As a screenwriter, you want to be able to use technology to squeeze out every drop of productivity to produce the best content possible. I have ranked the 5 best screenwriting software to make the choice easier for you.
You need to be able to beat the competition in every way possible, choosing the best screenwriting software can be the edge in being able to maximize the potential of your talent.
What is Screenwriting Software?
When writing screenplays and scripts, all professional writers know the hassle of having to constantly edit their content to meet industry guidelines. Screenwriting software helps ease this process by progressively making sure your content is in line with the guidelines as you go. The whole stingy manual formatting process is overcome.
Screenwriting software aims to make a writer’s life easier. Collaborating with other writers becomes much easier when you have dedicated software. When using screenwriting software, shortcuts can be used to easily add dialogue, character names, and transitions into scripts.
The most significant feature of good screenwriting software is the availability of templates to make life easy. They have multiple templates available to match whatever type of script it is that you are writing.
What is the Best Screenwriting Software?
1. Final Draft
Final Draft is a multi-device software. This means that it is compatible with mobile and desktop, so you can write on the go whenever you get those golden ideas that you need to get written down.
When writing screenplays for films or TV shows, this has been the gold standard in the industry. It is everything you need to be compiled in one software, having plenty of templates to match your needs.
Features:
- 300+ Templates to choose from
- Available for Windows and IOS
- Text to speech
- Automatic file back-ups
- Easy-to-use
- Switch between dialogue and action with keyboard shortcuts
- Fluid, real-time collaboration
- 30-day free trial
Pricing:
Final Draft is on sale for $199.00 for the full version that can be downloaded upon purchase.
If you’d like to, you can start your 30-day free trial here.
2. Celtx
Celtx is specifically designed for large teams that need to work together to produce a script. Their cloud operations make collaborative work better than their competitors. The software is perfect for beginners as it has such an easy interface and great formatting already built in.
Features
- Easy to use interface
- Collaboration friendly
- Supports large teams
- Capable of working offline
- Very strong cloud-based system
- Ability to create content and production calendars
Pricing:
- The ‘scriptwriting’ costs $15 / month (billed annually).
- The ‘video production’ plan costs $27 / month (billed annually).
- The ‘game production’ plan costs $27 / month (billed annually).
To claim your free trial of Celtx, click here.
3. WriterDuet
WriterDuet is focused on developing the best collaborative experience for screenwriters. The software started solely focused on allowing workers to be able to work with each other in real-time. It allows you to make comments on your team’s work and make edits when necessary. The screenwriting software is now comprehensive with all the tools you expect to get when paying for such software.
Features:
- Great for collaborative work
- Supports other cloud storage systems like Google Drive and iCloud
- Allows the use of plugins for a more decorative experience
- Can be used on both mobile and desktop
- Has offline capabilities
- User-friendly interface
Pricing:
- With the free plan, you only get to make 3 projects a month, you’ll have to upgrade to get access to making more content
- The ‘plus’ plan costs $5.99 / month (billed annually)
- The ‘pro’ plan costs $7.99 / month (billed annually)
- The ‘premium’ plan costs $9.99 / month (billed annually)
Choose which plan suits you by visiting their pricing page.
Concluding remarks
Screenwriting software is an amazing tool used by screenwriters to be able to maximize their productivity with the least number of distractions. You can always just use Microsoft Word to do your screenwriting, but the whole process becomes so much easier when you have dedicated screenwriting software. It helps you minimize those tedious errors that arise when you manually have to format scripts.
I recommend that you stick with Final Draft as it is used by some of the biggest names in the industry. Check out their website and make your decision.