Celtx vs Screenwriter-mode

Celtx6.4Visit SMScreenwriter-mode—Visit

Higher score Celtx #2 in Screenwriting Software 6.4/10 Free plan · paid from $11.24/user/mo (annual) · 7-day trial Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Celtx

vs

SM Screenwriter-mode #5 in Screenwriting Software —/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit site

• Celtx fits best

  Writers moving from scripts into production

• Screenwriter-mode fits best

  Plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools

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Side by side

Feature	Celtx 6.4/10 Visit ↗	SMScreenwriter-mode —/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	6.4	—
Ranking	#2 in Screenwriting Software	#5 in Screenwriting Software
Best for	Writers moving from scripts into production	Plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	$11.24/user/mo	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Web, macOS, Android	Windows, macOS, Linux
Features Celtx 1/4 · Screenwriter-mode 1/4
Real-time collaboration	Not published	Not published
Offline mode	✓ (best)	Not published
Revision tracking	Not published	Not published
Production breakdown tools	Not published	✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms	Not published	Linux, macOS, Windows
Export formats	standard	PDF, .screenplay, .scp, .org
Our review
Pros	Automatic formatting for screenplay, stageplay, and multi-column scripts Real-time collaboration with comments, permissions, and approvals Production tools for breakdowns, schedules, budgets, and call sheets	Free and cross-platform on Linux, macOS, and Windows Core screenplay formatting with automatic .scp and .screenplay activation Character, location, scheduling, and production-oriented reports
Cons	The Free plan is limited to one project Advanced production features require paid or specific plans Offline editing availability differs between web and Android descriptions	Requires comfort with GNU Emacs and command-line tools Collaboration features are outside its stated focus Revision and publishing capabilities are limited in scope
Our verdict	Celtx is cloud-based software for screenwriters, stage writers, filmmakers, studios, educators, and media production teams. It covers automatic screenplay, stageplay, and multi-column script formatting, while also extending into story… Read the review →	Screenwriter-mode is a screenplay-formatting plug-in for GNU Emacs, aimed at writers and production users who are comfortable working with Emacs and command-line tools. It supports slug lines, action, dialogue, and transitions, while… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Celtx — where it wins

  • Automatic formatting for screenplay, stageplay, and multi-column scripts
  • Real-time collaboration with comments, permissions, and approvals
  • Production tools for breakdowns, schedules, budgets, and call sheets

  Where it doesn't

  • The Free plan is limited to one project
  • Advanced production features require paid or specific plans
  • Offline editing availability differs between web and Android descriptions

• Screenwriter-mode — where it wins

  • Free and cross-platform on Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Core screenplay formatting with automatic .scp and .screenplay activation
  • Character, location, scheduling, and production-oriented reports

  Where it doesn't

  • Requires comfort with GNU Emacs and command-line tools
  • Collaboration features are outside its stated focus
  • Revision and publishing capabilities are limited in scope

• Celtx6.4/10 · Free plan · paid from $11.24/user/mo (annual) · 7-day trial

  A strong fit for writers who need production planning beyond screenplay formatting.

  Visit CeltxFull verdict →
• SMScreenwriter-mode—/10 · Free plan

  A free, plain-text screenplay tool for writers comfortable with GNU Emacs.

  Visit siteFull verdict →