In this digital age, if you want to ensure that you can get done with your screenwriting projects the right way, you have to choose the best software. Doing so will ensure that you can save time and effort on your screenwriting projects.
Here in this blog, you will find a review of nine free screenwriting software tools that can be a perfect choice for you – keep reading!
1. Celtx
Cetlx is a great tool that you can use to ensure that your screenplay is ready for the production phase. It can be used for all sorts of amateur and professional screenplay writing projects.
The built-in multi-formatting options make this tool a great choice for those users who don’t want to waste time on formatting. It also allows users to have an exact idea of how the production process will look like.
Pros:
You can either choose the 7-day free trial of Celtx or use the free version.
The good thing about Celtx is that it is easy to set up and readily available.
You can use Celtx to collaborate with your editor on screenwriting projects in real-time.
Cons:
The monthly subscription fee of Celtx is a bit high compared to other software.
2. Final Draft
If you are looking for a tool that helps you with EVERYTHING related to your screenwriting project, you should consider using Final Draft. This tool even provides detailed guides about bundled features to streamline your journey.
If you are a student and want to use Final Draft, you can check one of its affordable plans to get started.
Pros:
You can benefit from the 30-day trial of Final Draft.
The toolbar of the Final Draft tool is super easy to use.
You can use stock templates of Final Draft easily.
The built-in formatting can help you format your screenwriting project the right way, whether you are writing a sitcom or a drama.
Cons:
The subscription plan for Final Draft is very expensive.
3. Arc Studio Pro
Arc Studio Pro is a great tool that can provide all tools to solo-writers and teams of writers alike. The formatting feature of this tool makes collaboration on screenwriting projects easier than ever before.
You can use the built-in beat-cards to benefit from the drag&drop functionality and save a lot of your time. Besides that, it has a detailed collaboration methodology which makes it a great tool for large teams of writers.
Pros:
The good thing about Final Draft is that it has both free and paid plans.
Using Final Draft is easy, and you can share your completed projects faster.
Cons:
The free version of Final Draft can only be used on the web browser.
Using the free version of Final Draft, you can only complete limited drafts.
4. WPS Office
If you want to write screenplays in a familiar way instead of going to the storyboarding approach, you can start using WPS Office. The good thing about this office suite is that it allows you to create documents, slideshows, and PDFs in one place – so you don’t need different tools.
Getting started with WPS Office is not a difficult task as it has an easy installation process and provides all the information needed for new users. It is a great choice for those screenwriters who don’t want to use a paid tool.
Pros:
The WPS Office suite has all the tools for editing and managing documents.
You can use WPS Office applications in multiple languages.
Understanding WPS Office is super easy.
Cons:
You will need a premium subscription to WPS Office to edit your screenwriting projects in PDFs.
5. WriterDuet
If you want to use screenwriting software that is considered industry-standard, you should use the WriterDuet tool. This tool is used for screenwriting by over 1 million professionals worldwide.
The collaboration feature of WriterDuet makes it an amazing choice for a team of screenwriters. Besides that, this tool has an amazing memory and can help you create timelines for your writing journey. You can import and export files from WriterDuet easily.
Pros:
WriterDuet provides both free and paid plans to users.
Cons:
WriterDuet has a dashboard that is a bit overwhelming for new users.
You can only protect your PDFs in WriterDuet if you get the premium plan.
WriterDuet only allows pro users to collaborate on projects in real time.
6. Trelby
Trelby is a great tool for screenwriting that is available for free and can be used on multiple platforms. The best thing about this tool is that it is fast compared to other screenwriting tools available in the market.
Another feature that makes Trelby different is that it provides immersive viewing modes for the specific needs of writers. You can rely on the “Name database” feature of this tool to streamline your writing journey in no time.
Pros:
You can use Trelby for free on all your devices.
The UI and processing of Trelby are fast and easy.
The good thing about Trelby is that it is beginner-friendly.
Trelby provides more sophisticated features for users.
Cons:
Trelby lacks important storyboarding and timeline features.
Using Trelby to copy and paste projects is a bit difficult.
7. Causality
If you are looking for an app that provides a brand-new screenwriting experience, then you should consider using no other app than Causality. Using this tool allows you to develop your stories in a visual way.
With the visual framework, you can break even the most complex stories and make them easy to write. The championing feature of Causality is that it allows you to write the way you think in your mind.
Pros:
Causality allows writers to get complex screenwriting projects done.
Using Causality enables users to experience a new screenwriting experience.
The built-in suggestions of Causality allow users to change stories easily.
Cons:
The free version of Causality only provides limited features to users.
8. DramaQueen Free
DramaQueen Free is the only free program for screenplay writing that doesn’t come with any restrictions. You can use this program for as many scripts as you need without having to pay anything.
The good thing about this tool is that it provides a perfect formatting interface for all projects. You can integrate this tool with Final Draft so you can boost your productivity. The export feature of DramaQueen Free makes it easier to get documents in different formats.
Pros:
The good thing about DramaQueen is that it divides the story into steps and automates the formatting of the structures of a story.
You can rely on the Ideas panel of this tool to get amazing insights for your story.
The drag-and-drop interface of DramaQueen makes the whole screenwriting process easy.
Cons:
The interface of DramaQueen is a bit outdated compared to other tools.
9. Kit Scenarist
Kit Scenarist is one of the best tools you can use for creating screenplays that persuade the audience. The good thing about this tool is that you can download and use it for free to create screenplays in no time.
Kit Scenarist is trusted by more than 10,000 authors. Over the years, Kit Scenarist has gone through 70 releases, which shows that the team behind this software is super active.
Pros:
The Kit Scenarist tool provides scripting and formatting tools that meet all industry needs.
You can configure the Kit Scenarist tool to meet your specific writing style.
Kit Scenarist is easy to use on all leading platforms.
Cons:
There are several features present in Kit Scenarist that can be difficult to use for beginners.
FAQs
Q. What is the best screenwriting software for beginners?
A. There are many software tools you can get started with, but using WPS Office is the best way to complete your screenwriting projects successfully.
Q. Can I use screenwriting software on my phone or tablet?
A. If you are going to use your smartphone for completing your screenwriting project, you should consider using Final Draft or Storyist. These tools allow you to do everything from writing, editing, and sharing your screenwriting project easily.
Q. What is the cost of screenwriting software?
A. Keep in mind that the cost of screenwriting tools varies from software to software. You should consider checking the cost and features of different tools to choose the one which suits you most.
Become a Better Screenwriter with WPS Office
We hope that the review of the nine best screenwriting tools mentioned above will help you make a learned decision about choosing the right software. However, if you don’t want to read reviews one by one and want THE BEST tool, you should use WPS Office.
The good thing about WPS Office is that it has powerful writing, editing, and sharing features. You can use WPS Writer to get started with screenwriting projects and save a lot of time and effort.
And that’s not all about WPS Office; you can install it on all leading operating systems and rely on this office suite to create documents, spreadsheets, slides, and PDFs on the go.
