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SPECIFICTION
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Beat

beat-app.fi

From €12.99/mo Free plan macOSiOS
Visit beat-app.fi
Spec score 8.8 #5 of 27 in Screenwriting Software

What it is

Beat is a screenwriting app for structuring stories and writing in a distraction-free interface. It saves scripts as plain-text Fountain files, which the maker describes as portable and compatible with other editors. Beat imports Final Draft, Highland, Fade In, and Celtx files, then exports to Final Draft and PDF. Outline view and scene cards let writers add sections and synopses and rearrange scenes by dragging. The app recognizes screenplay elements, offers autocomplete, tracks revisions, and highlights changes in exported PDFs. The macOS version supports JavaScript plugins, including official options from a Plugin Library. Beat stores documents on the device, works offline, and says it collects no data. Files can be synchronized between iOS and macOS through iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive, although the maker cautions against opening one file on both devices. Beat is free on macOS; the iOS companion costs €12.99 a month with lifetime ownership after purchase.

Spec sheet

What it does
Beat is a screenwriting app made for writers, with a distraction-free interface and tools for structuring stories.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Free plan
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · beat-app.fi
Mobile apps
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · beat-app.fi
Privacy
The maker says Beat collects no data and stores documents on the user's device; the app can work offline.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Support
Users can report bugs through the maker's bug-report page and contact the developer by email or Discord.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Headquarters
Helsinki, FinlandRead 28 Sep 2026 · beat-app.fi
Cloud syncing
Writers can sync files between iOS and macOS using services such as iCloud, Dropbox or Google Drive; the maker cautions against keeping a file open on both devices at once.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Export formats
standardRead 19 Sep 2026 · beat-app.fi
File format
Beat saves screenplays as plain-text Fountain files, which the maker describes as portable and compatible with other editors.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Import and export
Beat can import Final Draft, Highland, Fade In and Celtx files, and export to Final Draft and PDF.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Notable limits
The maker says there will be no Windows or Linux version, and plugins are available on macOS only.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Offline mode
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · beat-app.fi
Open source
Beat's source code is released under GPL v3 and is available on GitHub.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Organizations
The maker says a specialized release is available for schools and organizations, with licensing and update costs; interested organizations are asked to contact the developer.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Outlining
Outline view and scene cards let writers add sections and synopses and rearrange scenes by dragging and dropping.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Plugins
The macOS app supports plugins written in JavaScript, and its Plugin Library offers official plugins with optional automatic updates.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
Publishing tools
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · beat-app.fi
Version history
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · beat-app.fi
Writing tools
Beat automatically recognizes screenplay elements, supports autocomplete, and can track revisions and highlight changes in exported PDFs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi

Plans and prices

macOS Free Free Desktop app Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi
iOS €12.99 a month Companion app for iPhone and iPad · Lifetime ownership after purchase · Supports core Beat features Read 19 Sep 2026 · beat-app.fi
iOS €12.99, paid once 12,99€ single-time fee iOS companion app Read 7 Oct 2026 · beat-app.fi

Every Beat plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Plain-text Fountain files
  • Imports four screenplay formats
  • Outline and draggable scene cards
  • Offline mode and local storage
  • JavaScript plugins on macOS

Limits

  • No Windows or Linux version
  • Plugins available only on macOS
  • iOS costs €12.99 a month
  • Cloud sync requires external services

Who it suits

Beat suits screenwriters who want outlining, Fountain files, revision tools, and offline writing on macOS or iOS. It also fits writers needing imports from established screenplay editors.

Verdict

Beat offers a focused screenwriting workflow across a free macOS app and paid iOS companion. Its file portability, outlining, revision features, and offline operation are clear strengths, while platform limits matter for Windows and Linux users.

Where Specifiction places it

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