Scriptwriting Software

Scripts have formatting rules. There are rules about everything from centering to spacing and margins to all-caps. We highly recommend using scriptwriting software. (Trust us! It will save you time!) The software will get you writing in the right format in a flash. Here are some we've tried and liked....


Zhura.com is a web-based application for writing in screenplay format. Zhura allows writers to work privately, or work collaboratively with your writing partner. You’ll also find social networking features like discussion boards, user profiles, internal webmail, and instant messaging. Find out all about Zhura using their nifty online feature tour.

Some of our favorite Zhura features are:

  • It's free! And (like all the online solutions) available from any computer.
  • It's smart! Character names and scene headings are "remembered" and can be quickly changed everywhere in your script
  • It keeps track of your page count so it's easy to figure out when you've reached your page-count goal!
  • It's easy to export so you can create a PDF of your script to upload to our site in a snap!



    • Celtx
    Celtx is a powerful, free piece of downloadable scriptwriting software that functions a lot like a stripped-down version of Final Draft. And if you want to take things to the next level, Celtx also contains planning tools, storyboarding, and other ways to team up with an entire production team after the script is ready for the big screen.

    Some of our favorite Celtx features are:

  • Cost: Celtx is free to download and is open source.
  • Idea outline: Location, character, and scene development tools help you kick-start your story. You can even use sound files, pictures, and video clips to expand on your brilliant ideas.
  • Storyboard: Upload story images (in batches!), add text to them, and then play them to help visualize your project.



    • Scripped.com: This free, web-based scriptwriting software has a time-saving, tab-based interface like Final Draft or Celtx, so switching between character names, dialogue, and scene description is a snap. Because it's web-based (think Google Docs) you can access your script anywhere there's an internet connection (hello, secret recess writing sessions in the computer lab!). The downside: you need to actually be online to work on your script, and you must be 13 or older to join the website.




    Plotbot.com: A more collaborative take on free, web-based scriptwriting software, Plotbot is built with writing partners (or writing groups) in mind. If you're sharing writing duties with someone during the Frenzy, Plotbot makes it easy to comment on and revise your script. The fun site also has a vibrant community of amateur scriptwriters, and lots of creative tagging features. The downside: the Plotbot interface requires you insert each script element piece by piece, which can be time-consuming. Like Scripped.com, you will need to have a live internet connection to work on your script.