| FINAL DRAFT | CELTX | SCRIVENER | FADE IN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros: Final Draft is a powerhouse in the screenwriting world, used by many professional screenwriters. It offers a wide range of features, including automatic formatting to industry standards, character and location databases, and a story planning tool. It also includes collaboration features, allowing multiple writers to work on a script simultaneously. | Pros: Celtx is a cloud-based screenwriting software that also includes pre-production tools. It offers scriptwriting, storyboarding, and breakdown features. It’s also more affordable than some other options, and there’s a free version available. | Pros: Scrivener is a versatile writing tool that’s great for organizing and structuring long writing projects. It allows you to easily move scenes around, keep research and notes within the same project, and view your script in different ways. It also has a distraction-free writing mode. | Pros: Fade In is a newer screenwriting software that’s gaining popularity. It offers a clean, intuitive interface and robust features, including automatic formatting, collaboration tools, and the ability to import/export in various formats. It’s also more affordable than some other options. |
| Cons: Final Draft is one of the more expensive options, which might be a deterrent for some. Some users also find the interface a bit dated compared to other options. | Cons: Some users find the formatting in Celtx to be less reliable than in other screenwriting software. The free version also has limited features. | Cons: Scrivener isn’t specifically designed for screenwriting, so it doesn’t have some of the specialized features that other screenwriting software does. It also has a bit of a learning curve due to its many features. | Cons: Fade In doesn’t have as long a track record as some other options, so it might not be as recognized in the industry. Some users also report occasional bugs. |
| Best For: Professional screenwriters and those who want industry-standard formatting and features. | Best For: Independent filmmakers and those who want an all-in-one pre-production tool. | Best For: Writers who want a versatile tool for all types of writing, not just screenwriting. | Best For: Screenwriters who want a modern, affordable, and feature-rich screenwriting software. |
| Cost: The full version of Final Draft 12 costs $249.99, but they often have sales and discounts. There’s also an upgrade option for previous users at $99.99. | Cost: Celtx offers a free version with limited features. Their paid plans start at $7.50 per month for the Basic plan, and go up to $20 per month for the full-featured Episodic Productions plan. | Cost: Scrivener costs $49 for the regular license. They also offer a free trial for 30 days of actual use. | Cost: Fade In costs $79.95 for a regular license. They also offer a free demo version. |
| Technical Requirements: Final Draft is compatible with both Windows (Windows 8 and above) and Mac (macOS 10.12 and above). It requires at least 2 GB of RAM and a minimum of 60 MB available hard drive space. | Technical Requirements: Being a cloud-based software, Celtx can be used on any device with an internet connection and a modern web browser. | Technical Requirements: Scrivener is compatible with Windows (Windows 7 and above with DirectX 9.0c) and Mac (macOS 10.12 Sierra and above). It requires 1 GB RAM and 100 MB disk space. | Technical Requirements: Fade In is compatible with Windows (XP and above), Mac (Intel, OS X 10.7 and above), and Linux. It also has mobile versions for iOS and Android. |
Prices and system requirements can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
My preferences: I use Final Draft for screenwriting but I use Scrivener for my research and development stage, as I love how the cork board and keeping my research notes organized in one place!
The best screenwriting software for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. I recommend trying out a few different options to see which one you prefer. Happy writing!
