Celtx: pricing, features, and how it compares to Final Draft in 2026

Celtx is a browser-based scriptwriting and pre-production platform used by screenwriters, students, and independent filmmakers. It handles screenplay formatting automatically, keeps projects organized from first draft through early pre-production, and gives teams a shared space to collaborate on scripts in real time. This guide covers what Celtx does, what each plan costs, and how it compares to Final Draft, WriterDuet, and other scriptwriting software in 2026.

Celtx at a glance

Spotsaas rating	4.3/5 (62 verified reviews)
Category	Project management / scriptwriting
Starting price	$7.50/month (billed annually)
Free tier	Yes — 1 active project, basic editor, PDF export
Platform	Browser-based (works on Mac, Windows, Linux) + iOS/Android app
Best for	Beginner screenwriters, film students, indie filmmakers, small creative teams

See the full Celtx profile on Spotsaas for verified user reviews and feature details.

Celtx pricing: what do you get at each plan?

Plan	Price (per month, billed annually)	Key features	Best for
Free	$0	1 active project, basic script editor, PDF export	Writers testing the platform or working on a single project
Writer	~$15/month	Unlimited projects, index cards, revision history, collaboration	Individual screenwriters managing multiple scripts
Studio	~$20/month	All Writer features plus storyboarding, scheduling, call sheets, budgeting	Indie filmmakers and small production teams
Education	Custom pricing	Classroom management, instructor dashboard, student accounts, Studio features	Film schools, universities, and media programs

Pricing may vary. Confirm current rates on the Celtx official website before purchasing.

What is Celtx and what does it do?

Celtx (celtx.com) is a cloud-based platform built for writers who need scripts in professional format without manually adjusting margins, spacing, or scene headings. You write inside a dedicated script editor, and the software applies standard screenplay formatting as you type.

Beyond writing, Celtx organizes projects through scene breakdowns, index cards, and production attachments. The platform connects writing to light pre-production tasks in a single workspace, which is unusual for software at this price point.

How does Celtx format a script automatically?

The built-in script editor recognizes standard screenplay elements and applies formatting instantly. When you press Tab or Enter, the editor cycles through scene headings, action lines, character names, dialogue, and parentheticals without manual adjustment.

The platform follows standard Hollywood screenplay format: 12-point Courier font, industry-standard margins, and proper page breaks. It also supports stage play, audio drama, comic book, and news script templates — each adjusts formatting rules automatically.

Step-by-step: how to write a script in Celtx

Create a new project: Log into Celtx, select New Project, and choose your script type — film, television, stage play, or audio format.
Set up your title page: Celtx generates a title page automatically. Fill in title, author name, and contact details.
Write your first scene heading: Type INT. or EXT. followed by location and time of day. Celtx styles the slug line in uppercase automatically.
Add action lines: Press Enter after the scene heading. Write scene description in present tense — the editor keeps it left-aligned with standard indentation.
Enter character names and dialogue: Press Tab for the character name element, type the name in caps, then Enter for the dialogue block. Indentation is automatic.
Use index cards to plan scenes: Switch to Index Cards view to see each scene as a card. Drag and drop to reorder scenes without touching the script directly.
Add scene notes and tags: Click any scene to attach notes, tags, or production breakdowns for pre-production reference.
Collaborate with your team: Invite collaborators by email. They can view or edit in real time depending on permissions.
Export your finished script: Download as PDF, Final Draft FDX, or plain text for submission or distribution.

Celtx features

Script editor and formatting

The script editor handles automatic formatting, spell checking, scene numbering, and revision tracking. Writers can lock pages to prevent accidental edits and use revision modes to track changes across drafts with color-coded marks. Scene headings are stored as navigable anchors — jump directly to any scene from a sidebar list.

Story development and planning

Index cards map directly to scenes in the script. Each card shows the scene heading and attached notes. Reorder cards with drag and drop, and the script reorders to match. A separate story notes section stores character bios, research links, location details, and thematic references outside the script itself.

Real-time collaboration

Teams can work on a script simultaneously. The platform syncs changes in real time and shows who is editing which section. Scripts can be shared as a direct link for review without requiring the recipient to have a Celtx account.

Pre-production (Celtx Studio)

The Studio tier extends the platform into light production management: storyboarding, call sheet creation, cast and crew management, location tracking, scheduling, and a basic budget builder. These are designed for indie productions and student filmmakers who want one connected system.

Celtx vs Final Draft, WriterDuet, Fade In, and Arc Studio Pro

Software	Platform	Starting price	Real-time collaboration	Pre-production	Best use case
Celtx	Browser-based	Free / ~$15/mo	Yes	Yes (Studio plan)	Beginners, students, indie teams
Final Draft	Desktop (Mac/Win)	$199 one-time	Limited (Final Draft Go)	No	Professional screenwriters, WGA members
WriterDuet	Browser + Desktop	Free / ~$12/mo	Yes (industry-leading)	No	Co-writing teams and writing partners
Fade In	Desktop + Mobile	$79.99 one-time	No	No	Professionals wanting offline desktop control
Arc Studio Pro	Browser + Desktop	Free / ~$9/mo	Yes	No	Writers focused on story structure

Final Draft remains the industry standard for professional submissions in US television and film. Celtx offers a more accessible entry point with broader project management capabilities in one platform.

Celtx pros and cons

What works

Writing and production in one workspace: A writer can take a script from first draft to a production-ready call sheet without leaving the platform. Competing software requires exporting to a separate production management system.
Education-focused features: A dedicated education product with classroom dashboards, inline feedback, and assignment management. No other scriptwriting platform matches this depth for academic settings.
Multi-format script support: Supports audio drama, stage play, comic book, and news script formats natively — not just film and TV screenplays.
Real-time collaboration: Multiple team members editing the same script simultaneously with live sync and granular permissions.
Free tier available: One active project with basic editing and PDF export at no cost.

What doesn’t

Limited offline access: The full experience requires an internet connection. The mobile app has some offline capability, but writers in remote locations or with unreliable connectivity will find this limiting compared to Final Draft or Fade In.
Not the submission standard: Final Draft FDX files remain the de facto format for professional script submissions in Hollywood. Celtx exports FDX, but writers pursuing studio or network submissions may still need a Final Draft license.
Free tier is restrictive: One active project, no revision tracking, no collaboration, no production features. Writers managing multiple projects need to upgrade quickly.

How to export a Celtx script as PDF

Open your project: Navigate to the script from your Celtx project dashboard.
Access the Export menu: Click Export or Download in the top navigation bar.
Choose your format: Select PDF for standard sharing, FDX for Final Draft compatibility, or plain text for reformatting elsewhere.
Customize export settings: Choose whether to include scene numbers, revision marks, or title page.
Download or share: Download directly or copy a shareable link for online viewing without a Celtx account.

Who should use Celtx?

Good fit:

Beginner screenwriters who want automatic formatting without a learning curve
Film and media students using the platform in an academic setting
Independent filmmakers who want writing and pre-production in one place
Small creative teams that need real-time collaboration
Writers working across multiple formats — audio, stage, comics
Educators running scriptwriting courses who need classroom management

Not ideal for:

Professional screenwriters submitting to major studios or networks who require Final Draft compatibility
Writers who need full offline desktop access as a primary workflow
Large production companies that need enterprise-level production management

Frequently asked questions

What is Celtx used for?

Celtx is used for writing and formatting scripts in standard screenplay, stage play, audio drama, and comic book formats. It also supports pre-production planning through storyboarding, scheduling, call sheets, and budget management. It is most commonly used by students, indie filmmakers, and small creative teams.

Is Celtx free to use?

Celtx offers a free tier with one active project, basic script editing, and PDF export. For unlimited projects, collaboration, revision history, and production features, paid plans start at approximately $7.50 per month billed annually.

Does Celtx work on Mac and Windows?

Yes. Celtx is browser-based, so it works on any device with a modern web browser — Mac, Windows, and Linux. It also has a mobile app for iOS and Android. No desktop installation required.

How do I format a script in Celtx?

Celtx formats scripts automatically as you type. Type INT. or EXT. and the editor applies scene heading style. Tab and Enter cycle through action lines, character names, dialogue, and parentheticals. The software handles margins, font, and spacing without manual adjustments.

Can I export a Celtx script to Final Draft?

Yes. Celtx exports scripts as FDX files, which is the native Final Draft format. You can open and edit FDX files in Final Draft without reformatting. PDF and plain text exports are also available.

Is Celtx better than Final Draft?

They serve different needs. Celtx is better for beginners, students, and teams that need collaboration and pre-production at a lower cost. Final Draft is the industry standard for professional Hollywood submissions and offers more mature desktop performance. The choice depends on career stage, budget, and workflow.

What is Celtx Studio?

Celtx Studio is the higher-tier plan that adds production management on top of script writing. It includes storyboarding, shot lists, call sheets, cast and crew management, location tracking, scheduling, and a budget builder — designed for indie filmmakers managing an entire production in one platform.

Does Celtx have real-time collaboration?

Yes, on paid plans. Multiple team members can edit the same script simultaneously with live sync. You can assign view-only or full editing access to each collaborator individually.

Can you use Celtx offline?

Celtx has limited offline functionality through its mobile app, but the full web-based platform requires an internet connection. Writers who rely on offline access should consider Final Draft or Fade In.

Is Celtx good for beginners?

Yes. Automatic formatting removes the need to learn manual screenplay layout, the interface is straightforward, and the free tier lets new writers start with no financial commitment. It is a common first platform for film students and emerging screenwriters.

Does Celtx support stage play and audio drama formats?

Yes. Celtx supports multiple script formats beyond film screenplays: stage play, audio drama, comic book, and news script templates. Each template applies the correct formatting rules automatically.

How does Celtx handle script revisions?

On paid plans, Celtx tracks revision history and lets you compare script versions. Revision modes mark changed lines with standard industry color codes, pages can be locked to prevent accidental edits, and previous versions can be restored. The free tier does not include full revision tracking.

Is Celtx the right scriptwriting software for you?

Celtx removes technical friction from scriptwriting by handling formatting automatically, keeping projects organized, and connecting writing to early production planning. For beginners, students, and indie teams, it offers an affordable path from blank page to production-ready document.

Comparing Celtx with other scriptwriting or creative project management software? See how Celtx is rated by real users on Spotsaas — 4.3/5 across 62 verified reviews — and explore side-by-side comparisons to find the best fit for your workflow.