Best Script Writing Software in 2024

Whether it's a book, a play, a film, or a series, it's always the story that sells. The best directors and actors know the essence of a good script. However, they will never see it unless script ideas get out of your brain and into script writing software. Producers, playwrights, and filmmakers usually use this software. The tools that come with the software provide excellent features like character and production notes, automated formatting page layouts, story outlines, and scene order, which help the writing process. 

Top Script Writing Software

While the best script writing software varies from writer to writer, most want to get the best out of the software. We've listed top-performing tools based on their diverse features and user reviews. Read through to learn more. 

Final Draft

This script writing software is considered the TV and movie production industry standard. It hosts various features which help writers create a screenplay from start to finish. Final Draft also has incredible character development tools, such as primary plot point planning and character biography tools. The 'Beat Board' organizer lets creators and writers see all the vital character arcs and plot points in a simple window. 

Best features

● Collaboration features
● Export options like PDF
● Outlining tools for several character biographies
● Cloud and mobile access
● Screenplay, Teleplay, and Stage Play formatting options

Strengths

● Used mainly by writers and creators
● Fantastic story-planning features
● A diverse range of view options
● The revisions mode lets users easily track changes

Weaknesses

● Paid plans can be expensive
● Sometimes, upgrading the software means phasing out old files

Arc Studio

With a distraction-free and straightforward interface, Arc Studio lets writers focus on their stories while making formatting to the industry standard easier. It can also be used as a free script writing software and users can maximize a well-designed interface and vast range of tools for Teleplay and screenwriting. Furthermore, there are collaboration tools you can use to allow collaboration sessions. 

Best Features

● Teleplay and screenplay formatting
● Collaboration sessions, built-in Zoom calls, and other collaboration features
● Export options including text document and PDF
● Built-in revision tracker
● Story-building capability
● Cloud and mobile access

Strengths

● Availability of free version
● User-friendly interface
● Well-designed software

Weaknesses

● Complex writing tasks need to be upgraded to more tools
● Subscriptions are required on paid plans

Trelby

This is an open-source script writing tool that other writers also recommend. Trelby lets users sit and write without all the frills. This means that even beginners can easily navigate this interface. Everyone can try the software for free. Since no paid features or upgrades exist, users can also write unlimited scripts without watermarks during export. 

Best features

● Name database
● Screenplay editor
● Import-export for all file formats

Strengths

● No locked features
● Everything is free
● User-friendly interface

Weaknesses

● The software is only available for Linux and Windows
● Timeline and storyboard features are unavailable

WriterDuet

If you need to write with a team, WriterDuet is an excellent option as it offers excellent collaboration features. It's a cloud-based script writing tool allowing a real-time co-working setup. If you've used Google Docs, you'll know how WriterDuet works. Document owners can provide several permission levels, from read-only to editing. Since the software is cloud-focused, it consistently saves your work to the cloud and allows users to save backups in their preferred cloud software like Google Drive. You can also save your work on the built-in cloud from WriterDuet. 

Best features

● Graphic novel, screenplay, stage play, and other formatting options
● Real-time collaboration
● PDF, text document, JSON, Word, and more export options
● Full script revision tracking
● Outline tools

Strengths

● Real-time collaboration
● Excellent outlining tools
● Cloud syncing

Weaknesses

● Only allows uploading of three scripts in one account
● Steep learning curve

StudioBinder

StudioBinder offers free and professional software. This is another excellent tool for filmmakers and writers. It's clean, fast, and easy to use. If you're trying to write scripts for the first time, StudioBinder will be an ideal option. Furthermore, the free version already has the core writing features. Try this software if you prefer to spend money on something other than paid subscriptions. 

Best features

● Real-time collaboration edits
● Shot lists and call sheet generation
● Revision history tracker

Strengths

● It's free
● Ideal for both beginners and professionals
● It provides an organized and neat interface

Weaknesses

● The free version only has the basic tools
● Additional features have additional fees

WriterSolo

This script writing software comes from the same company that WriterDuet belongs to. If you have tried using WriterDuet, navigating WriterSolo is easy. Both offer almost similar features. However, writers might have to remember the absence of some tools with WriterSolo, such as collaboration features. However, writers can still maximize features like revision tracking and outlining tools. You can easily use the software even without creating an account. Head to its website to start writing. 

Best features

● Graphic novel, stage play, screenplay formatting options
● JSON, Word, text document, PDF, and more export options
● Full revision tracking
● Outline tools
● Browser-based

Strengths

● Offers a web-based version
● Getting started is easy
● It's free

Weaknesses

● Collaboration features are unavailable
● Limited advanced tools

Squibler

A script writing software providing a neat interface is what Squibler is all about. It's generally built as an AI script writing tool providing diverse AI features that writers can integrate into their creative workflow. The AI templates also let writers get started with their projects quickly. Squibler is available for free or as a paid plan. Of course, you can expect to enjoy more advanced features and tools with the paid subscriptions. However, if you're new to scriptwriting and are exploring different software, you can opt for the free version first. 

Best features

● Teleplay, screenplay, other formatting options
● Real-time collaboration
● Kindle, TXT, Word, and PDF export options
● Full revision tracking 
● AI- and web-based tools

Strengths

● Valuable AI features
● Excellent template selections
● Neat and straightforward interface

Weaknesses

● Limited features under the free plan
● Paid plans are relatively expensive

Movie Magic Screenwriter

This software is another well-known choice when it comes to scriptwriting. In fact, it's one of the more preferred software formats of the Writer's Guild of America West. It's an advanced scriptwriting software used by big names in the industry. Some of its features include formatting tools for films, books, plays, television, and comic books. The software also allows writers to move some elements of the interface and has tools to avoid overly repetitive languages. 

Best features

● Various templates for teleplays, screenplays, and many more
● iPartner integration options with collaboration sessions
● PDT, text, and other exporting options
● Full revision tracking
● NaviDoc outline features

Strengths

● Over 100 templates
● Excellent customization tools
● Streamline tool is helpful in editing

Weaknesses

● Paid plans are expensive
● Steep learning curve

Comparison: The Best Script Writing Software

See which of the tools mentioned above suits your scriptwriting needs. We outline them and simplify each software for a seamless and easy viewing. 

Choosing the Best software

Besides the features and other essential elements of each software, it's also fitting to consider some aspects that tell you that it's an excellent script writing software. 

• Compatibility. Sometimes, script writing tools are unavailable for major computer operating systems. This is why it's vital to double-check before subscribing to your chosen software.
• Features. You'll surely look for software that provides templates for the type of scripts you usually write. Whether they're screenplays or teleplays. Some software also has story-building tools that help writers build out the characters and the story before writing a script.
• Collaboration tools. People who work with other writers would want to choose software with extensive collaboration features. As you can see, most of the mentioned software on the list offer collaboration tools but also have what they call 'session's which are done through Zoom calls.
• Pricing. Most software for script writing needs a subscription, but a few options allow one-time purchase charge. What's good about subscription plans is that users will always receive regular updates. This means you can consistently access new and advanced features.

FAQs

Why would writers want a script writing software?

Script writing software efficiently improves a writer's overall workflow, ensuring they can spend less time worrying about formatting. As a result, they can focus solely on writing. As you know, there are tools dedicated to building stories, collaboration, and proper formatting.

How much do I need to pay for a script writing subscription?

As mentioned, the software usually offers a free version where writers can maximize basic features. Other providers charge a flat rate of $300, ensuring you won't have to pay monthly dues to access the software. Monthly subscriptions usually range from $5 to $20.

When is the right time to replace my script writing software?

You must change your software if the current one no longer provides the tools and features needed to write scripts. If you think you need tools you don't have access to, it's essential to explore new script writing options and find the ones that suit your needs.

What does script writing software do?

It provides features to format scripts properly and efficiently. This can extremely help develop scripts that adhere to industry standards. Most importantly, the software saves users time while building a clearer and more comprehensive story.

Is the software installed the same way for all devices?

Script writing software is easily installed, just like any other software. You only need to follow on-screen instructions to complete the process. Meanwhile, web-based browsers are accessible through your browser, so no installation steps are required.