Summary: The screenplay software automatically formats scripts as per the standard script format and also adjusts the page layout. Let’s learn about the best software that you can use for this purpose.
Whether it is a book, TV show, or movie, a good script can make or break your audience base. If the script is good, then your audience will enjoy your show. However, if it is poor, then your audience will lose interest in your movies or shows. Hence, it is important to generate good scripts to thrill and entertain your audience. Thankfully, to write a good script, you can get help from screenwriting software.
By using screenplay writing software, you can automatically generate scripts with pre-built templates and format their layout. Moreover, you can also adjust the scene setting, titles, headers, dialogues, and character names with this tool. In this article, we will enumerate some of the best software that you can use for this purpose.
What is Script Writing Software?
Script Writing Software is used for writing and editing scripts. It automatically formats the page layout, adds characters notes, maintains the story outline, edits scripts and screenplays to streamline the script writing process.
This type of software is used by scriptwriters, film producers, showrunners, or any other creative department which is involved in script writing and production.
List of Top Script Writing Software in 2024
Here is the detailed comparison of top script writing software based on their features, pricing, pros and cons, etc. The comparison will help you find out the best software to simplify your script writing procedure.
1. StudioBinder: Best for writing screenplay
StudioBinder is a screenwriting and production software that is used for writing scripts and screenplays. This software automatically formats fonts and elements of your screenplay to meet the industry standards.
You can use this software to create your entire plot, sync multiple scripts, watermark screenplays, and arrange the numbers of screenplay pages.
Features of StudioBinder
- Creates and shares screenplays in script format
- Generates version history of your scripts
- Creates scheduling reports
- Offers a storyboard to visualize screenplay
Pros and Cons of StudioBinder
- You can convert your scripts into shot lists with this software.
- You can also share your screen notes with others in real-time.
- Its auto margin formatting feature works slowly.
Pricing of StudioBinder: No free plan available | Paid plan starts from INR 2,418.24/month
2. WriterDuet: Best for real time collaboration on screenwriting
WriterDuet screenplay software can help you with planning, writing, and sharing industry-specific scripts and screenplays. You can import your existing scripts or start working on new scripts.
With its export feature, the created scripts can be imported in various formats like PDF, Word, fountain, etc. Some other features include reports generation, workspace customization, cloud data backup, and so on.
WriterDuet Features
- Auto formats the documents as per the industry standard
- Stores version history of screenplays
- Supports real-time commenting and mentions
- Offers sequencing and outlining of scripts
Pros and Cons of WriterDuet
- WriterDuet also lets you shorten your scripts as per your requirements.
- You get multiple line types, colors, margins, and titles templates to customize the scripts and screenplays.
- Shortcuts provided by the software may not function properly at all times.
Pricing of WriterDuet: Free plan available | Paid plan starts from INR 833.03/month
3. Celtx: Best for basic screenwriting
Celtx script writing software offers an array of tools for story development, script writing, pre-production, and post-production tasks.
It offers several features like media specific script formatting, script storyboarding, collaboration in real time, etc., to streamline the script generation procedure. Additionally, you can use it for episodic planning and watermarking your screenplays.
Features of Celtx
- Helps co-write and collaborate on scripts
- Creates call sheets, shot lists, and sides for the production crew
- Offers a story board to represent plots
- Creates sharable links for script approval
Pros and Cons of Celtx
- It provides auto populated script board to manage shooting schedules.
- You also get production tools with it to manage tasks related to screenplay production.
- Users have complained about the mobile app crashings.
Pricing of Celtx: No free plan available | Paid plan starts from INR 4,997.98/month
4. Movie Magic Screenwriter: Best for creating theatre scripts
Movie Magic Screenwriter screenplay software is used for formatting movie scripts, screenplays, stage shows, etc. With NaviDoc technology, it automatically formats scripts, outlines them, creates screen cards, and bookmarks them.
With this, you can quickly create scripts, generate script notes, create play production reports, and format scripts for a particular industry.
Features of Movie Magic Screenwriter
- Exports scripts into multiple formats
- Provides industry specific and instructional templates
- Imports scripts in several formats like PDF and fountain
- Tracks and maintains all versions history
Pros and Cons of Movie Magic Screenwriter
- It can also be for generating set lists and rundown sheets.
- This free screenwriting software generates scripts outline with acts, Sequences, Scenes, etc.
- It lags frequently during screenplay exporting.
Movie Magic Screenwriter Pricing: This script writing program is available through paid licenses whose details are available on its website.
5. Scrivener: Best for writing stories
Scrivener is a comprehensive scriptwriting software that can be used by all types of writers to write novels, screenplays, books, journals, and so on.
It provides you with multiple features to streamline the entire writing process. Some essential features of this software include text formatting, document importing, writeup clubbing, collaborating in real-time, and so on.
Scrivener Features
- Creates documents in chapters or scenes
- Writes and arranges documents
- Offers templates to outline your storyline
- Supports side by side document viewing
Pros and Cons of Scrivener
- You can store related documents in a separate repository.
- It also provides labels to color code sections.
- Your data files might get deleted during the cloud backup procedure.
Pricing of Scrivener: No free plan available | It offers a license starting with INR 4420 for macOS
6. Trelby: Best for screenwriting & editing
Trelby is a free script writing program that is used to create, modify, and share screenplays. It can help you with correcting mistakes in documents, managing screenplays versions, and importing and exporting them in various file formats.
Trelby Features
- Edits screenplay with the correct format
- Offers multiple view options to match your writing style
- Offers character name database to choose your character
- Generates reports for dialogues, locations, characters, etc. in a script
Pros and Cons of Trelby
- You can compare scripts to check the changes made, if any.
- It can import the existing scripts in multiple formats like HTML, RTF, Final Draft XML (.fdx), Fountain (.fountain), etc.
- Limited options available to export the content.
Trelby Pricing: It is a free screenwriting software
7. Storyline Creator: Best for short stories and novels
Storyline Creator is a writing tool that helps with streamlining your writing procedure that can be used for drafting ideas, visualizing your characters, and organizing your stories.
Some other reasons to use this screenplay software are for editing stories, adjusting scenes and characters of your screenplays, and saving data in the Cloud.
Features of Storyline Creator
- Offers tools to visualize stories
- Maintains a track of all story characters
- Adds tags, colors or descriptions to characters
- Modifies the screenplay lines to suit your requirements
Pros and Cons of Storyline Creator
- It can also generate random stories based on the inputs provided by the software.
- Offers a relationship map to manage the relationship between the plot’s characters.
- Its grammar and punctuation features do not work properly.
Storyline Creator Pricing: This free scripting software has a free plan and paid plan starting from INR 581.62/month
How To Use Screenwriting Software for Writing a Script?
Below are some of the tips to write a script using screen writing software.
Step 1: Choose the right software
There are many screenwriting software available in the market right now. You can choose that best suits your needs. Some popular tools are Celtx, Scrivener, Trelby, etc.
Step 2: Learn the basics
Once you have selected the software, it’s time to learn the basics. Almost every tool provides dedicated support, training team, and even guides on how to use that articular software.
Step 3: Create a script
Now, you can use the tool and create a new script. Open the screenwriting software program and you will find an option to create a new script, click on that and create a script.
Step 4: Format and edit your script
Once your script has been created, you can then format it and edit it according to the industry standards.
Step 5: Share your script
Your script is now ready, you can save it, share it and use it for your project.
Conclusion
Screenwriting software comes with multiple tools for script outlining, screenplay formatting, and character organization that help speed up creative procedures. With this software, you can quickly create professional-quality screenplays. We have enumerated upon some of the best software that you can consider for your screenplays.
FAQs
What are the reasons you need to consider buying Screenwriting Software?
Before buying any screenwriting software, make sure it falls within your budget and has features like script editing, screenplay importing, and storyboards to view scripts. Moreover, it should be easy to use and must be compatible with your device.
What is the most used script writing software?
Final Draft, Celtx, WriterDuet, and Trelby are some of the best screenplay writing software that you can use.
Is there a free script writing software?
Yes, there are several free script writing programs available that you can use for writing screenplays and scripts. Some of the popular ones are Scrivener Celtx, Final Draft, Scrivener, WriterDuet, StudioBinder, Trelby, etc.
What is script writing software?
Script writing software is used for creating and editing scripts and screenplays. It provides shortcuts to quickly type characters’ names or slug lines, collaborate in real-time, add characters details, outline the plot, and so on.
Where can I write my script?
To write your script quickly with precision and creativity, you can use software like Tinkerlist, Storyline Creator, Arc Studio Pro, and Boords.
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Written by
Varsha 
Varsha is an experienced content writer at Techjockey. She has been writing since 2021 and has covered several industries in her writing like fashion, technology, automobile, interior design, etc. Over the span of 1 year, she has written 100+ blogs focusing on security, finance, accounts, inventory, human resources,... Read more
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