Celtx
A free and affordable screenwriting tool with pre-production features for actor-creators on a budget
Overview
Celtx is a screenwriting and pre-production platform that offers a free scriptwriting tool alongside paid features for budgeting, scheduling, and storyboarding. For actors who write their own material, Celtx provides professional formatting without the cost of premium software.
The web-based script editor handles standard screenplay formatting and is accessible from any browser. Celtx also offers mobile apps, making it possible to write or review your script from anywhere.
How It Works
Beyond scriptwriting, Celtx's paid tiers add production planning tools that are useful for actor-producers managing their own projects. The integrated approach means you can go from script to shooting schedule within a single platform.
The basic scriptwriting tool is free to use with a Celtx account. Paid plans that include production management features start at a modest monthly rate, making them accessible for independent projects.
Who Uses It
If you want to write scripts in proper format but are not ready to invest in Final Draft, Celtx is an excellent free alternative. The additional production tools make it especially appealing if you plan to produce your own work. The platform's evolution from a downloadable desktop application to a cloud-based suite means your scripts are accessible from any device with a browser, and automatic cloud saving eliminates the risk of losing work to a computer crash. For actor-creators working on independent projects, Celtx offers a uniquely integrated path from page to production.
Pricing & Plans
Celtx offers a free Screenwriting plan that includes the basic script editor with standard formatting, which is sufficient for actors who simply need to write scripts in proper format. The Screenwriting Pro plan at fifteen dollars per month adds real-time collaboration, automatic revision tracking, and the ability to work on unlimited scripts simultaneously. The Production plan at twenty-five dollars per month includes breakdown sheets, scheduling tools, budgeting features, and call sheet generation for actors who are also producing. Compared to Final Draft at two hundred fifty dollars one-time, Celtx's free tier provides an accessible entry point, though the subscription model for advanced features means costs accumulate over time. The free plan is genuinely functional for writing, making Celtx one of the best no-cost options for actors exploring screenwriting.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Celtx's free scriptwriting tool provides industry-standard formatting without any upfront cost, making it the most accessible option for actors who want to write without financial commitment. The cloud-based architecture means your scripts are automatically saved and accessible from any device, eliminating the need for manual backups or file transfers. The integrated production suite available in higher tiers lets actor-producers move seamlessly from writing a script to breaking it down, scheduling shoots, and managing budgets within one platform. Real-time collaboration on the Pro plan allows writing partners to work on the same script simultaneously from different locations. Celtx's mobile apps for iOS and Android extend the platform's accessibility, allowing you to review and edit scripts from your phone or tablet.
What Could Be Better
The free plan is limited in functionality compared to paid tiers, and features like collaboration and revision tracking require a subscription that can feel expensive for occasional writers. Celtx's web-based editor occasionally experiences latency issues and is noticeably slower than native desktop applications like Final Draft or Highland, particularly with longer scripts. The formatting options, while adequate for standard screenplays, lack some of the advanced features found in premium software, such as dual dialogue fine-tuning and comprehensive scene navigation. Exporting scripts to Final Draft format works but sometimes introduces minor formatting inconsistencies that require manual cleanup. The shift from Celtx's original free desktop application to a subscription-based cloud model frustrated many longtime users, and the current free tier is more limited than the original product was.
Our Recommendation
Celtx is the ideal starting point for actors who want to try screenwriting without spending anything, offering enough formatting power to produce professional-looking scripts at zero cost. If you are an actor-producer managing your own short films or web series, the Production tier's integrated tools can replace multiple separate applications and simplify your workflow significantly. Actors who write regularly and need collaboration features should evaluate whether Celtx Pro at fifteen dollars per month provides better value than a one-time Final Draft purchase based on their anticipated usage timeline. If you find yourself outgrowing Celtx's capabilities, the transition to Final Draft or Highland is straightforward since Celtx supports industry-standard export formats. For actors who are purely performers and do not write their own material, Celtx is not a necessary tool.
Pro Tips
Start with the free plan and write your first complete script before deciding whether to upgrade, as the free tier's limitations will not affect you during the initial writing process. Use Celtx's built-in character and scene tracking features to maintain consistency in your script, especially if you are writing a multi-episode web series or a feature with a large cast. Take advantage of the cloud-based saving by writing in short sessions whenever inspiration strikes, knowing your progress is automatically preserved. If you collaborate with a writing partner, the Pro plan's real-time editing feature eliminates the confusion of passing script files back and forth via email. Export your finished scripts in both PDF and Final Draft formats to ensure maximum compatibility when submitting to agents, managers, or production companies.