If you know anything about screenwriting, then you probably know that Final Draft has a tight grasp on the title of best screenwriting software…and that it’s also really expensive. The thing is, Final Draft is the industry standard, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only option.

In this post, I’m comparing the five best screenwriting software options for professional and brand-new screenwriters.

I’ve worked as a screenplay ghostwriter and writing coach for several years, meaning I’ve experienced a lot of different scriptwriting applications – keep reading to learn which I’m recommending to you:

• Ranking the 5 Best Screenwriting Software
  • 1. Final Draft
  • 2. Scrivener
  • 3. WriterDuet
  • 4. ArcStudio
  • 5. Celtx
• Screenwriting for Beginners

Ranking the 5 Best Screenwriting Software

	Final Draft	Scrivener	WriterDuet	ArcStudio	Celtx
Price	$249.99	$49	Free version or from $7.99/month	Free version or from $69/year	$14.99/month
Payment Type	One-time cost	One-time cost	Monthly	Yearly	Monthly
Free Version?	30 day free trial	Free demo version	Free version	Free version (two script limit)	One week free trial
Templates	1,000+ built‑in (screenplays, plays, TV, graphic novels, story‑structure templates)	Screenplay and novel templates	Multiple script/TV/book templates	Basic templates	Screenplay and storyboarding templates
Writing Tools	Auto-formatting, typewriter mode, focus mode, AI SmartType, and dictation (macOS)	Distraction-free mode, project targets, split views, rich editor	Auto-formatting, focus mode, voice typing (Chrome)	Distraction-free mode, auto-formatting, AI features (Pro), clean interface	Auto-formatting
Planning Tools	Beat board, outline editor, story map, and flow lines	Outliner, corkboard, research library	Outlining and mind map	Beat board and outlining tools	Storyboarding and scheduling tools
Editing Tools	Revision mode with colored pages, option to track/accept edits	Inline comments and color‑coded revisions	‘Time Machine’ full edit history and per-user comments	Inline comments	Basic change tracking
Real-time Collaboration	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Offline Mode	Yes	Yes	Yes (pro)	No	No

Best Overall: Final Draft
Best for Beginners: Scrivener
Best Free Plan: WriterDuet

1. Final Draft

There’s no two ways about it, Final Draft is the only option for a professional-grade screenwriting software full suite. It is used by around 95% of all film/TV productions and is considered the industry standard when it comes to scripts.

There’s a slight learning curve when it comes to Final Draft, particularly with shortcuts, but you can get to grips with it in a few days. This might seem like a pain, but in practice, these shortcuts and particularities save you so much time and make screenwriting feel intuitive and easy.

For me, the amendment tracking, coloured page edits, and ability to see multiple ‘views’ (e.g. script, storyboard, scenes, etc) at once on screen are what makes Final Draft so irreplaceable. Oh, and I love that it’s a one-time payment and you have the software forever with the option to upgrade later down the line.

2. Scrivener

Unlike the other top screenwriting software on this list, Scrivener isn’t purpose-built for scripts. Instead, it’s a comprehensive writing suite for writers of all types. That being said, alongside the broader tools for planning, story development, and writing, you’ll find the dedicated screenplay templates.

This is actually what makes Scrivener so great for screenwriting: it’s created for optimising storytelling. You can use features like the corkboard, outliner, and research binder to build out your plot and characters before starting, then seamlessly flow straight into a screenplay document. All for the amazing one-time payment of $49.

Of course, not being a software tailored specifically to screenwriting also comes with some drawbacks. For instance, it doesn’t have the auto-formatting, real-time collaboration, and revision tools that you’ll find with Final Draft.

For amateur or independent screenwriters who don’t need industry-standard production features (or don’t have the budget for Final Draft), Scrivener is my recommendation.

3. WriterDuet

WriterDuet is a cloud-first screenwriting platform that lets you work on screenplays through the online app. With a paid plan, you can access the offline mode as well as things like custom templates, detailed document stats, revision tracking, and production tools.

On the free plan, you get three projects, industry-standard templates, and automatic Google Drive/Dropbox backups. There are no annoying software watermarks, the formatting is up to industry expectations, and although you need to pay to share and collaborate, others can leave comments on your work.

Overall, WriterDuet is incredibly easy to pick up and use, and I really like it for first-time writers. The screenwriting platform is a great place to create your first script and get used to the elements of a screenplay without spending a penny.

4. ArcStudio

Similar to WriterDuet, Arc Studio is an online screenwriting app with a free plan and cloud backups. Annoyingly, however, it doesn’t have an offline mode, and the free version only gives you two scripts compared to WriterDuet’s three. You’ll also have to deal with an ArcStudio watermark when exporting PDFs.

Alternatively, you can upgrade to $69/year to access Pro features like detailed outlining, custom formats, revision management, and feedback links. You can also try before you buy with a seven-day free trial.

What I like about ArcStudio is that newer screenwriters can play around with the screenwriting outline and templates for free. On the other hand, there’s no offline writing, revision tools are limited, and the actual script formatting isn’t always in line with the industry standard (especially across pages).

5. Celtx

For the last 10 years or so, Celtx has been considered as the less-good Final Draft…and I tend to agree. For a monthly payment starting from $14.99, you get some of the same features in a less intuitive and more convoluted screenwriting software. In other words, Celtx is not my favourite.

It may seem a lot cheaper than Final Draft, however, if your goal is to be submitting spec scripts and working at a professional level, you need Final Draft. To be frank, no one will take you seriously if you’re writing in anything else. For amateur writers or hobbyists, the options above are cheaper and more fitting for your needs.

Where Celtx can be useful is in collaboration and team-based projects due to its cloud-based writing capabilities. If you’re looking for real-time collaboration for non-film industry work (e.g., marketing or independent projects), then Celtx could be worth looking into.

Screenwriting for Beginners

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: screenwriting is hard. It’s a technical writing skill first and creative second, and requires a very particular balance of the left and right brain. Perfecting the craft takes time (if it’s possible at all), but with every script you’re taking one huge step in the right direction.

Looking for screenwriting guidance starting at the very beginning? Check out some of my screenwriting guides below, or get in touch to schedule a free writing consultation!