Best Screenwriting Software

Do you dream about writing an award-winning screenplay?

Sure, you might have unique ideas, but how can you get the edge over other aspiring screenplay writers with the same goal? After all, screenplay writing is no easy task. It requires interesting titles, consistency, plausible scenes, and a proper sequence.

For instance, if you consider some popular linear films such as Equilibrium, Braveheart, and A Perfect World, you will see a concept with surprising elements.

In order to achieve your dream and write the next masterpiece to resemble these films, you should know how to format the script with mesmerizing storylines and relatable figures.

Almost everyone in the industry uses different tools for screenwriting. If you want to develop your career as a screenwriter, you need them to write a screenplay.

Research indicates that the use of screenwriting software is drastically increasing, with the expected market to reach $235.8 million by 2026.

Starting your career as a scriptwriter requires proper guidance and formatting.

The first step for many writers is to choose the best screenwriting software. However, choosing from so many options can be intimidating as you don’t know what effective tools it should include.

But is there an easy way to find suitable software?

Yes, there is. This guide will help you make a better choice. To assist in your search, we are sharing a list of the best screenwriting software, along with their prices, so you can make an informed decision.

So let’s go over the top options.

1. Final Draft

Final Draft is a popular choice among top filmmakers and writers in the industry. Therefore, it is only appropriate to make this tool a top choice on our list of best screenwriting software.

Because of the features, including SmartType and Story Map, you can complete the script you are working on.

What is SmartType and how does it help?

SmartType is a function that remembers elements such as locations and characters. This feature enables you to reinsert elements easily while writing.

With robust reporting and tagging options, you can divide scenes according to elements such as props, wardrobe, and actors. This will assist you later by providing a production report.

Apart from that, you can outline your story using organizational tools such as Story Map, create beat sheets with Beat Board, and include additional dialogue to use later with Alternate Dialogue.

Are you concerned about the price of the tool?

For beginners, this tool is a bit expensive. However, if you are eager to invest and have serious interest in the software, you can purchase it by paying $249.99.

Features include

• Over 100 templates,
• Aid scene arrangements, and
• Multi-platform accessibility.

Final Draft also provides pre-production features, including

• Shot lists
• Storyboards

2. StudioBinder

The user-friendly interface and modern design of this screenwriting tool make it a fantastic choice for beginners.

Besides providing efficient scripts, production companies utilize StudioBinder for numerous solutions. For instance, video and photo production companies manage their tasks through this customizable and useful tool.

Is this tool only for beginners?

Not at all. It’s also trusted by some of the top companies in the world, including Spotify.

StudioBinder is perfect for experts and large companies working on high-quality television and motion picture projects. Due to the wide range of features, this tool is a bit expensive for small companies. But they do provide a free plan for educational use.

The instrumental free version is valid for a limited time. After it expires, you can purchase the paid version to unlock all features. The company offers two subscription options.

• Individual plan ranges between $29 and $99 every month
• Business plan from $249 to $1499 per month

StudioBinder includes various exciting features, such as:

• Team collaboration
• Tag elements
• Import script
• Send and receive call sheets
• Easy to use interface with story builder and customizable shot lists.

3. Squibler

Squibler is an easy-to-use screenwriting software.

This tool offers 30+ templates so you can get started with your career. The major feature of Squibler is its drag and drop option. As a result, you can easily place beat boards, headings, and other elements by dragging.

The tool allows improved collaboration by enabling multiple writers to simultaneously work on the same script. This feature saves a lot of time and hassle transferring the script to different writers so they can add their sections.

Can you use this tool as a non-fiction writer?

Of course! This platform is suitable for any type of author, scriptwriter, non-fiction or fiction writer. If you’re a beginner who wants high-quality content with easy access and reliable tools, then Squibler would be the best screening software for you.

They offer a 14-day trial version with basic features, including:

• Customized templates
• Creating drafts
• Sharing options

On the other hand, their monthly plan offers:

• A drag and drop interface
• 30+ templates
• Distraction-free mode
• Robust collaboration

How much do I have to pay every month for the monthly plan?

This tool is not expensive. You only have to pay $9.99 each month to access Squibler Pro.

4. Movie Magic Screenwriter

Professionals have been using Movie Magic Screenwriter for decades because it provides all the essential scriptwriting features on a single platform.

The user interface is simple, and beginners can learn it easily. This means that you don’t have to waste time on training sessions.

For beginners, the developers offer a paper as well as an electronic manual with sample documents. These manuals include a 35-page guide with complete in-depth details.

Suitable for new writers, this tool is user-friendly, and it offers the best experience for experts as well.

Movie Magic Screenwriter provides professional writers with all they need while writing a script. Features that attract professionals the most are its flexible interface and customizable options, increasing the capabilities of the writer.

The developers ensure that writers save time while writing the technical part of the script, providing a seamless experience. The features they provide include:

• Collaboration
• Speech to text
• Filtering and tagging
• Track changes
• Alternate lines and dialogue
• Free technical support

This screenwriting software is available for popular operating systems Windows and macOS. While choosing a plan, you can decide from three options.

A regular version will cost you $249.95, and you can use all the features. The academic version is suitable for students and teachers and will cost them $99.95.

But what if you have a previous version?

Don’t you worry. You can upgrade to the new version by paying $89.95.

Movie Magic Screenwriter comes with a simple-to-install application. After purchasing the package, you have access to more than 100 screenwriting templates.

To provide additional comfort to the writers, developers offer them online collaboration and automatic backup.

You can also break down your project with standard color and tag the elements.

5. Fade In

Fade in is a perfect option for writers who cannot afford Final Draft.

This writing tool includes numerous features that might surprise you at this price.

You can create your own format through robust, customizable features. It also enables you to customize spacing, margins, and other elements.

You will also receive:

• Index cards
• Revision tracking
• Script breakdown tool
• Templates
• Dialogue reports according to different characters
• Cast reports, and much more.

Because Fade In offers motion picture screenplay options, screenwriters who work in the TV, film, and gaming industries find this tool effective.

This best screenwriting software for beginners includes features perfect for learning. After you upgrade the tool to the full version, you have to pay $75. However, with the registration, you will become a permanent user and have access to all the advanced features.

Screenwriting software can help you write fantastic scripts, saving you a considerable amount of time in the process.

But how are these tools helpful?

They’re effective for organizing ideas, automatically formatting screenplays, and mapping out scenes.

This enables the writer to type freely without giving much thought to the rest. Consequently, it translates your idea to the page faster and presents a better version to production management.

Here, we will discuss some major benefits of using screenwriting software:

• The best screenwriting software can help you with creative writing by automating the structure of the screenplay and formatting.
• While choosing the best tool for screenwriting, ensure that the tool is easy to install and has a user-friendly interface.
• A top writing tool has the capability to create three-dimensional figures while writing fictional stories, which provides an artistic approach to the writers.
• With an effective screenwriting tool, you can draw an outline of the script before you get started. This will help you maintain order while writing.
• Many writers are unable to write with proper form. During long write-ups, they lose focus. However, with a suitable screenwriting tool, writers can bring consistency to their writing.

Are you new to screenwriting?

Regardless of your experience, choosing the best software for screenwriting will increase your productivity by getting your ideas onto paper quickly. However, before purchasing a screenwriting tool, go through the above list.

Due to abundant options in the market with different features and capabilities, many writers end up picking complicated software. If they are unable to utilize those tools properly, it affects their position as a writer.

So evaluate your options before choosing a tool.