Compare software

Beat vs Final Draft: catalog facts
Beat	Final Draft
Free Free and open source under the GPL, distributed through the App Store.	Paid Paid software with a free trial of Final Draft Suite.
macOS, iOS	Windows, macOS
Plain-text Fountain files that stay readable anywhere Final Draft import and export with revisions	Automatic industry-standard script formatting Story planning and production reporting tools
Apple platforms only Largely maintained by one developer	Paid licence with no free edition Desktop only on Windows and macOS
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.