professional/advanced tools that it doesn’t have – like advanced formatting options.
That said – the price reflects the limited features. $99/year is less than some competitors cost annually. And the software is constantly updating with new features like read-only drafts, improved shortcuts, and guest collaborators. So the features you’re missing today might show up in a few months.
Here’s a video you can watch all about how to use Arc Studio Pro for screenwriting:
Bottom Line
Arc Studio Pro is a great choice for students or anyone who needs a free or cheap software option for learning screenwriting.
I don’t recommend it if you need software that will help you actually film a movie, though – it doesn’t have things like call sheets, production schedules, and such.
3. SudoWrite
Sudowrite is the easiest AI writing tool for fiction writers, perfect for beginners or anyone struggling with writer’s block.
Its Story Engine helps plan plots and structure your novel, while tools like "Describe" and "Rewrite" improve your writing.
This family-friendly tool does not allow NSFW content, but it’s great for mainstream fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi writers looking for a creative AI partner.
SudoWrite is a great AI writing assistant and AI script generator for screenwriters looking to improve their productivity and creativity.
AI can help you with many tasks, like developing your characters and settings. It’s also a great way to keep track of everything.
Top Features
- Unleash Your Creativity with AI: Sudowrite’s powerful AI engine is a great creative partner. It can help you expand your initial ideas.
- Easy to Use, Easy to Love: Sudowrite’s intuitive user interface makes it quick and efficient.
- A Second Pair of Eyes on Your Work: Sudowrite acts as a “beta reader,” providing feedback on your stories and screenplays. It’s like having a trusted friend always ready to give constructive criticism and help you improve your storytelling and writing skills.
- Try Before You Buy: Not sure if you’ll like using an AI writing assistant? No problem! They offer a free trial period to test the basic version before committing to a subscription.
- Recent Updates: A great new feature called “Story Engine” completely rethinks the writing process. It’s designed to guide you from an initial idea to a fully fleshed-out screenplay, story, or novel in just a few days.
Pricing
SudoWrite has three pricing levels:
Hobby & Student: $10 per month
Professional: $22 per month
Max: $44 per month
SudoWrite Pros
SudoWrite Cons
Bottom Line
SudoWrite is a great AI writing assistant for screenwriters. While it certainly can’t write a whole script for you, it can help give you ideas for the story, plot points, characters, settings, and even dialogue. SudoWrite also acts as a “beta reader” for your creative works and can give feedback on your screenplays.
If you haven’t used an AI writer before, it’s worth giving their free trial a try to see if you like using it!
4. StudioBinder
StudioBinder is a professional software for filmmakers. Screenwriters are a bit of an afterthought - the software is functional for screenwriting, but it doesn't have a lot of the features that you might want to have.
It's a great option if you are planning on producing movies, but if it's just screenwriting software that you need, go with one of the options above!
In short: Don’t get StudioBinder if you’re just looking for a scriptwriting program. (It’s way too expensive for that.)
But if you have a small production studio and need software to help you run efficiently, StudioBinder can be an all-in-one solution.
Top Features
If you’re looking for a great tool to help you produce a movie, StudioBinder could be a good choice.
- What it can do: Screenplays, call sheets, scheduling, storyboards, shot lists, and more.
- Platforms: Web app. No mobile apps at this time.
- StudioBinder is used by professional writers and filmmakers worldwide, so you know it’s a trusted and reliable tool.
- It’s easy to use and navigate, so you’ll be able to get started writing your screenplay right away.
Pricing
What it costs: From $49/mo to $149/month and up. 15% discount on annual plans.
Free plan includes: Contacts and call sheets; one single script.
Free trial options: Not offered
My Experience With StudioBinder
StuidoBinder is a wonderful production management solution, but I wouldn’t recommend it if screenwriting is your main gig.
The screenwriting portion of the software is adequate for importing a script and setting up corresponding storyboards and shot lists, but it doesn’t have the robust editing features that dedicated screenplay programs offer.
While famous for its call sheet builder, StudioBinder can manage your contacts, schedule, tasks, and everything else that a 1AD needs to juggle. It’s an amazing tool for staying organized.
If you want to run more than one project on StudioBinder, you’ll need a paid subscription. StudioBinder is the most expensive software on this list. Plans start at $49/month and rise sharply as you add users or features.
Bottom Line
StudioBinder is a good choice if your focus is film production rather than screenwriting. If you want screenwriting softare with all the bells and whistles, go with my #1 or #2 choices.
5. Fade-In
Fade In's main selling feature is that it's a buy-it-once program! You'll get all future updates of the program for just one fee.
The main downside is that there is no cloud-based version - it just runs on your desktop computer.
In short: Fade In is a buy-it-once software that runs on your device and is not backed up to the cloud.
It’s created by an individual screenwriter, not a software company, so it meets the needs and wants of a screenwriter very well, but it’s not very beginner-friendly.
Top Features
- What it can do: Help you write and format screenplays. That’s all.
- Revision tracking and collaboration tools
- PDF generation capabilities
- Option to try out the basic version for free before committing to a paid subscription
- A variety of templates are available
Pricing
What it costs: Free demo. $79.95 for lifetime purchase including updates. Student price of $59.95
Free version includes: Everything except real-time collaboration and non-watermarked exports.
Free trial options: Free plan is extensive and has unlimited duration.
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux desktop. Android and iOS app. No cloud app.
FadeIn Pros
FadeIn Cons
My Experience with Fade In:
Fade In is a fantastic program for seasoned screenwriters who have a traditional process. It doesn’t have a lot of extra features like storyboarding, beat sheets, and cards.
If you know how to write a screenplay and demand a software that will let you fine-tune elements in your script, you might feel limited by beginner-friendly software like Arc Studio Pro – and you will probably love Fade In.
But if this is the first time you’ve written a script and want a software to walk you through the process, you might feel a bit lost with this one.
Although Fade In can only be used for writing scripts, it’s highly customizable with lots of different reading/writing panes and modes.
You can download custom fonts, templates, and dictionaries. You can export your script with custom colors, fonts, and margins. Plus, this software is crazy affordable.
Bottom Line
Fade In is the perfect screenwriting software if all you want is a desktop-based software program. ke that you have the ability to try out the basic version for free before committing to a paid subscription.
6. Final Draft
Final Draft is the top professional screenwriting software. So many 'real' tv shows and movies are written in Final Draft software. It's an industry standard for a reason.
Still... if you're just starting out, go with one of the other choices I've mentioned! They are cheaper and have almost all of the features.
In short: Final Draft is a software with connections. The company claims that 95% of industry professionals use this program, the only screenwriting software to have won an Engineering Emmy.
But that statistic is changing as more professionals tire of the expense and limitations of Final Draft.
Top Features
- What it can do: Scriptwriting, beat board, outline editor
- Platforms: Mac OS12 or higher, Windows 10 or higher, iOS app
- Screenwriting templates and tools for professional writers
- Powerful collaboration features for multiple screenwriters on a project
- Finishing touches allow you to add audio and other elements to your script
- Industry-standard format for professionals (used by 95% of professional filmmakers)
- Track changes within your screenplay with ease
- Has a character name generator and story map tool – so helpful for newer screenwriters!
Pricing
What it costs: $99 student, $199 personal, and up from there. Updates cost extra.
Free version includes: N/A
Free trial options: 30-day free trial of the software, currently with no limitations on features.
My Experience with Final Draft
Final Draft gets so much hype that, when I first started using it, I was a bit taken aback by its simple-looking interface. At first you think you’re using Microsoft Word! But back then, I was just starting in screenwriting, and didn’t realize how many features are buried deep in this highly versatile software.
You may hear people say that Final Draft is the “industry standard” and that “agents won’t even look at your script unless it’s done in Final Draft.” While that may have once been the case, it’s no longer true, as many pros turn to programs like Arc Studio, Celtx, and Fade In instead.
Still, Final Draft set a bar that’s hard to live up to. It has a beat board, index cards, outline editor, extensive viewing and navigation options, and lots of color and formatting tools. With Final Draft, you know your script is going to look polished and professional.
Unlike Celtx or StudioBinder, Final Draft is not a SAAS. You buy it once and install it on your computer. It doesn’t have its own cloud storage, but can save files to a Google Drive or Dropbox folder on your hard drive that syncs automatically.
Unfortunately, this professional screenwriting software is pricey, and updates are not free. You currently have to pay $199 for the personal version of Final Draft. Version 13, released in January 2024, cost existing users an additional $99 if they wanted to update.
Bottom Line
Final Draft is the industry standard screenwriting software, but, in my opinion, the other tools on this list have surpassed it. But, it’s worth checking out and doing your own research!
7. Trelby
Trelby is a free, open-source screenwriting software program. It looks a little dated, but it does the job.
However, I think one of the free options listed above is likely a better option for most people.
In short: Trelby is unlike any other software on this list. It’s free and open source. So anyone that’s programming-savvy can get into the source code and make improvements.
However, the program feels more like an upgraded rich text editor than robust and modern software.
Top Benefits
- Effortlessly Edit Your Script: Search and replace words, phrases, or large sections in a snap, saving you time and effort.
- Professional-Looking Scripts Every Time: With easy formatting options, make your script look polished and adhere to industry standards effortlessly.
- Never Lose Your Progress: With the revision tracking feature, confidently navigate different script versions, comparing and reverting when needed.
- Navigate Characters Like a Pro: Jump to desired script sections in a breeze by selecting characters from a handy sidebar list.
- Share and Print with No Fuss: Turn your script into a neat PDF in seconds, ready for sharing or printing.
- Latest Updates (Version 2.2): Trelby added “undo” and “redo” capabilities, better-looking tabs, more font choices, and import support for Fade In Pro and Adobe Story.
Pricing
Trelby is open-source and free for anyone to use!
My Experience with Trelby
Trelby began in 2003 as a coder/screenwriter’s hobby project and is currently run by a small team of developers. If you happen to fall into the intersection of screenwriters and software engineers, you can join the Trelby Google group and collaborate with others to improve the program.
But if you’re a professional screenwriter, you may find Trelby too limited. The interface is dated and the icons and type are very small and hard to use. Trelby is not available for Mac, and it doesn’t update to the cloud, so you’ll have to back up your own files.
And you should make sure to do this in a format other than the Trelby native file, since some users couldn’t open their old Trelby files after updating the software to version 2.2.
On the plus side, this lightweight program is quite intuitive once you get running with it. It tags action/character/setting items pretty accurately.
If you need to change a tag, you can do it quickly with the “tab” key. Since it’s free and runs entirely offline, it’s great for kids who want to dabble in screenwriting but don’t have full internet access. (a 12yo I know – a budding filmmaker – loves this program!)
Top Tip: Install the font Courier 10 Pitch for the program to run smoothly. It crashed for me a couple of times before installing the right font.
Bottom Line
Trelby is a top pick for screenwriters seeking a free and straightforward tool.
8. WriterDuet
WriterDuet is a solid choice for screenwriting software if you write in a language other than English.
It's an ok screenwriting program if you write in English, but I think that overall, other programs have better features for a lower price.
In short: At first glance, WriterDuet appears to have everything you could want in a screenwriting software – for free. But as you begin using it, you realize that key features like revision management and customization options are buried in the paid plans.
Top Features
- What it can do: Scriptwriting, cloud-based collaboration, index cards, mind map
- Platforms: Web app. Desktop app available for paid subscribers.
Pricing
- What it costs: From free to $14/month. 25% discount if billed annually. 50% discount for educators.
- Free plan includes: 3 projects, no desktop app, limited editing features.
- Free trial options: Available free plan, but no free trials of paid plans.
My Experience with Writer Duet
Early in my screenwriting career, I loved Writer Duet – and its parallel program, Writer Solo. I went ahead and signed up for the subscription and got to enjoy some of the best collaboration and revision features available on any screenwriting software.
The Pro version of WriterDuet (currently $12/month) allows very detailed tracking of edits and revisions, including locked lines, character filters, and a “content graveyard.”
You can give collaborators various levels of access, including read-only, and there are great chat/video communication features right in the app.
The Premium version has unique features like translation to other languages and audio playback – though, honestly, I’m not sure who would use either of those for a real screenwriting job.
But when I realized how much I was paying for WriterDuet every year, compared to buy-it-once software like Fade In, or do-it-all software like Celtx, this program lost its shine.
When I downgraded to the free version, I felt constrained. This software won’t even check your script format for errors without a paid subscription.
If you’re looking for an extremely capable, cloud-based scriptwriter and don’t mind paying over $100/year, you may love WriterDuet. But if you’re an indie filmmaker with a variety of software needs and a guerilla budget, you’ll do better with Celtx or StudioBinder.
Bottom Line
This one’s not my favorite screenwriting program unless you write in a language other than English.
9. Squibler
Squibler is an AI writing program that can create full-length books, novels, and screenplays with just a few clicks.
The software has some fantastic AI tools for novelists and screenwriters that will help you write faster - and it's budget-friendly!
Top Features
- The software is designed to be easy to use.
- Has screenwriting templates for various genres (adventure, comedy, action, etc.)
- Helps you format your screenplay effortlessly
- Has desktop and cloud versions
- Co-writers have an easier time writing a script together via the cloud-based software version of Squibler
Pricing
Squibler has a limited free version. After that, it is $16 per month.
Squibler Pros
Squibler Cons
Bottom Line
Squibler is a powerful and versatile screenwriting software that offers many features and tools to help you write your next great screenplay. It’s become very focused on using AI to assist you in screenwriting.
10. Movie Magic Screenwriter
In short: Movie Magic Screenwriter was once great, but is now a dated software with poor support. I would no longer recommend it.
Top Features
- What it can do: Write scripts
- Platforms: Desktop only. Windows or Mac – although the Mac version has bugs.
Pricing
- What it costs: $169 for lifetime download
- Free plan includes: N/A
- Free trial options: 14-day demo with full features
My Experience with Movie Magic ScreenWriter
The website states that “for over 30 years, we’ve created the best software for stage and screen…” and you may think you’re back in 1999 when you visit the webpage for this software.
In fact – the “what’s new” video on their website is 16 years old! (But at least the program doesn’t come on CD-ROM anymore?)
Putting it positively, Movie Magic Screenwriter has been around long enough to gain respect among professional screenwriters. The program has lots of options and shortcuts, but you can start writing quickly once you learn about 5 basic commands.
This is a buy-it-once software that runs on your desktop. It’s not cheap, but at least you don’t have to pay for updates like some other old-timey screenwriting programs (Lookin’ at you, FD!).
Movie Magic Pros
Movie Magic Cons
Bottom Line
This one’s not the best choice. Try a better, more updated program.
What is Screenwriting Software?
Screenwriting software is software designed explicitly to write screenplays. It can be used to format the screenplay to industry standards and add Slug lines, action descriptions, and character motivations.
This software can also help you collaborate with other writers, track changes, and manage revisions. In addition, many screenwriting software programs have a built-in storyboard feature that allows writers to visualize the film or TV show they are creating.
All screenwriting software programs will help writers create well-formatted screenplays ready for submission to agents, industry professionals, and film studios. Screenwriting software is an essential tool for any aspiring screenwriter!
Why Use Dedicated Screenwriting Software?
- Formatting: The film industry is particular about how scripts are presented. Screenwriting software ensures that your script aligns with the industry-standard layout, fonts, margins, and spacing. It allows you to focus on storytelling and leave the formatting worries behind.
- Scene Navigation: Do you know anybody who enjoys scrolling through a 150-page Word document? Solid screenwriting software is equipped with navigation tools to help you find a particular scene or line pronto.
- Character Database: As you breathe life into many characters, it’s super important to keep track of their quirks, backstories, and relationships. Dedicated software often includes a character database which allows you to store, manage, and reference character details to make sure they’re staying consistent.
- Dialog Focus: Dialog makes or breaks a screenplay. Dialog focus features let you zero in on this most crucial part of a script, to make sure conversations stay snappy and in-character.
- Revision Tracking: Writing is rewriting, especially in screenwriting! With built-in revision tracking tools, you can easily monitor changes, compare different draft versions, and revert edits when needed. It’s like having a time machine for your script’s evolution.
- Export/Import: Your script will likely need to be shared, reviewed, and perhaps even presented to lots of different people. Programs with good import/export features will automatically tag character, action, or transition elements, whether the original file was a PDF, TXT, or a software-specific format.
- Collaboration: Collaborative features allow writing partners people to write, comment, suggest changes, and refine the script together. The best software will lock certain lines, flag changes for approval, or send a read-only link to collaborators.
Neil Chase with award for screenwriting
Final Thoughts
I hope this list has given you some good ideas about which of the screenwriting software programs you’d like to try out. There are quite a few available, but each is best for a certain type of writer or filmmaker.
I’d love to hear which software is your favorite and why!
Interested in writing your own screenplay? Check out these great articles:
5+ Best AI Story Generator Tools for Fiction Writers
How to Write a Screenplay Synopsis: 7 Tips for Screenwriters
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