Choose First Page if
- You want to write together, with the script encrypted end to end.
- You would rather own your app than rent it.
- You want a voice for every character, free on your Mac.
- You want notes on the whole draft, pinned to each scene.
First Page vs WriterDuet
Write, hear and plan your screenplay together, on the Mac and the web.
Checked October 2026. Sources at the end of the page.
The short answer.
WriterDuet is a subscription built for writing together in real time, on the web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. It is free for three projects, and Plus is $9.99 a month, or $7.49 a month billed yearly. First Page is a native Mac app with a web companion, and you can buy it once: First Page One is $79.
Both read a script aloud with a voice for each character: WriterDuet on Premium, First Page free with the voices on your Mac. If you write on Windows, Linux or a phone, or want co-writers on free accounts, choose WriterDuet. First Page shares a script with the people you choose, and you write in it together in real time, encrypted end to end.
What is different.
TopicFirst PageWriterDuet
Paying$79 once, or Suite at $9.99 a month.Free for three projects. Plus from $7.49 a month, yearly.
Writing togetherReal-time co-writing, encrypted end to end.Real-time co-writing. Free users can write on a paid user's script.
PlatformsThe Mac, plus a web app.Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
OfflineEdits offline on the Mac, once activated.Offline writing on Plus, or free with WriterSolo.
Hearing the scriptYour Mac's voices, free. Studio voices with Suite or credits.A distinct computer voice per character, on Premium.
Notes on the draftAnalysis notes on the whole draft, when you ask.ScreenplayIQ, Proof and Chat, as paid tools.
PrivacyNever used for training. Cloud scripts encrypted end to end.Does not train. Its paid tools send text to model providers.
| As of October 2026 | First Page | WriterDuet |
|---|---|---|
| How you pay | Buy once, or subscribeFirst Page One, or Lifetime at $199, once. Or Suite | SubscriptionWriterSolo is a free local version |
| Entry price | $79 onceOr Suite at $9.99 a month or $89 a year. Reading is free | $9.99 a month$7.49 a month billed yearly. Free for three projects |
| Paid upgrades | Only for a new major versionEvery 1.x update is free. Lifetime includes future majors | Included in the subscription |
| License expiry and activations | First Page One has no expiry dateUp to five Macs on one account | Subscription |
| Offline writing and accounts | Offline once activatedWriting needs an account. Reading needs none | On paid plansPlus adds offline writing. WriterSolo is free and local |
| PDF import | Yes, on your MacScanned pages too, read without uploading | Yes |
| FDX import and export | Yes, both waysFountain too, and Word import | Yes, both waysFountain, Celtx and Word too |
| Read-aloud | Your Mac's voices, freeA voice per character, plus a narrator. Studio voices with Suite or credits | Computer voicesA distinct voice per character, on Premium |
| Where scripts are kept | On your MacOptional encrypted AutoSave to the cloud with Suite and Lifetime | WriterDuet's cloudSaved as you type, with backups to Dropbox, Google Drive or iCloud |
| Training on your scripts | NeverIn writing, in our privacy policy | Does not trainText goes to language model providers only if you use those paid tools |
| Platforms | Mac, plus a web appNative on macOS 14 or later. The web app is free for up to 3 scripts | Web, Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android |
Who should pick which.
Choose WriterDuet if
- You write on Windows, Linux or a phone.
- You want co-writers to write in your script on free accounts.
- You want a free plan for up to three projects.
Bring your scripts over.
Opened on your Mac, so nothing is uploaded.
Export from WriterDuet
WriterDuet exports Final Draft files, so save a copy as .fdx. Fountain and PDF work too.
Open it in First Page
Choose Open in the File menu and pick the file. Reader opens it free, with no account, so you can check how it came across before you buy.
Leave the original where it is
Nothing changes in WriterDuet, so co-writers can keep working there while you try First Page.
.fdx.fountain.pdf.docx
Sources
Facts about WriterDuet come from WriterDuet’s own pages, checked October 29, 2026. Prices are US list prices and change, so follow the links for today’s.
Open your own script, free.
Download free and read any script today.
macOS 14 or newer, on Apple silicon and Intel.