Alternatives · Writing
Movie Magic Screenwriter alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded Movie Magic Screenwriter alternative is Fade In (2.8 GPA). The best free one is WriterDuet (2.8 GPA).
Movie Magic Screenwriter compared with 5 alternatives: Final Draft, Fade In, Celtx, WriterDuet and Trelby.
Movie Magic Screenwriter is a paid product, starting at $169 one-time (listed against a crossed-out $249.95). 3 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a Movie Magic Screenwriter sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movie Magic ScreenwriterThis tool | From $169 one-time | No | macOS, Windows |
| Final Draft | Free trial · from $99.99/yr | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, iOS |
| Fade In | Free trial · from $79.95 one-time | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Celtx | Free plan · from $11.24/mo | Yes | Web, Windows, Android |
| WriterDuet | Free plan · from $7.49/mo | Yes | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Trelby | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
How each one differs from Movie Magic Screenwriter
Final Draft
Screenwriting software with automatic script formatting
- Final Draft starts at $99.99 per year or $16.99 per month (Suite); $249.99 one-time for Final Draft 13.
- Final Draft also lists a web app and an iOS app.
- Final Draft also covers long-form writing.
Suits: Screenwriters who need scripts in industry-standard format
Fade In
One-time-purchase screenwriting software for Windows, Mac and Linux
- Fade In starts at $79.95 one-time.
- Fade In also lists a web app and a Linux app.
- Fade In also covers long-form writing.
Suits: Screenwriters who would rather buy once than subscribe
Celtx
Online scriptwriting with pre-production planning tools
- Celtx starts at $11.24 per month, billed yearly ($134.88); $14.99 billed monthly (Writer).
- Celtx has a free plan, which Movie Magic Screenwriter lacks.
- Celtx also lists a web app and an Android app.
- Celtx lists no macOS app, which Movie Magic Screenwriter has.
- Celtx also covers long-form writing.
Suits: Filmmakers who want the script and pre-production planning in one tool
WriterDuet
Screenwriting software built for real-time co-writing
- WriterDuet starts at $7.49 per month, billed annually ($89.88); $9.99 billed monthly (Plus).
- WriterDuet has a free plan, which Movie Magic Screenwriter lacks.
- WriterDuet also lists a web app and Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- WriterDuet also covers long-form writing.
Suits: Writing partners and writers' rooms working on one script at the same time
Trelby
Free, open-source screenwriting program for desktop
- Trelby is free.
- Trelby has a free plan, which Movie Magic Screenwriter lacks.
- Trelby also lists a Linux app.
- Trelby is open source, according to its own site.
- Trelby also covers long-form writing.
Suits: Screenwriters who want free software with standard script formatting
Limits worth knowing in Movie Magic Screenwriter
- It is a desktop program for Windows 8 or later and macOS 10.15 or later; there is no web or mobile version on the page.
- An internet connection is needed during installation.
- The Windows download is version 6.0 while the Mac download is 6.8, per the product page.
- Screenplay.com states a 30-day money-back guarantee on purchases from its store.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Movie Magic Screenwriter?
The alternatives to Movie Magic Screenwriter in this directory are Final Draft, Fade In, Celtx, WriterDuet and Trelby. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Movie Magic Screenwriter.
Is there a free alternative to Movie Magic Screenwriter?
Yes. Trelby is free to use. Celtx and WriterDuet have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Movie Magic Screenwriter alternatives work on Linux?
The Movie Magic Screenwriter listing does not include a Linux app. Fade In, WriterDuet and Trelby list one.
Which Movie Magic Screenwriter alternatives work on Android?
The Movie Magic Screenwriter listing does not include an Android app. Celtx and WriterDuet list one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Movie Magic Screenwriter?
Trelby is described as open source on its own site.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.