Beat
Beat: A capable free Mac screenwriting app, with a one-time purchase for iPhone and iPad. Ranked #87 of 135 in Writing Apps by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMac and iPad screenwriters wanting a free desktop app
- Free planYes
- Paid from€12.99 one-time
- Publishing toolsYes
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source macOS app supports offline writing.
- Outlining combines scene cards, a timeline and an outline view.
- Exports to PDF and Final Draft; tracks revisions and versions on macOS.
Where it doesn't
- The iOS companion app costs €12.99 one time.
- Version control is available on macOS only.
- The app is limited to macOS and iOS.
Our verdict on Beat
Beat is a screenwriting app for macOS and iOS, aimed at writers who want screenplay-specific formatting and outlining tools rather than a general-purpose word processor. On Mac, it automatically formats screenplay elements, offers autocomplete, and works with Fountain plain-text files. Its outline view, scene cards, timeline, automatic scene numbering and screenplay statistics support work from early structure through revision. Novel writing is also described as a use case, though the feature set centers on screenplays.
The macOS app is free and open source, with offline writing, revision tracking, color-coded revision generations and version control. Writers can import and export Final Draft files and export PDFs. The iOS companion app costs €12.99 as a one-time purchase and supports core Beat features, with lifetime ownership after purchase. The vendor notes that pricing is discounted in some countries. This split makes the free desktop app the clearest entry point; writers who want to work on iPhone or iPad should account for the separate purchase, and version control is documented for macOS only.
Beat connects with iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive, supports JavaScript plugins, and keeps screenplay text in the plain-text Fountain format. Those options suit writers who value portable files and work across compatible storage services, but the app is limited to Apple platforms. Collaboration is not established as a feature, so teams looking for shared drafting workflows should compare alternatives. Beat is a strong fit for individual screenwriters who want a focused, free Mac tool with outlining and revision features; writers on other platforms or seeking confirmed collaboration tools should look elsewhere.
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Beat pricing
Beat fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | €12.99 one-time |
| Publishing tools | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Version history | Yes |
| Offline mode | Yes |
| Mobile apps | Yes |
| Export formats | Standard |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | beat-app.fi |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Beat integrations
Beat lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- iCloud
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
Alternatives to Beat
- Final DraftA screenplay-focused toolkit with deep planning, production, revision, and collaboration features.9.4
- ScrivenerA structured workspace for drafting, organizing, and compiling long-form work.9.3
- CeltxScriptwriting and production planning for screenwriters working with collaborators.9.2
Also Ranked In
Beat is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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