If you’re a filmmaker, a screenwriter, or a creative enthusiast, you probably already know that screenwriting software can map out your ideas into a full script.
The reason why that’s important is that it visualizes your conception and puts it on digital paper, which is easily shareable, amendable, and downloadable.
In fact, with the right screenwriting tool, you don’t need to wander around with your raw script to get approvals.
You just need to be skilled, know your target audience, and rely on screenwriting software to assist with the structure and formatting.
That’s how individuals make big hits with premium music videos and series without support from top-notch agencies and producers—all with the help of screenwriting software.
So if you’re looking for the best screenwriting software online, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore the following:
- What is screenwriting software?
- 5 benefits of using a script writing software
- Top 10 screenwriting software that we recommend
- And the secret formula to getting fast approvals on your script
Let’s start!
Table of Contents
What is screenwriting software?
Screenwriting software is a guiding tool for screenwriters that helps you write your script, edit texts to correct errors like grammar and formatting, and get it reviewed online.
Because the screenwriting tools are designed to help you structure, format, and position your script correctly, so you can be as creative as you want. The tool wipes out any imperfections to bring your accurate concepts to life.
Using a screenwriting software tool has become crucial for screenwriters because writing scripts manually has become outdated and discards the recent shift to digitalization and AI.
With the right screenwriting software, you can have prompts, easy labeling, and faster approvals.
5 benefits of using a script writing software
There are several benefits of shifting to an online script writing tool. But here are the 4 best ones (that I personally love and endorse!)
1. It helps you map your story
Often the most challenging part of screenwriting is mapping out the story. This is especially true for writers who work with papers or digital notepads.
There are ideas scattered everywhere, and sometimes it gets really difficult to combine them into a story.
This is where a screenwriting tool can help bridge the gap.
It often has built-in features to write down your ideas into different categories that you can access later and map out the story without the endless back and forth.
2. You can easily add production notes
If you’re a screenwriter or have ever written a script for a digital production, you’d probably know how hard it is to adjust production notes.
These will be necessary during the shoot and must be annotated correctly.
So with script writing software, you can add comments and place boxes wherever needed.
The best part? Everyone from the production team can easily see these!
3. Easy outline creation and scene orders
With so many AI tools taking over the creative industry, it’s time to level up!
Screenwriting tools now have automated features that allow you to create outlines and scene orders with just a click.
This can save you a massive amount of time (and headaches!).
In fact, you can also use these generative suggestions to create scene summaries and notes that can be helpful in post production.
4. Real-time collaboration and feedback
One of the biggest nightmares for a screenwriter is feedback.
And not because they don’t like getting feedback but because the feedback they receive is often scattered and all over the place, making it challenging to implement.
But a screenwriting tool takes that hassle out with real-time collaboration options.
You can invite the reviewers and edit like you’re having a conversation.
5. You can add character notes without a hassle
Character notes are so messy!
And that’s because they often come as you develop the script further, so they often require going back and editing an already-written section. This process can mess up your script timeline and reactions if not done correctly.
However, with script writing software, you can add them whenever you want without worrying about creating huge blocks in between.
Top 10 screenwriting software
The AHA moment is here!
Here is our top pick of the best screenwriting software.
1. Final Draft
Final Draft is an outstanding choice for adding an award-winning ingredient to your success formula. This screenwriting software tool was first launched in the’90s and has been used by 95% of the film and television industry, like Netflix, ABC, Pixar, NBCUniversal, and Paramount, ever since its development.
Final Draft is known to be the first-ever software developed for screenwriting. In the 2013 Emmys Awards, Final Draft was awarded the Primetime Emmy Engineering Award.
Winning features:
- It sets the paging and formatting of the scripts according to the standards.
- The software tool includes fonts in over 97 languages.
- Arranges and modify “beats,” such as character arcs, story milestones, destination ideas, etc.
- Allows you to link your story outline with visuals and beat boards to your scripts,
- Includes upgraded brainstorming and visualization tools to work collectively with your writing team.
- You can instantly toggle between speech and action using shortcut keys like Tab and Enter.
- It has over a hundred distinct templates you can select designs from.
- Compatible with Windows, OSX, and iOS.
Pros:
- Primarily used by leading film companies.
- An award-winning screenwriting software.
- Includes 97 languages to help you write in your preferred language.
Cons:
- It’s expensive to afford for small-scale businesses.
- It requires enough experience to be operated correctly.
Pricing:
The full license is $249.99. However, they also allow you to start your trial for 30 days for free.
2. Celtx
Celtx is one of the best screenwriting software available in the market. It maintains your script’s quality from writing your storyline to its implementation on the shoot with its cross-platform and cloud-based features.
The cross-platform function allows you to use the software from anywhere, as it is quick and easy to access. Moreover, this screenwriting software is also used for media production, with 6 million users worldwide.
Top features:
- Manages all of your pre-production activities.
- Allows access from any computing device through its iPhone, Android, and IPad apps with offline and online mobility.
- It enables screenwriters and directors to assign tags to certain parts in each screenplay.
- Includes comprehensive UI features.
- Includes a text editor for writing extensive scripts.
- Allows you to collaborate in real-team with your team.
Pros:
- Easily accessible
- Best for novelists and playwrights.
- Converts raw ideas into full-fledged plans.
Cons:
- Not suitable for in-depth screenwriting and merely emphasizes pre-production plans.
- It needs to improvise in copy and paste options.
- It does not include any free trial for beginners.
- PDF files cannot be downloaded without OCR software.
Pricing:
Celtx includes three pricing packages for various uses: scriptwriting, video production, and game production. The scriptwriting plan is $20 per month and is paid annually.
The video production pricing package is $30 per month and is paid annually. Lastly, the game production pricing costs you $30 monthly, billed similarly to previous ones.
3. StudioBinder
StudioBinder is a widely used modern-day screenwriting software by leading companies like Spotify. The screenwriting software offers production companies a single platform to edit media files with its comprehensive UI features.
Top features:
- Produce and deliver scheduled and customized call sheets along with monitoring responses.
- Collect and transmit instructions to the staff, contractors, and customers simultaneously.
- Allows you to use the free version for an indefinite period.
- It allows you to import scripts and attach tag elements to them.
- Aids in enlisting screen shooting schedules along with sequencing storyboards.
Pros:
- It provides free access for learning purposes.
- Ideal for big organizations for professional and expert screenwriting.
- Offer services to high-motion films and series on television.
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners.
- A bit overpriced, making it difficult for small firms to afford it.
- Only experts can handle it since it provides many confusing features.
Pricing:
StudioBinder allows you to use the tool for educational use with limited features for an indefinite period. However, the pricing package for using complete features includes two packages;
- Individual pricing package with a starting price of $29, which can go up to $99 monthly. Although if you pay it annually, you can get a discount of 15%.
- The business pricing package starts from $249 and can go up to $1499 per month, which can be paid monthly or annually similarly with a 15% in annual payments.
4. WriterDuet
WriterDuet is an exceptional screenwriting software tool for multiple media purposes, such as customizing screenplays. The software tool provides services for editing script text and customizing games and videos.
You can access it from any device from anywhere with the USP of the software. Moreover, it allows you to overlook three free scripts after signing up with the tool.
Top features:
- Allows you a free sign-up option with free tutorials.
- Easily accessible from browsers and various devices.
- It offers a wide variety of formats, including customization of script templates.
- User requests and permitted guest codes are the only ways scripts are shared.
- It lets you have backup plans with cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud.
- It enables you to monitor and control any changes.
Pros:
- It is helpful for beginners to learn through the free tutorials.
- Best for professional screenwriters.
- It allows offline and online access from any device or browser.
- Easy to monitor and control.
Cons:
- You can only access three scripts for free.
- It offers access to the tool offline but does not allow you to collaborate offline.
- The Pro plan entails comparatively more features as it’s expensive.
Pricing:
WriterDuet offers free sign-up and free tutorials with three scripts for a definite period.
After that, you need to subscribe to the first pricing plan, “Pro,” which costs $11.49 per month, but you can get a discount of $79 if you intend to pay annually. The second plan includes unlimited updates for a lifetime with an on-time payment of $199.
5. Trelby
Trelby is an ideal software for screenwriters and developers to utilize their capabilities collectively with its free, open-access screenwriting option. The screenwriting tool was labeled as Blyte previously, and it can run on computing devices such as Windows and Linux, and the software is available on GitHub.
In addition, Trelby includes an incorporated service of self-generating PDF files.
Top features:
- It allows you an infinite configuration.
- It helps you customize the script text by correcting spelling, paging, and formats.
- Easy compatibility with various platforms.
- Includes options for reporting locations, dialogues, and scenes.
- Offers you to compare and make changes to your scripts.
- Allows you to generate PDF files with watermarks.
- It involves a flexible system, which aids in efficiently operating it in old systems.
Pros:
- It’s best for beginners and individuals with low budgets, as it’s free and open.
- It allows you to learn through its demos and tutorials.
- It helps self-learners to start their career.
Cons:
- Requires improvisation in its revision tracking option.
- Has limited compatibility with only Windows and Linux.
- There is no option to bold, italic, or underline fonts.
- It only supports the English language.
Pricing:
Trelby is open and free to use, with codes available on GitHub.
6. Scrivener
This screenwriting software tool is considered one of the best for authors and novelists, and on top of that, it has dual features to also work as project management software.
This online screenwriting tool was launched in 2007 and has upgraded the elements, offering several services with Windows, Mac, IOS, and Linux compatibility.
Scrivener can impersonate a typewriter, ring binder, and scrapbook.
Top features:
- Allows you to customize a section and the complete document simultaneously.
- Allows you to import files from various Word processors.
- A built-in ‘Corkboard’ lets you reorganize files with a simple drag-and-drop method.
- Offers you easy and quick compiling of various documents into a single one.
- It lets you choose your preferable fonts.
- Allows you to overlook demos before beginning.
Pros:
- Preferably ideal for authors writing non-fiction, fiction, and historical scripts.
- Includes footnote support.
- Refers to research libraries.
- Includes Mathtype integration.
- Includes paid updates.
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners as it takes time to learn the features.
- Do not allow multiple devices to use the same license.
Pricing:
The pricing plans differentiate with uses and platforms. For example, Mac and Windows devices can cost $45, whereas the iOS version will cost $19.99. Moreover, you can avail of some educational discounts as students.
7. Fade In
Fade In is becoming the film industry’s most used screenwriting software tool as a direct competitor of Final Draft. It specializes in supporting several languages with the option of the action-to-dialogue generator.
Fade In allows you to rewrite and revise the script text with flexible editing and formatting features. Moreover, it has increased compatibility with various Macs, Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS.
Top features:
- Includes universal UI.
- Allows you to format scripts automatically.
- Suggests you better synonymize and correct spellings as you type.
- It enables you to work collectively with your team anytime from anywhere.
- Includes free updates.
- It lets you import pictures to insert directly into the document.
Pros:
- An ideal option for screenwriters to bring their raw thoughts to life.
- Primarily used by screenwriters working on high-motion pictures.
Cons:
- The free version comes with a watermark.
Pricing:
The software is free to use for a definite period; afterward, it requires a paid subscription which can cost $79.95 relatively inexpensive rate with free updates for the future.
8. KIT Scenarist
KIT Scenarist is claimed to be one of the special screenwriting software tools in the market. The screenwriting tool allows you to use it as open-writing and free software with an expanded option to customize your scripts.
It is considered the most up-to-date software used by over 3000 global writers and novelists.
Top features:
- It allows you to assemble essential data, keep track of the cast, and preserve various resources.
- Allows you to write scripts in various languages.
- It lets you choose preferable themes in dark and light modes.
- It enables you to focus on your writing by eliminating errors in formatting.
- Integrated with set management.
- Provides auto-generated statistical tools.
Pros:
- Best for statistical analysis.
- Primarily used for high-motion film and television series.
Cons:
- It doesn’t allow online collaboration with several users without a subscription fee.
- Cloud storage is paid for after a free trial.
- Regardless of its compatibility, it charges a fee to run on various platforms.
Pricing:
KIT Scenarist is a free screenwriting tool. However, it charges a fee more exaggerated compatibility and cloud storage after a free trial for 30 days.
9. Movie Magic Screenwriter
Movie Magic Screenwriter is the best among all screenwriters as it’s an award-winning software tool. The tool has also been used in Hollywood blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean.
It is favorable for various uses, such as playwriting, comic book writing, lyrics, etc.
On top of that, it allows users to export the demos for instructions to use the software and will enable beginners to download trial videos to comprehend the tool’s usage.
Top features:
- Allows you to format the document standardized by the company automatically.
- Includes color coding for sequencing.
- Includes collaboration tools.
- It enables you to choose from professionally gathered templates.
- It lets you tag-shoot venues and characters.
- Converts texts into audio.
Pros:
- Allows student users to write research papers and submit them.
- Works dually for academic and film industry purposes.
- An award-winning software.
Cons:
- Expensive for small-scale businesses.
Pricing:
Movie Magic Screenwriter offers various pricing packaging, including Movie Magic 6, starting from $169 with its upgraded price of $89.95 for Windows and Mac users. The Movie Magic 6.5 is $69.95 for Mac users. The pricing packages of Movie Magic come with three activations on every purchase.
However, it comes with two activations costing $99.95 for educational use.
10. Highland 2
Highland 2 is currently supporting diverse teams and individuals with diversified needs. The screenwriting software is only compatible with Mac but involves a simple user interface to help you concentrate on your writing.
Highland is the first screenwriting tool to have introduced a gender analysis feature. However, the parts are limited for free users since it requires a paid subscription to use more features.
Top features:
- Corrects your formatting and texts automatically.
- Includes “Sprint” features that will allow you to monitor your progress.
- Includes gender analysis features to cater to diverse requirements.
- Allows you to design your themes with Pro features.
- Provides you with regular updates.
Pros:
- One of the first screenwriting tools to come with a gender analysis feature.
- Caters to the diversified needs of teams and individuals.
- Ideal for beginner screenwriters and bloggers.
- It allows you multiple keyboard shortcut options.
Cons:
- Only compatible with Mac.
- Includes watermarks on PDFs for the free option.
- Users have complained about bugs in the Playscript mode.
Pricing:
Highland 2 offers you limited features with the free option, but you can avail of advanced features by paying $49.99.
Review and approve your scripts 10x faster with GoVisually!
Now that you have the tools to create and edit scripts, we’ll acquaint you with the secret ingredient to making the best scripts and getting faster approvals.
The secret doesn’t lie in some cheat sheet to writing a script.
Instead, you’ll find it in error-free and quality scripts. And one of the best ways to ensure excellent script quality and content is to review it before you upload.
There’s always something that you may miss out on while in production. And this could be especially true if you’re a team.
So to ensure that your videos are good to go, you need to review them using the #1 screenwriting software – GoVisually!
GoVisually is fast, reliable, and easy to use. All you have to do is upload videos, invite reviewers to get feedback online in real-time (Yesss, this is true!), and revise the video.
Tada, you’ll be done.
Plus, it has many other powerful annotation and review tools like version compares to make your life easier.
In fact, you can also share your scripts easily with GoVisually Share.
Simply upload your script in PDF form and share it with anyone and everyone you want.
Sounds exciting?
Get to work, then! And let us know how your experience goes.
