If you want people to take you seriously as a professional scriptwriter, you must follow industry-standard formats. This is why you need a scriptwriting tool.
Agreeing on the best one to choose can be very challenging for young screenwriters who are looking to emerge Celebrated. A good scriptwriting app will take care of the formating aspect, while you focus on getting the story out of your head.
Of course, you will find many options on the internet, both free and paid, but we have been able to analyze them. Therefore, check out this list of the best free and paid scriptwriting software so you can see which one is best for you.
THE BEST FREE AND PAID SCRIPTWRITING SOFTWARE
What we’ve done here is a product of thorough research to understand this software, and what makes them good enough to make the cut. So without further ado, here are the best screenwriting tools to use.
1. Final Draft
Any genuine article on this topic will never fail to fix ‘final draft’ on the number one position. Final Draft is a multi-award-winning screenwriting app used by the big names in the film and television production industry.
So if you’re looking to get your hands on the same screenwriting software that major filmmakers and television shows use, this is it. Some of the amazing features include text-to-speech support, many different templates you can choose from, and an automatic backup to ensure you don’t lose your files.
The software is compatible with Windows, Mac, and iOS devices. The app is on sale for $199.99, where you’re allowed two activations per purchase. They also offer a free trial that lasts for 30 days.
2. StudioBinder
If you’re on a tight budget, and you cannot afford a paid software, then studiobinder is there for you. It is one of the best free scriptwriting tools to download.
The app allows you to either import a script from elsewhere in another format, which includes FDX, PDF, DOC, or fountain, or write directly on it. You can also share your script with production experts or fellow writers so you can get feedback on your work.
The app also allows you an unlimited number of pages so you can create as many scripts as you like. To cap it off, it is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, and also has a desktop version.
3. Celtx
Celtx is a cloud-based scriptwriting and media pre-production tool that has over 6 million users worldwide. With its user-friendly and intuitive interface, celtx is one of the best screenwriting tools for amateurs and professionals as well.
This software provides you with everything you need to create great content. With Its cloud-based operations, you can access your document from anywhere in the world using any device.
Plus, you can work online or offline using an iPad, iPhone, or Android device. Unlike studiobinder, celtx software is not free. Their screenwriting plan costs $20 per month.
4. Writerduet
Writierduet is a good tool you can use for writing screenplays and other forms of mass media. It has one of the most intuitive and user-friendly interfaces you will ever see, and also a cloud-storage feature that allows you to backup your documents to cloud-storage platforms like Dropbox, google drive, or iCloud.
The app allows you to write three free scripts, after which you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan. The first plan is ‘pro’ which costs $11.99 per month. And the second plan is to make a one-time payment of $199.99 to purchase the software which automatically grants you access to updates free for a lifetime.
5. Trelby
Trelby used to be known as ‘Blyte’. It is a free and open-source screenwriting tool that functions on both Windows and Linux devices. If you cannot afford a paid tool, then you may want to consider this one. Although it’s free, it still has some amazing features that improve your writing experience.
To begin with, it has an excellently intuitive and user-friendly interface, allows you to import documents from multiple sources, has a built-in screenplay editing ability, and is compatible with multiple devices.
6. Scrivener
Scrivener serves two functions — scriptwriting, as well as a project management tool. You can use it on Windows, iOS, Mac, or Linux devices.
The app also allows you to import files from multiple word processors, for example, Google docs, Microsoft word, text files, PDFs, and more. Although it’s not free, just like the final draft, you’re allowed a 30 day free trial period.
The price varies according to the platform you’re using. Based on that, Mac and Windows users are charged $45, while iOS users are charged $19.99. But you may be able to get some discounts if you’re a student.
7. Fade In
Fade In is popular in the film industry. Some industry exporters even pitch it as a direct rival to Final Draft. You can use it on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android devices.
In line with the core functionality, the app provides automatic scriptwriting formatting that follows current industry standards, it has a state-of-the-art user interface and auto-complete feature that can predict words as you type.
They also offer access to cloud storage. You can use fade In free for a limited time, after which you’ll need a paid service that costs $79.95.
8. Movie magic screenwriter
You can use Movie magic screenwriter for writing screenplays, novels, or comic books. It’s also popular among filmmakers as it has been used in the production of many blockbuster Hollywood movies, including ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.
You can download a free demo version so you can try out the software before you decide to commit to it. Like others, this one also has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, text-to-speech support, automatic formatting ability, and more.
9. Dubscript
You can use the Dubscript screenwriter software free of charge, but you’ll have to upgrade if you want to stop seeing ads.
The software is designed specifically for people who write films, TV shows, and online scripted video projects. It has over 800 fonts that suit every mood and genre.
One amazing feature here is the readout loud ability where you get to listen to what you’ve written to hear how it sounds. Also, you can save files on your device, cloud-storage platforms, or share them with others.
10. Highland
High land was developed in 2012 by John August (the writer of Big Fish and Aladdin) to help writers to focus only on writing their stories. It has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that scores high in ratings.
The application is free, but it has a lot of in-app purchases. The professional package costs $45.99, which is less expensive than the other professional tools. You can export your file as a fountain, PDF, or FDX.
Which screenwriting software will you go for?
Now you’ve seen a list of the best free and paid scriptwriting software that you can download, it’s now left for you to make your pick. So which one are you going for?
Selecting one or two screenwriting software should not be that difficult now after we have managed to list out the best apps for your scriptwriting.
