Head-to-head · Screenwriting Software
Screenwriter-mode vs Story Architect
Screenwriter-mode leads on 0 checks, Story Architect on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreScreenwriter-mode · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly Story Architect
- Most featuresStory Architect · 4 of 4
Screenwriter-mode scores higher on our rubric for screenwriting software: 7.9 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.
Screenwriter-mode is the better fit for plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools. Story Architect is the better fit for budget-conscious writers needing broad features.
- Screenwriter-mode fits best
Plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools
- Story Architect fits best
Budget-conscious writers needing broad features
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Screenwriter-mode 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Story Architect 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #5 in Screenwriting Software | #7 in Screenwriting Software |
| Best for | Plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools | Budget-conscious writers needing broad features |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $4.17/mo |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Screenwriter-mode 1/4 · Story Architect 4/4 | ||
| Real-time collaboration | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Offline mode | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Revision tracking | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Production breakdown tools | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Export formats | PDF, .screenplay, .scp, .org | DOCX, PDF, FDX, Fountain |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | 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 → |
Story Architect is screenwriting and story-development software for screenwriters and other authors. Its screenplay editor covers loglines, synopses, title pages, treatments, script text, statistics, and scene-number locking. The… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
Story Architect — where it wins
- Free plan includes unlimited projects and documents
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Supports collaboration, breakdowns, revisions, and broad file formats
Where it doesn't
- Mobile sync is still in development
- Real-time collaboration starts with the Creator tier
- AI writing assistance uses separately priced credit packs
- Screenwriter-mode7.9/10 · Free plan
A free, plain-text screenplay tool for writers comfortable with GNU Emacs.
Visit siteFull verdict → - Story Architect7.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A broad, affordable writing suite with planning, collaboration, breakdowns, and AI tools.
Try Story ArchitectFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Final Draft vs Screenwriter-mode
- Final Draft vs Story Architect
- Celtx vs Screenwriter-mode
- Celtx vs Story Architect
- WriterDuet vs Screenwriter-mode
- WriterDuet vs Story Architect
- Fade In vs Screenwriter-mode
- Fade In vs Story Architect
All screenwriting software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update