Screenplay Editor vs Celtx

Last updated: February 2026

Celtx does a lot more than screenwriting. It handles breakdowns, scheduling, budgeting, storyboarding, and team management. If you need all of that, it's a solid platform. But if you just want to write a screenplay, it's overkill — and it starts at $29/month.

Screenplay Editor does one thing well: format screenplays inside Google Docs. Free. No account to create. No new app to learn.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature	Screenplay Editor	Celtx
Price	Free	From $29/month
Platform	Google Docs (any browser)	Web-based
Real-time Collaboration	✓ (Google Docs)	✓
File Format	Google Docs (.gdoc)	Proprietary (cloud-based)
PDF Export	✓	✓
.fdx Export	✓	✓
Auto-format	✓ One-click	✓
Character Management	✓ Full panel	✓
Works Offline	Via Google Docs offline	No
Learning Curve	None — it's Google Docs	Moderate — new platform to learn

When to Choose Celtx

Celtx is the right tool when screenwriting is just one part of your workflow.

• You need breakdowns, scheduling, and budgeting integrated with your script
• You're a producer managing an entire pre-production pipeline
• You work with a large team that needs centralized project management
• You need storyboarding and shot planning alongside your screenplay

When to Choose Screenplay Editor

Screenplay Editor is the right tool when you just want to write.

• You're a writer. You don't need pre-production tools
• You want free. No trial, no credit card, no $29/month
• You already use Google Docs and don't want to learn a new platform
• You want your scripts stored in Google Drive, not locked in someone else's cloud
• You want to start writing in 30 seconds, not after a platform onboarding

← See how all screenwriting tools compare