Before we start, I would like us to determine what screenwriting is and equally differentiate between screenwriting and scriptwriting.
SCREENWRITING is the art and craft of writing scripts for mass media such as feature films, television productions or video games.
Coming to the difference between screenwriting and scriptwriting.

SCREENWRITING which includes writing for cinema and TV is actually part of scriptwriting.
What made it bear a separate term is because of its specifics and writing processes. While on the other hand, scriptwriting which includes screenwriting directly refers to writing a script for everything else.
With the above explanation, you have to know that choosing the best screenwriting software is necessary to becoming a great writer in this technological era.
Freeing yourself from a distracting environment to outlining scenes and characters etc. Bear in mind that the best screenwriting software can help you meet these goals. That is why in this tutorial, I have reviewed and ranked the 7 best screenwriting software, not only, the best top 5 of my choices proven and reviewed to help you make a better choice.

TOP 5 CHOICES OF SCREENWRITING SOFTWARE (My Choice)

Assuming you want to get it right just now, my best recommendation among the top 5 picks is ARC STUDIO PRO.
As professional screenwriting looking to break into the film industry, I can assure you that, it is over trying to break into Hollywood or struggling to your detriment with filmmakers and movie producers daily.
In this technology era, all you have to do is get a computer, screenwriting software, and a love for writing.

BLOGTOSTAY TIPS: Even AI NOVEL WRITING SOFTWARE is available which can easily make your job easier, and with that getting that award-winning script might become a reality to beckon with.

Now, let’s get on to the 7 best screenwriting software as discussed above.
Below are my top picks on the best screenwriting software available in 2023.

1. ARC STUDIO PRO:

According to Arc Studio Pro, “Our mission is to help teams organize their ideas and help guide their writing process as they develop stories together, with as little friction as possible.”
And they are the best overall.
Best For = Overall
Price = $0/yr-$99/yr
Annual Discount = No
Promotion = 7-Day Trial
(Try Arc Studio Pro Today)

Arc Studio Pro stands out as the most well-designed screenwriting software and is quickly growing to be among the industry standard application.
Professionals like the writer’s room for Arcane (Netflix) use Arc Studio Pro. And it’s intuitive design added to being a beginner-friendly screenwriting software.
What I like most is the inclusion of the FREE plan for first-time starters.

BEST FEATURES:
— Takes your writing far more than other industry standards.
— You can easily focus on your ideas and words due to their distraction-free writing process.
— Their story-building tools will help you to visualize your story and brainstorm ideas before committing it to script formatting.
— Offer a distraction-design free which is both modern and compact.
— Able to use Google Doc-like software to work in the cloud with real-time capabilities.
— You can use notes linked to the script by using an advanced plot board to structure the script’s structure.
— Ability to focus on the words and nothing else due to their distraction-free mode.
— You can quickly glance at your story outline to verify its accuracy as you write.

USER EXPERIENCE:

One fantastic thing I observed from Arc Studio Pro is the ability to divide your content into various acts and having an expansive content library helps you to create a professional-looking eBook with this tool as well.

You can add Key Beats assuming you want to focus on a specific moment in your story, and as well use the content card features to get yourself inspired by other writers’ work and equally keep track of your ideas.

PRICING:

Arc Studio Pro are out with 3 pricing plans such as:
— FREE: $0
— ESSENTIALS: $69/yr
— PRO: $99/yr

LIKE & DISLIKE ABOUT Arc Studio Pro

LIKE:

— Your story will be on track and focused due to their Built-in beat outlines.
— Another good feature is the simple user-friendly interface.
— You will definitely improve your writing due to the fantastic feedback features.

DISLIKE:

— Unfortunately, the FREE plan is only available with the browser.

PRODUCTS UPDATES:
— The tools are well outlined which made it easy to plan and structure your writing.
— You can quickly revert to the previous version due to their revision management features which help you to keep track of changes when need be.

2. Final Draft

95% of the Films and Television productions are done with the Final Draft.
For individuals looking to write a screenplay for film and TV, Final Draft will be the best option for you. This is the industry standard software that the vast majority of professionals use, this is a great option for individuals looking for a leg-up when intending to make your script look great.
BEST = TV &FILMS
PRICE = $199
ANNUAL DISCOUNT = NO
PROMOTION = 30-DAY TRIAL
You can try the FINAL DRAFT HERE

They were initially released in 1990 and is a multi-award winning screenwriting software.
2013 was their prime time when they were awarded the Primetime Emmy Engineering Award and were famously used by Netflix, NBCUniversal, Paramount, ABC, Pixar, and more.

Wanting to use screenwriting software with a wide range of features, Final Draft 11 is best suited for individuals looking to use the same industry-standard software.

THEIR KEY FEATURES:

— Ability to collaborate in the writing process with various writing partners due to advanced brainstorming and visualization tools.
— You can automatically paginate and format scripts to industry standards.
— It allows you to organize and customize “beats,” including character arcs, plot points, location ideas, research, and more.
— Visualizations and beat boards can easily be connected to your script due to the existence of story maps.
— You can store as many versions of the line as possible due to the presence of alternate dialogue.
— You can easily use your keyboard shortcuts like TAB KEY & ENTER KEY to quickly switch between dialogue and action.
— Presence of automatic file backup to ensure you did not lose your files.
— Revision mode provides a history of all changes when taking a script through production.

— Over 97 languages are all supported by its font.
— There is the presence of Text-To-Speach support.
— Swarming with over 100 templates available for you to make your choices.
— Available on operating systems such as; Windows, OSX, and iOS.

USER EXPERIENCE:

PRICING:

You can get Final Draft at the rate of $184.99 as a digital download and allows two activations per purchase.
You equally get a 30-day free trial to go ahead and test it out. In nutshell, I consider it a great price to learn the essential piece of screenwriting.

LIKE & DISLIKE ABOUT THE FINAL DRAFT

LIKE:
… All the fundamentals are available whenever you want to start using the software.
… Its low learning curve made it easy to get started.

DISLIKE:
… Final Draft is incomparable with other software in the market due to its collaborative writing features which prove to be superb.

PRODUCT UPDATES:
_ The presence of writing/editing features make it easy to format your script the way you want it, with plenty of options for customizing margins, pagination, and more. _ You can track your characters, locations, and plot points as a result of the story development tools present which helps you stay organized as you write.

You can go ahead and purchase FINAL DRAFT 11 today to start writing and get a $50 discount.
TRY FINAL DRAFT HERE

3. CELTX.

As a cloud-based software, Celtx is built in a way to help users in real-time collaboration with others on the same project.
You can equally enjoy their extensive features which enable users to become professional screenwriters with less effort.
They have millions of users globally which is the reason why they are one of the best screenwriting apps available in the market.

BEST FOR = User Base.
PRICE = $15/MON-$27/MON.
ANNUAL DISCOUNT = YOU CAN SAVE 25%
PROMOTION = START FOR $15

With 6 million users across the globe, celtx is one of the screenwriting apps in the market and cross-platform cloud-based screenwriting and media pre-production software.

This software provides tools that help you quickly create better content ranging from script to shoot.
You can access your account from anywhere you want because it is cloud-based software.
CELTX is the best for screenwriters.
This is because, you can easily turn simple, scattered ideas into full-fledged plans. Very useful to playwrights and novelists.

KET FEATURES:

— The userinterface is simple, easy-to-learn, and equally intuitive.
— One good thing with celtx is that you can work online or offline with mobile apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android.
— A single master file (for better organization, you can work off a single master file.)
— You have the availability of a rich text editor module for novel writing.
— Not to talk of Its support with the creation of production calendars and strip boards.
— Allows directors and writers to tag elements within each script.
— It is a fully cloud-based solution.
— The Design is for real-time collaboration.
— It has an all-in-one pre-production management system.

USER EXPERIENCE:

If you are new to screenwriting and film production, their production workflow which comprises just four simple steps will be perfect for your use.
In addition, the software’s intuitive interface makes it easy to find the features and tools you need when you need them.

PRICING:

… The ‘scriptwriting’ plan costs $15 per month, payable annually.
… The ‘video production plan costs $27 per month, payable annually.
… The ‘game production’ option is $27 per month, billed annually.

Bonus for you: There is the availability of educational discounts, and if you want this go ahead to contact customer support services.

LIKE & DISLIKE ABOUT CELTX:

LIKE:

… Can understand standard screenplay, Format scripts intuitively by its formatting rules so you can focus on writing rather than worrying about margins and spacing.
… You can access your projects from anywhere in the globe and share them with collaborators.

DISLIKE:

… Sorry the FREE version is no longer available.
… There are no in-depth screenwriting features so, the focus is more on the whole pre-production process.
… The Copy paste option needs improvement.
… OCR (Optical Character Recognition) becomes the bases for exporting PDF scanned scripts.

Product Updates:
With a new dedicated space for our collaborative users, which means more opportunities available to connect with other writers.

4. Writer Duet

For proper collaboration with other writers, WriterDuet is the screenwriting software for you. This will go a long way in allowing you to work on a screenplay with another writer in real-time, this will enable you to see each other’s changes as they’re made. And the opportunity to leave comments for each other and see who made what changes and when is always available.

BEST FOR = COLLABORATION
PRICE = $5.99/MON-$9.99/MON
ANNUAL DISCOUNT = YES – YOU CAN SAVE 38%
PROMOTION = Get Free Scripts
TRY WriterDuet HERE TODAY

WriterDuet has proven to be the number one dedicated screenwriting software for writing and editing screenplays and other forms of mass media.
Apart from screenwriting, It can be used in video editing and gaming.
The USP of the software allows real-time collaboration of writers from remote locations and writing from different devices.

Upon signing up, it will enable three free scripts even though it is not a free screenwriting software tool.
This proved to be more than what other screenwriting software does currently offer.

WriterDuet is Best For:
Screenwriters and professional writers who require real-time collaboration to write their ideas. And could be helpful for educational tutorials.

KEY FEATURES:

… You can install various plugins for better customization (for example, an offline, traditional, file-based desktop software experience.)
… You can use mobile and multiple browsers.
… You can easily sign up for free.
… Supports a wide range of screenplay.
… Fully integrated with SSL certification.
… Ability to backup copies to cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, and your system.
… Availability of seamless services both online and offline.
… You can easily track all your edits.
… It is an Intuitive and user-friendly software.
… You will experience the provision of a free, in-built tutorial upon signing up.

USER EXPERIENCE:

The user interface is easy to use and distraction-free, which is excellent for helping you focus on your writing.

The real-time collaboration feature is also convenient for getting feedback from other writers or working on a project together.

A helpful menu is also at the top of your screen, so you can easily access all the necessary features and tools.

PRICING:

Definitely, you will get three free scripts. After that, you need to upgrade to a paid plan. The first plan is Plus, which is available for $9.99 per month, payable annually.

Then, there’s Pro at $11.99/per month and Premium at $13.99 per month.

LIKE & DISLIKE ABOUT WriteerDuet:

LIKE:
–> It does not occupy much space on your computer which means, it is light and you can easily access it from anywhere.
–> Cloud-based writing.

DISLIKE:
–> You can only get three free script and all other scripts requires a payment subscription.
–> Though off-line working is possible collaboration is not, you must be online to collaborate.
–> The pro accounts become the primary focus.

PRODUCT UPDATES:
Even if you are not connected to the internet, you can continue working on your project.

5. Trelby.

When it comes to free and open-source screenwriting, I will recommend Trelby for your use. One of the significant advantages is the ability to work on both windows and Linux platforms.
It is a better solution to test before venturing into other expensive software.
BEST FOR = EDUCATION
PRICE = FREE
ANNUAL DISCOUNT = NO
PROMOTION = Download Free

It was previously known as ‘Blyte’ and is a free screenwriting software that is open source also.
Before this day, its operation was only on Windows and Linux Platforms but is now available on GitHub.
A whole lot of developers and screenwriters are welcome to Telby to help improve the system. And it is licensed under GPL.
The most adorable feature in Telby is the built-in, highly configurable PDF generator. Image description below.

Telby is best for:
screenwriters and individual writers who are on a budget because the software is free to use. Also available for educational purposes, demonstrations and tutorials as well.

KEY FEATURES:

… Extremely user-friendly and intuitive user interface (infinitely configurable)
… Comes with an in-built screenplay editor (enforces correct script format, pagination, and spell checking)
… Compatible with multiple platforms.
… Multiple choices of views to choose from.
… Reporting options (scene/location/character/dialogue options)
… In-built ability to compare scripts (to identify changes, if any)
… Allows you to choose from a multitude of options while importing (Screenplay formatted text, Final Draft XML (.fdx), Celtx (.celtx), Fountain (.fountain), Adobe Story (.astx), and Fade In Pro (.fadein))
… Can generate PDF with custom watermarks adding to increased flexibility.
… It has a rich, fully in-built character name database.
… System requirements for the software to work are minimal, making it easy to run even on old systems.

USER EXPERIENCE:

To focus on your writing as an individual who has a minimal budget, I think Telby is the platform to be.
There is no hassle for it is a white writing screenplay arena, and the well-arranged left-hand side menu makes it easy to pick any sample to work with.
The ability to change between writing in pages or scene mode is an outstanding feature that greatly helps you.
And Telby can equally take care of formatting for you so, you don’t have to worry about that as you type in letters.

PRICING:

It is open-source software that is free to use in which developers and professional screenwriters are all welcomed to the platform to enhance further development. It comes entirely free of cost. The codes are available on GitHub.

LIKE AND DISLIKE ABOUT Telby:

LIKE:
–> Free and Reliable, with no problems with all the necessary features for a screenplay.
–> The presence of a vintage (old) MS Word-like interface takes you back to the good old days. It is fun to reckon with.

DISLIKE:
–> There is a need for improvement on the revision tracking feature.
–> Very bad to hear that it is only available on Windows and Linux and (not compatible with OSX).
–> No bold, italics, or underlining option.
–> Long-term support is lacking (most recent updates are many years old).
–> The online collaboration option is not available.
–> Supports the English language only (no characters outside the ISO-8859-1 set are compatible).

Product Updates:
… Assuming you make a mistake while working, the presence of Undo/redo can help you move back/forward when editing your work.
… You can easily transfer your screenplay to other Fountain format software due to the presence of fountain import/export support.
Due to Adobe Story import support, you can bring other popular screenwriting software into Telby.

6. Scrivener.

This is one of the best screenwriting software available for Authors and novelists and was initially released in 2007.
There is the availability of a wide range of varieties which makes it one of the best screenwriting software in the market right now.
Those activities include; organizing notes, drag-and-drop features, and editing multiple documents simultaneously.
It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Linux.
The most fantastic feature of Scrivener is being able to use it as a project management tool. And more intriguing aspect is that it can mimic a typewriter, ring binder, and scrapbook.

Scrivener is best for:
… Its features like; footnote support, MathType integration, and the ability to refer to a research library.
… Best for historical, fictional, and non-fictional authors. Templates for writing general and academic non-fiction are also available.

KEY FEATURES:

… You can switch instantly from editing a section of your document to editing the entire document.
… You can import your files from numerous Word processors and extensions, including Microsoft Word docs, text files, PDFs, and more.
… Includes an in-built ‘Corkboard’ that allows you to rearrange files using a simple drag-and-drop option.
… It has a user-friendly and intuitive interface.
… Familiar text editing (allows you to use bolds, italics, and other formatting options)

DISLIKE ABOUT SCRIVENER

DISLIKE:

— Much time can be spent learning the software.
— Their license is not re-useable with other platforms.
— Always coming up with paid updates.

PRICING:

Scrivener price depends on the type of platform you intend to use. For example, the Mac and Windows version will cost you $49 (and you can price reduce when you are a student or academic), while the iOS version is $19.99.

7. Fade In.

This should be currently the best screenwriting software available in the market right now. It was first released in 2011.
Very well used in the film industry and very compatible with multiple platforms like Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS.
It offers some great features as one of the most affordable software in the market today.
Becoming very popular as the new industry standard with many attributes like support for multiple languages, an action-to-dialogue calculator, and well-rounded functionality for rewrites and revisions.

Fade In Is Best For:
Any screenwriters who want seamless integration between their thoughts and the software they make use of.
Primarily used by screenwriters working on major motion pictures in the movie industry.

Key Features:
–> Page-only, distraction-free, full-screen mode available.
–> Support multiple file formats (text, HTML, and more).
–> Offers cloud storage service and easy access from any location.
–> Free software updates.
–> Offers real-time collaboration which will enable you to work on projects with multiple collaborators from remote locations.
–> Provides complete image support which allows you to insert images directly into the document.
–> Universal, state-of-the-art application interface.
–> Automatic script formatting.
–> It comes with an in-built auto-complete typing feature which can suggest words as you type.

DISLIKE ABOUT FADE IN

DISLIKE:
… There is a tendency of experiencing compatibility issues between working from inside and outside the film industry.
… Sad to hear that the free version comes with the company watermark.

PRICING:

There is the possibility that you can use Fade In free for a limited period of time, and after that, you need to purchase the service by paying a one-time price of $79.5
This is one of the good and great prices in the market as of now if I’m to prescribe for you.
BLOGTOSTAY TIPS: The most important and good feature of them is that the software’s future improvements will be free as well.

CONCLUSION

Top Features Of Screenwriting Software
Below are some essential features you should look for in any screenwriting software.

1. Script Formatting
2. Story Development Tools
3. Collaboration Tools
4. Automation & Templates
5. Budgeting & Scheduling
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