Head-to-head · Writing Apps
Celtx vs LyX
Celtx leads on 0 checks, LyX on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreCeltx · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Celtx
- Most featuresCeltx · 5 of 5
Celtx scores higher on our rubric for writing apps: 9.2 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.
Celtx is the better fit for production-oriented screenwriters. LyX is the better fit for technical authors needing structured documents.
- Celtx fits best
Production-oriented screenwriters
- LyX fits best
Technical authors needing structured documents
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Side by side
| Feature | Celtx 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | LyX 8.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in Writing Apps | #6 in Writing Apps |
| Best for | Production-oriented screenwriters | Technical authors needing structured documents |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $11.24/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, macOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Features Celtx 5/5 · LyX 0/5 | ||
| Publishing tools | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Real-time collaboration | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Version history | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Offline mode | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Mobile apps | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Export formats | Standard | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Celtx brings scriptwriting and media production planning into a cloud-based workspace for screenwriters, stage writers, filmmakers, educators, and production teams. Its editors automatically format screenplay, stageplay, and multi-column… Read the review → |
LyX is a free, open-source desktop document processor for structured and technical writing. Its WYSIWYM interface works with TeX/LaTeX typesetting and supports academic articles, theses, books, letters, scripts, and technical… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Celtx — where it wins
- Automatic formatting for screenplay, stageplay, and multi-column scripts
- Real-time co-writing, comments, permissions, and approvals
- Production tools include breakdowns, schedules, budgets, and call sheets
Where it doesn't
- Free plan is limited to one project
- Version preview and restore are for subscribers
- Platform coverage and export breadth are limited
LyX — where it wins
- Free, open-source desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Strong tools for mathematics, references, indexes, and document structure
- Broad import and export, with Git, Subversion, BibTeX, and LaTeX support
Where it doesn't
- Not designed for real-time simultaneous collaboration
- WYSIWYM editing may suit technical authors better than general writers
- Desktop-only deployment provides no browser-based editing
- Celtx9.2/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
Scriptwriting and production planning for screenwriters working with collaborators.
Visit CeltxFull verdict → - LyX8.9/10 · Free plan
A focused desktop tool for technical documents, mathematics, references, and typesetting.
Visit LyXFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update