Screenwriting software: the 5 best programs compared. Comparing all the best screenwriting software options out there can be overwhelming. When each program has multiple cool-sounding features, different price points and different levels of usability, knowing which screenwriting software to choose can be super confusing.

The screenplays for a skit, movie, etc can be written in an efficient manner if you have the right software tool installed on your device. For all those who are on the lookout for a tool which helps to write screenplays in the desired format and quality, the Free Screenwriting Software tool is the perfect one for you. This article mentions some of the best Free Screenwriting Software tools that are used in recent times.

• The Best Paid Screenwriting Software Final Draft. Final Draft sets the standard for industry professionals. It’s the king of screenwriting software, with others scrambling to compete and live up. It’s the screenwriting software that most professionals within the industry use. Although that doesn’t mean it’s the be all and all necessarily.
• This free screenwriting software Mac is the most tailored and lightweight screen app to give you the maximum writing pleasure. It is full of scriptwriting feature and also has media rich production support. Mar 11, 2009 FinalDraft remains the best and is the professional standard for good reason but I prefer online/cloud based software as you.

WriterDuet

WriterDuet is a Free Screenwriting Software tool which lets you work on your screenplay. It supports all kind of text file formats, provides options for backup and is very easy to use.

Plotbot

Plotbot is a Free Screenwriting Software tool used to write screenplays online. This tool is easy to use and it helps create private screenplays with all sorts of formatting options.

FinalDraft

Final Draft is a Free Screenwriting Software tool used to write screenplays in your Windows and Mac device. This tool is used by the top production companies and studios for making effective screenplays.

Slugline

Slugline is a simple, Free Screenwriting Software tool for Mac. Use this tool to get auto format options and change the text, format, style of your writing to get a beautiful looking screenplay.

Nongnu

Nongnu screenwriter is a Free Screenwriting Software tool that is used by writers for effective writing. Download this tool to start writing the screenplay without worrying about the license of the software.

Fade In Pro

Fadeinpro is a professional, Free Screenwriting Software tool used for making high quality screenplays. Use this tool to change the format and edit your work in an efficient manner.

ScriptBuddy

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Free Screenwriting Software for Other Platforms

Find out the list of Free Writing Software or Screenwriting software tools that are available online. Download the best Screenplay Software tool to make use of the efficient features and create your very own screenplay.

Celtx Script for Android

Celtx Script is an Android application which lets you write formatted scripts and save your works as a backup. Use this Free Screenwriting Software application to finalize your script in the desired format.

MovieDraft for Windows

MovieDraft is the best Free Screenwriting Software tool for Windows. The demo version can be downloaded to start writing the script. You can save your screenplay after purchasing the pro version.

Celtx for Mac

Celtx is the best system for video making and movie planning. Use this Free Screenwriting Software tool to write the script, plan the shoot and work on the rest of the production.

Trelby – Most Popular Software

Trelby is the most popular Free Screenwriting Software application which is loaded with features for helping you write your screenplay. Some of its features include screenplay editor, reports, database, compare, import, export, PDF, etc.

How to install Free Screenwriting Software Tool?

The Free Screenwriting Software tool can be downloaded for free from the official website of the developer or the software. If you’re a professional user, you can purchase the pro version since it offers many extra features that can save your time. Click on download option to save the application and run it to start the installation process. Installation is not complicated and it can be done in the usual way. After the installation is complete, the Free Screenwriting Software tool will be ready for use.

Free Screenwriting Software tools let you check the format, spelling and other such details of your screenplay. Choose the most recommended screenplay or screenwriting tool for your device so that you can use it in an efficient manner. Thus, screenplays or screenwriting is made easy using these highly efficient, feature-rich screenwriting tools.

This free screenwriting software Mac is the most tailored and lightweight screen app to give you the maximum writing pleasure. It is full of scriptwriting feature and also has media rich production support. Mar 11, 2009 FinalDraft remains the best and is the professional standard for good reason but I prefer online/cloud based software as you can use on a number of devices without requiring DL. Level 2 Verified Screenwriting Software.

Screenwriting software is a rapidly growing market that’s expected to reach $235.8 million by 2026. As a screenwriter or scriptwriter, you need a specialized tool to help you in writing killer screenplays efficiently.

If you are a screenwriter, having access to the right screenwriting software should be your top priority. Why?

Because it has now become an industry norm. When all the other screenwriters are using tools and software to write better scripts, you have to use the best screenwriting software to be at the top.

This article covers everything you need to know about screenwriting software, what features to look for when choosing one, and a list of the best screenwriting software to help you choose the right one.

Let’s get cracking.

What is Screenwriting Software?

Screenwriting software is a writing tool (like word processors) designed specifically for writing screenplays and scripts. Normal word processors (e.g. Microsoft Word) can’t handle the special needs of screenwriters.

For example, screenwriters deal with several characters and they need quick shortcuts to type character names. Similarly, screenwriters have to take notes, collaborate with other writers, and need access to outline quickly.

Microsoft Word has macros that make it easier for screenwriters to use these features but it’s a painful process. Dedicated screenwriting software provides you with all the features and benefits that you need to produce awesome scripts quickly yet comfortably.

Most importantly, screenwriting software comes with templates that is a huge plus. Templates make writing super-easy. Select a template based on the script type, make the edits, and you are done. Having the best screenwriting software will help you stay organized, save time, write quickly, and focus on what’s essential instead of dealing with the technicalities of the tool.

Features & Benefits of Screenwriting Software

Screenwriting software offers you with several features and benefits that make them essential for writing screenplays and scripts. Here is an over of the major benefits that you should expect to see in the best screenwriting tool:

• Easy-to-use interface that requires minimal or no training
• Ready-to-use templates
• Outlines and mind mapping assistance
• Story maps
• Drag-and-drop builder
• Real-time collaboration with other writers and stakeholders
• Distraction-free writing
• On-screen sidebar to quickly access characters and scenes
• Note-taking tool
• Auto-correct, spell check, and grammar recommendation
• Quick draft import and export
• Sync and integration with third-party apps (e.g. cloud services)
• Multiple device support

Here are the top three features that you must consider before choosing any screenwriting software:

1. Templates

Screenplay templates help you plot your story quickly. Templates provide you with the basic elements of a screenplay that you can tweak as per requirement. For instance, you'll find headline, action, character names, dialogue, transition, shot, and other elements in the template. This saves a lot of time and makes your job easier.

2. Ease of Use

If it requires training and you have to spend a lot of time learning how to use a screenwriting tool, it isn’t worth it. The interface and layout should be simple and easy-to-use. This is one of the core features that you should look for in a screenwriting program.

The user interface should be self-explanatory with icons and buttons clearly visible. A graphical interface is ideal with a drag-and-drop tool.

3. Collaboration

Real-time collaboration is an essential feature that you shouldn’t miss. You have to collaborate with fellow writers, editors, and several other stakeholders during the writing process. Collaboration feature helps you collaborate with peers within the screenwriting software, you don’t have to use another tool. This keeps everything streamlined and organized within a single platform.

You also have to take notes (private and shared) related to characters, story, outline, and writing projects. The easier it is to take notes while writing, the better.

What screenwriting software features you prefer is more of a personal choice, but these three features should be your top priority as it will prove handy in the long run. So always look for these three features when evaluating software options.

The Best Screenwriting Software 2020

Here is an overview and review of the best screenwriting software available in the market to choose from in 2020.

These include both free screenwriting software and paid ones. Let’s dig in.

1. Squibler

Squibler is the #1 and top-rated screenwriting software that has a powerful yet easy-to-use text editor for screenwriters. It comes loaded with 30+ screenplay templates that help you in getting started hassle-free. The drag-and-drop user interface makes it extremely easy to add headings, beat boards, and other elements. With its collaboration feature, multiple writers can work on a single story simultaneously. This saves you from the hassle of sending story to multiple peers and then waiting for them to add their section.

Main Features

• Easy-to-use scriptwriting software
• Drag and drop interface
• Distraction-free mode
• More than 30 templates to choose from
• Powerful built-in collaboration feature
• Comes with several handy tools for writers such as plot generator
• Works on web, pc, Ipad, IPhone, and Android
• Integrates seamlessly with Google Drive and Dropbox
• 30-days free trial

Best For

Squibler screenwriting software is an all-purpose platform that is suitable for all types of scriptwriters, authors, and fiction and non-fiction writers. It is perfect for screenwriters who need easy-to-use and reliable software to produce quality content with peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

Squibler is multi-purpose feature-rich screenwriting software that’s a perfect choice for any writer. It has all the features that you need in the best screenwriting tool. It has templates, easy-to-use, and has amazing collaboration and note-taking features.

Importantly, you can try it free.

Squibler Pricing

Squibler offers the following plans:

• Free Trial – enjoy the 14-day trial period providing basic features (creating drafts, customizing templates, sharing options, etc) for free.
• Squibler Pro (monthly plan) – use its advanced features by upgrading to Squibler Pro for $9.99 per month (billed monthly).

Claim your free trial today.

2. Fade In

Fade In screenwriting software that’s specifically made for motion picture screenplays and is perfect for writers who are associated with the film industry, television, and gaming. It comes with a lot of handy features that make it suitable for scriptwriters of all genres. It is a cross-device software that works on Mac, Windows, mobile, and Linux.

Main Features

• Simple user interface
• Supports multiple languages
• Real-time collaboration
• Autocomplete tool
• Distraction-free typing
• Support multiple file formats including images and PDF
• Works on Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile
• Support for cloud services
• Comes with a free demo

Best For

Fade In is suitable for screenwriters who are working with film, TV, or gaming industry. The tools and features support motion picture screenplays.

Key Takeaways

Fade In screenwriting software is the best choice for people who work within the film industry. The real-time collaboration and its rewrite and revision tools help several people work on a single story simultaneously.

You can grab its free demo and check it out, but you won’t be able to download or use any content developed with the demo version.

Fade In Pricing

Fade In offers the following plans:

• Free Demo Version – download Fade In’s fully functional demo version (3.0.636) for free and check out all the features it has to offer.
• Full Version – if you like the software, get registered as a permanent user by purchasing the full version. You can purchase the full version for $75.

Registered users can download Fade In using the personalized download link sent via email or by checking for updates from the application.

3. Final Draft

Final Draft screenwriting software is best in the game. It is extensively used in the entertainment industry and it has won several awards over the years. It has more than 300 templates to choose from that make your work easier than ever. You can use Final Draft on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices making it a perfect multi-device software.

Main Features

• More than 300 templates
• Story mapping tool
• Beat boards that let you visually organize ideas
• Distraction-free writing
• Speech to script tool
• Real-time collaboration
• Easy-to-use interface
• Powerful formatting options with revision mode
• Auto-backup
• 30-day free trial

Best For

Final Draft is best for the motion picture market. It is widely used by leading TV shows for screenwriting so if you are planning to write stage plays following industry standard for a television show or a Hollywood movie, Final Draft is your best bet.

Key Takeaways

Final Draft screenwriting software is professional and reliable that is used by some of the leading companies like Netflix, Pixar, and BBC. If you are working in the motion pictures industry, it is a great option. However, it is expensive than most of the other software in this list.

Good news: You can try it free for 30-days and see how it goes for you.

Final Draft Pricing

Final Draft offers the following plans:

• Free Trial – download and install the trial version and use and enjoy a 30-day free trial.

• Full Version – purchase the full version for $99.99.

Final Draft has a special upgrade pricing for its current customers who can purchase it for only $79.99.

4. Trelby

Looking for a free screenwriting software? Trelby is one of the best free open source programs for screenwriters. Being an open-source scriptwriting software, Trelby is updated and improved quite often by developers. Based on input from screenwriters, the software gets regular updates. It is multiplatform that works on Windows and Linux.

Main Features

• Easy-to-use interface that’s like any text editor
• The interface is configurable and can be customized as per need
• Multiple view options
• A comprehensive database of character names
• Supports multiple file formats including PDF
• Import and export files in a wide range of formats
• Free for life

Best For

Trelby screenwriting software is flexible, customizable, and free making it a perfect choice for writers who are on a budget. It is suitable for new screenwriters who are just getting started and don’t want to spend money on screenwriting software.

Key Takeaways

Trelby is open source free software that’s exceptionally easy-to-use. It doesn’t have any learning curve. You can find scripts and codes free of cost on Github. However, it doesn’t offer you features that you'll find with some of the other screenwriting programs on this list.

If you are a newbie screenwriter, using Trelby should be your preference as it will give you a good idea of what your requirements are and will help you find a better paid screenwriting software in the future.

Trelby Pricing

Trelby is a feature-rich screenwriting tool that you can download for free. You can download the current version (2.2) on your Windows and Linux systems.

5. Celtx

Celtx is a multi-purpose scriptwriting and production tool that is designed specifically for large teams and companies that want to plan, write, and shoot with from a single platform. The interface is user-friendly and straightforward making is easy for screenwriters to get started. It offers several tools that help with writing, script format, production, cost management, reporting, collaboration, and more.

Main Features

• Simple and intuitive user interface
• Real-time team collaboration
• Supports storyboard and index cards for story development
• Works offline
• Revision tracking
• Multi-purpose software that also supports production and budgeting
• Supports team and multiple members
• 30-days free trial

Best For

Celtx screenwriting software is suitable for screenwriters who work within a team. It is mostly used for pre-production by companies that wish to handle everything from scriptwriting to production management.

Key Takeaways

Celtx is a powerful and feature-rich screenwriting platform that comes with an easy-to-use interface. It is a multi-purpose program that is focused on both screenwriting and production management. As a screenwriter who is working alone on a single project, it doesn’t turn out to be a great option.

If you are working with a team that is interested in production management too, Celtx will work great. You can use its free trial to explore features and interface.

Celtx Pricing

Celtx offers the following pricing plans:

• Scriptwriting Plan – $7.50 / month for the first year (billed annually) and $10 / month for the first three months (billed monthly).
• Celtx Pro – enjoy Celtx Pro’s 30-day free trial. Contact the sales team for purchasing this version.
• Education – request a quote from the sales team to get the pricing.

You can also combine plans based on your production needs.

6. WriterDuet

WriterDuet is simple yet effective screenwriting app that is focused on real-time collaboration. It was developed in 2013 as a collaboration tool for writers. It has now transformed into a full-fledged screenwriting software. It comes with templates, outlining tool, and tagging features. It is a cloud-based software so you can access it from anywhere in the world.

Main Features

• Real-time collaboration
• Easy-to-use interface
• Customizable software that comes with plugins and scripts
• Comes with templates
• Ability to create your own templates and workflows
• Tagging and outlining feature
• Can be used from any device including mobile and offline desktop app
• Comes with a free plan

Best Free Screenwriting Software For Mac Free

Best For

WriterDuet screenwriting software is best for professional screenwriters who work with writing partners. If you have a team of multiple writers and you want to write and edit script simultaneously without ruining other’s work, this is the software you must use. Real-time collaboration is its real strength.

Key Takeaways

It is a simple and easy-to-use screenwriting tool for teams. It offers almost all the essential features that you need to write great scripts. However, it is most suitable for real-time collaboration for scriptwriting and sluglines. You can use it for collaboration and simultaneous writing, editing, and revision.

You can try WriterDuet free and see how it works for you. However, the free version comes with limited features, so you'll have to switch to a paid plan to fully explore all the features.

WriterDuet Pricing

WriterDuet offers the following three plans:

• Plus – $7.99 / month (billed monthly) and $5.00 / month (billed annually)
• Pro – $11.99 / month (billed monthly) and $7.42 / month (billed annually)
• Premium – $15.99 / month (billed monthly) and $9.992 / month (billed annually)

Adobe Screenwriting Software

Switch to yearly plans and you can save 38%.

Choose the Right Screenwriting Software

The above list is not, by no means, exhaustive. There are several other best screenwriting software such as Scrivener, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Highland, Fountain, KIT Scenarist, and others.

It isn’t impossible to write scripts and screenplays without a tool, but it will be one heck of a task if you try doing it without the help of appropriate screenwriting software. That’s how the industry works.

Selecting the right screenwriting software will get easier if you know your project requirements and your personal interests. Here are a few basic questions that you should ask yourself before choosing a screenwriting program:

Do you want to get started quickly and need assistance with templates?

Are you a newbie screenwriter?

Are you working on a script with multiple other writers?

Are you working alone?

Do you want yourself involved in production management?

Your answers will help you select the best screenwriting software from the list above.

As a child, I used to read a lot of novels. My fascination for reading kept me glued to books all the time. I used to finish up a Sidney Sheldon novel within days of starting. But do you know how much it takes to write a book? There are authors who take years to finish up writing one. It is for the ease of all those authors and budding writers that writing applications have been developed. If you are in search of the best writing apps for Mac, the buddy, you are in the right place!

The history behind writing…

Contents

• So, improve your productivity with the following writing apps for Mac…

Writing began with stone tablets which then moved on to palm leaves and manuscripts. And then when the paper was invented, books started showing up everywhere around the globe. Writing a book with a pen took several months to complete. Typewriters shortened this time by many folds. But with the invention of computers, writing became super-convenient.

In the present generation, writing applications are being developed which will make the life of authors and writers even easier. If you are a tech blogger, the promising writer, author, then a good writing app is a must!

Also Read:Free Video Editing Software For Windows 7

What is the use of a writing app?

Though a general word file covers the basic needs of a writer, yet for a more convenient experience, you can go for a writing app. It creates the right ambiance in the system for the writer to concentrate just on the content of his write-up.

Additional editing tools, backgrounds, correcting tools etc. will help you create a better story or article in lesser time. When you write a book, you add various chapters or sub-sections to it.

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Managing all these documents can turn quite messy; in these times writing apps come to your rescue.

So, improve your productivity with the following writing apps for Mac…

Mac systems are widely used all over the globe and if you are a writer or author, then this app is god’s gift for you. This ultimate writing application can be used for focused writing sessions encouraging immersion with the text.

The app also helps you organize your write-up related documents and daily blog posts. It works on iPhones and iPads and you can also sync up your work with iCloud through this application.

It has got a 14-day free trial and after that, the monthly rental price is Rs 299.

2. Microsoft Word 2016

Really guys? Do you even need an introduction to this app? Popular across the globe for its simplicity yet abundant features, Microsoft Word 2016 can be used in Mac as well as Windows systems.

Also Read:Free Movie Apps For Android & IOS

Though it is tailor-made for Windows systems, yet it works more than fine in Mac ones. Available at a price of Rs 454, you can find cheaper alternatives of this in this list.

Even the name of the app has got an ‘I’ in it indicating it is made for Apple products. Listed as the best-selling text editor in the Apple store, it is a minimalistic writing application used for focused writing experience.

It is also used by famous author Augusten Burroughs. Though some users complain about its missing settings of preferences, it is this very feature that makes the app help writers focus on their content.

The item is prized at Rs 590.

Just like Microsoft Word is for Windows systems, Apple pages are for Mac systems. But it is not only limited to Mac users. If you have any other PC, then you can download pages and use it through iCloud. And the best part about this writing app for Mac? It is free of cost!

It is certainly one of the best free word processors for Mac. Though it has got an impressive user interface and features, it is not very popular as every user with whom you would like to share or collaborate would have to install Pages in their systems too.

Released back in 2007, it is one of the bestnovel writing software for Mac. It is also supported by systems running on Windows and Linux. You can now easily organize your documents and notes with the help of this content managing app. The app also offers various templates for creating screenplays, fictional, and non-fictional manuscripts.

The split-screen mode and drag-drop feature of virtual index cards make it a top choice for various writers.

6. TextEdit

The Mac word processing app SimpleText was replaced by TextEdit. It uses the Cocoa text format to read and edit documents in various formats like Rich Text Format, plain text and HTML.

Though it is not a very advanced tool, it can be used for applying various text edits to your content, adding multimedia inputs to it and writing different character encodings. And the best part? It is a free novel writing software for Mac.

A top-notch text editor and writing app for Mac is Byword, available on Mac and Apple app store. You can easily use this app anywhere to edit your stories, blog posts, and school projects.

There are various features like on-the-tip keyboard shortcuts and syntax highlighting that help the user achieve better productivity.

Also Read:Check out 10 Best Free Malware Removal

Sync up your work in iCloud or Dropbox so that you can work on them from any device, anywhere, anytime.

The finest in the industry, it has been used by various authors and movie script writers in the entertainment industry. All have given rave reviews about this app. Tailor-made for the entertainment industry, it offers more than 100 templates for drafting screenplays and stage plays.

You can also collaborate with a partner for real-time writing, outline act, scenes and sequences easily. Apart from these, there are several other text editing features that make it one of the best word processor for Mac.

Best Free Screenwriting Software For Mac Download

It also works on Windows systems.

9. Write!

Yet another free writing app for Mac is Write! Though currently, only its Windows version is available, its Linux and iOS versions are on their way for release. If you get quite distracted while writing your blog or story or even school essay, then use this tool for a distraction-free writing session.

Features like automatic spell-check, tunable autocomplete (completes your word before you end), multiple keyboard shortcuts, support for Markdown, Wiki, and Textile syntax, unlimited undo etc. make authors prefer this over the others.

10. Storyist

An advanced writing app for Mac preferred by various novelists and screenplay writers is Storyist. Talk about focused writing environment, more organized writing, easy access to all documents…Storyist covers them all.

It supports Mac systems and also works on iPhones and iPads.

Best Free Screenwriting Software For Mac

With the help of this app, you can now create stunningly formatted manuscripts and screenplays and get a customized high-level view of the story with the help of index cards.

Experience a distraction-free writing session with app Whiteroom which creates a full-screen writing environment. It was developed as an alternative to Microsoft Word to provide a more convenient writing environment. It has got spell check and auto-save feature in addition to basic features of Word.

More the features more the distractions; that is why Whiteroom has stuck to the basics.

Writing a movie script or screenplay? Go for one of the best writing apps for Mac named Slugline. It is a simple and elegant writing application for Mac and iOS systems. Its outline navigator helps you write sections and sub-sections of the write-up in a more organized way.

Just like other writing apps in the list, you can sync up your documents in iCloud and Dropbox and then work on them on other devices too.

The dark mode of the app helps you work in low light conditions. You can also pair a keyboard to your iPad and then write using it.

Best Free Screenwriting Software

13. Tinyword:

Work on multiple document types like DOC, DOCX, PDF, HTML, RTF etc. and create amazing stories with the help of Tinyword. Featuring multiple editing tools like inserting tables, symbols, footnotes, hyperlinks, page numbers etc., it is highly preferred by budding writers and authors.

Best Free Screenwriting Software For Mac

You can also protect your content with a password and also put editing restrictions on your content.

Best Free Screenwriting Software For Mac Os

Focus on your story or write-up with the help of this amazing writing app for Mac. With quick note feature, easy to use interface, advanced markup editor with knowledge of over 20 programming languages, multiple work themes, cross-note links, focus mode, hashtags, smart data recognition, multi-device sync…and many more,

it is certainly one of the most feature-rich writing apps for Mac.

Best Free Screenwriting Apps

Best Free Screenwriting Software For Macs

We hope the above writing apps for Mac help you create your dream story or screenplay in time. If you want a better work space, do take a look at free time tracker apps for Mac and Calendar apps for Mac.

Best Free Screenwriting Software For Mac Software

Just the way above-mentioned tools will help you improve your writing productivity, these apps will help you achieve more work in less time.