Key Features of Movavi Video Editor. Automatic video creator for a quick and easy content fix. Fast processing of HD and 4K videos. Built-in intros, backgrounds, videos, sound, and music. Next on our list of 12 best video editing software for Mac is Final Cut Pro. Originally debuting in 1999 with the iconic iMac DV, iMovie has been the entry-level video editing software for many people over the years and is probably still the natural choice for many Mac.
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Budgeting is a discipline that’s not often met with excitement. Many assume that budgeting is something reserved for companies or, say, freelance workers. However, personal budget software is just as important as corporate one — it’s a fundamental understanding of where money is coming and going.
You may consider it to be boring, tiring, time-consuming, or difficult, but managing your finances well can help you achieve goals and stave off the stress of a rainy day. Thankfully, there are tools and apps on Mac which can help you get on top of budgeting, no matter how experienced you are.
Why Should I Use Budget Tracking Software?
If you haven’t done a budget before, you should start now. You never know when you might need a particular sum of money to solve an issue, meet a goal, or take advantage of a sudden opportunity.
Budget programs help you reduce the stress and uncertainty that comes with not knowing where you stand financially. If you don’t have a home budget software, you might be tracking towards a situation where you run out of money, without even knowing it. If you do have a budget, then you’ll have a documented plan of action to improve your situation.
Importantly, you don’t need any qualifications to do a budget, nor do you need to be good with numbers. Take advantage of the best budget software for Mac to help you take control of your finances without the hassle. Budgeting tools come in many shapes and sizes, so selecting the right one for you depends on personal preference and previous experience with managing money.
Handy tips for budgeting tools
If you’re ready to start your budget, it’s best to consider a strategic approach to ensure maximum utility. Too often, budgets sit collecting dust after being created, and sometimes the act of creating a budget could feel like enough to satisfy financial concerns — it’s not. Here are some tips for making the most out of your budget.
First of all, definitely use an app to help you manage a budget. App developers invest a lot of time and money into figuring out how their software can make your life easier and better, so rather than trying to understand all the nuances for yourself, let a dedicated app do it for you. There’s even some free budget software around, so you have very few excuses not to try!
If you run a business (or freelance on a side), a little bit of work each week means end of year taxes are a breeze. It’s not about doing a marathon of work in a few days, but making a habit to consistently do a little bit here and there. Try aiming for 10 minutes every few days. The best tax preparation software will also have reminders and notifications to help you achieve this goal.
It might sound contradictory, but budgeting isn’t always about getting the numbers 100% accurate. When it comes to tax preparation software — sure. But budgeting is mostly about understanding where your money is being spent and then using that information to make more informed decisions going forward. Therefore, make sure you categorize your transactions so that it’s easier to spot those minutiae differences and trends. The best finance apps should do this for you automatically.
In summary, you want to ensure you take advantage of the online budgeting tools available to you, aim to update your records frequently, and focus on categorization over accuracy. Shirdi sai baba aarti.
Features of good personal budget software
The best personal budget software for Mac is easier to pin down when you know exactly what you’re looking for. Not all apps are the same — they vary by function and pricing. Generally speaking, there are a few key features you want to see in your budget software for Mac:
It should be simple and easy to add new records or transactions
Importing bank and credit card statements should be possible
Automatically synchronizing statements will take the edge off your manual inputting
Useful dashboards or visuals will help you understand your situation at a glance
You should be able to categorize your transactions into groups
Out of those five key points, the ability to import is often the most essential. Importing saves you the hassle of adding each transaction into the money management software line-by-line, which adds up to a lot of time. It’s hard enough already to schedule frequent updates to your budget, so if you can remove the largest friction point of manual entry, then you’re in a good place.
The best budget software for Mac comparison
When it comes to programs to help budget money, there are countless options. It’s easy to get lost diving deep into each budget software review, but here are some of the best available, ranging from beautifully basic to powerfully advanced.
You’ve probably heard of Quicken, given that the name has been around since the early 80s. Even then, it was known as one of the best tax software companies around. That says something about the strong product, which carries all of the basic functions you’ll need to manage your budget well.
Right away though, you might notice that the interface has become somewhat dated in comparison to the newer contenders out there. But one of Quicken’s praised features is the ability to download bank statements and have the records automatically categorized, which can drastically reduce the time it takes to input your information, so you can spend more time making sense of it. Sadly, the Mac version is somewhat limited when it comes to advanced features, unless you splash out for the Home and Business edition.
MoneyDance is very similar to Quicken in terms of its basic features, including the ability to create a budget with notifications for bills and invoices. It also allows you to make your own charts and graphs to monitor spending habits over time, which can be seen on the homepage for a quick glance of your activity. Out-of-the-box integrations with online banking services also make it easy to send payments.
Unlike Quicken, Moneydance has some more advanced features including an investment monitor, which tracks your investments and their fluctuations — a useful addition, although best for the intermediate to advanced user. The app also has a developer API system in place to allow extended functions, mostly good for power users. Importantly, security is not an issue, as Moneydance utilizes end-to-end encryption for your data to give you that extra peace of mind.
You Need A Budget, also known as YNAB, is budget tracking software that runs on both Windows and Mac via web — saving automatically to the cloud, which is a bonus for multi-platform users. It also features native apps for iOS and Android, so you can literally tackle your budget from anywhere.
The app itself follows a simple design language, which is perfect for beginners, but if you find yourself needing help you can sign up for a personal instructor. YNAB doesn’t let you slack at all, and if you start to stray from your budget, the app will raise a red flag through it’s built-in Accountability Partner.
Although YNAB doesn’t support the ability to download and automatically categorize records from bank statements, it could be argued that entering them manually helps the user pay more attention to where their spending is going. Still, it’s a more time-consuming process that might be problematic for users processing hundreds or more records each month.
MoneyWiz stays true to its name — a comprehensive budget software and investment tracker that’s packed full with over 400 useful features. View your financial situation quickly by browsing accounts, groups, or searching for individual records. Speaking of records, you can enter them manually or have them automatically sync with leading banks, cryptocurrency exchanges, and financial services for an accurate real-time understanding of your accounts.
With all of this data in hand, MoneyWiz can prepare and export over 50 reports to help you gain deeper insights into your finances. Your data could be accessed from its cloud-based app or straight from the native software for Mac. All in all, MoneyWiz is extremely powerful: accessible for beginners and interesting for the most advanced users.
Receipts is yet another money management software for Mac, and is specifically well-known for its clever handling of invoicing. Using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, Receipts automatically reads and translates important information about your bills, such as amount, date, currency, and more (even if the text is in another language).
Besides, Receipts can issue payments for invoices directly using third-party providers, such as iFinance and BankX. The OCR technology alone makes it a strong contender against other more simple online budgeting tools. Not least, Mac users will be glad to see how this application was designed to look and feel like a macOS product. Using a familiar user interface could make life a little easier after all.
Between the five options above, you have a strong starting point for your budgeting tools depending on your experience. Remember that importing is one of the key features to look for in budget programs. Still, in order to find the best fit you might need to try a couple of different options.
Thankfully, both MoneyWiz and Receipts have a free 7-day trial that you can take advantage of by heading over to Setapp, an app subscription service for Mac that gives you access to over 200 macOS apps, including all the necessary budget tools. Getting MoneyWiz and Receipts at once? You won’t be disappointed.
From Movie Magic Budgeting, to Showbiz budgeting software, to film budget templates in Google sheets, film budgeting software is the line producer’s art form and most valued tool.
In this article, we cover the best and latest in film budgeting software for 2021.
What is a Production Budget Used For?
But first, let’s look at some of the key uses for a film budgeting template. Are you looking to win a bid on a big commercial project or are you already greenlit to pre-production on a feature? Your project needs will inform which film budgeting software is best for you!
Production budgets can be used for a variety of important reasons in various stages of a project, such as:
WINNING A BID
Producers use film budgeting software when first bidding on projects or fundraising a project they want to make.
Budgets are put together here to both show that you know what you are doing and to propose what cost you can (and are willing to) produce the project for.
APPEASING CLIENTS
Once you’ve landed the project, your production budget is frequently updated to show changing costs for both yourself and as a client-facing tool. If your budget needs are mostly client-facing, you’ll need budgeting software that is both workable for you and presentable to your client. Here, the visuals matter!
WORKING WITH UNIONS
Unions will want to see your budget before agreeing to work with you on a project. SAG-AFTRA, for example, requests a budget when you submit your signatory packet, along with a slew of other regulations.
It’s why we wrote a whole article on how to budget SAG payroll.
Don’t forget to include line items for SAG rates, agent and manager fees (if applicable), and union talent fringes such as pension & health and payroll taxes.
PRODUCTION ACCOUNTING
Last, but certainly not least, just like a production schedule, your production budget is a living, changing document that update well into post. So it’s vital to find the right user-friendly film budgeting software that is both trustworthy and comprehensive to your needs.
And if you are working for a production company or studio, they will likely have their own unique way of working that you’ll have to adopt.
The 6 Best Film Budgeting Software of 2021
Just as it goes for production, when it comes to production budgets, you often get what you pay for. Here’s a shortlist of the best film budgeting softwares that money can buy.
1. Movie Magic Budgeting
A product of Entertainment Partners, Movie Magic Budgeting is the great scripted whale of film budgeting softwares. In addition to film budgeting software, Movie Magic also offers one of the leading scheduling softwares in the scripted space, aptly named Movie Magic Scheduling.
Film budget example: Watch this Movie Magic budgeting tutorial straight from the software creators - Best Film Budgeting Software 2021.
Movie Magic budgeting is most frequently used for scripted content, both long and short. You can’t always (or ever) rely on computer-populated script breakdown so this old school program may take you a bit longer in the setup but it’s a useful tool for a detail-oriented shoot.
PROS
Most recognized film & TV Format: It is still the scripted gold-standard in film budget templates.
Templates galore: The software comes with some great film budget templates from the major studios on down.
Student Rate: if you are a current student or faculty member, you can get a very nice discount.
Tons of educational materials: there are some excellent Movie Magic Budgeting tutorial videos to teach this software to a producer at any stage in their career.
CONS
Accessibility: As a long-running program, Movie Magic Budgeting struggles to keep up with the tech times. It’s a desktop software that doesn’t communicate very well with it’s own scheduling software. There is no cloud.
The look: This film budgeting software has been around a while. For some, it shows.
Pricey, unless you’re a student: $489 for the latest version, Movie Magic Budgeting 7. But, the “Academic Edition” (Student/Faculty discount) is only $189.
2. Celtx Budgeting
Celtx budgeting software comes from the makers of Celtx Screenwriter which is a well-known mostly-free screenwriting software that is a great entry point for emerging creators. They recently rolled out their digital production suite that includes Celtx budgeting and some engaging perks.
It is a solid full-service option and a great place to look if you are just starting out or want everything in one place. Recommended for full-service indie producers working in film, digital, and smaller scale commercials.
Celtx’s budgeting software is included in their “video production plan,” for $30/month if billed monthly, $27/month if billed annually. However, it's currently offering your first year 50% off with prices starting at $15/month, and $13.50/month respectively. While not a free film budgeting software like their screenwriting software, this plan comes with a bunch of bonuses, including their “scriptwriting plan plus,” scheduling software, and call sheet and cost report generators.
PROS
Complimentary perks: A subscription to Celtx comes with great bonuses including scheduling and screenwriting software.
Cloud-based system: Login in wherever the internet is found!
Pricing: Celtx is affordable – opt in month to month.
Sleek interface: Fun to look at, yet easy to work with.
Fully integrated: The screenwriting software has a script breakdown function that itemizes by department and then adds these elements into your Celtx budgeting software.
CONS
Too modern: If you’re a stalwart for tradition, this format may be too new age for you.
Somewhat confusing interface: Though the layout is clean, it can sometimes be confusing to navigate your way from software to software.
Some bugs: It’s pretty new compared to the heavyweights, so some user kinks may need to be worked out.
3. Showbiz Budgeting Software
Showbiz Budgeting software comes from the team at Media Services. A rival to Entertainment Partners and Movie Magic Budgeting, it’s a nice middle ground between Movie Magic Budgeting and Hot Budget.
One of the best film budgeting softwares of 2021 - it may not be free film budgeting software, but it certainly is worth the price.
Showbiz Budgeting Software is best for commercials and music videos, of all sizes. Showbiz Budgeting Software can be used for scripted as well, if you like that sort of thing. If you are mostly in the commercial and music video space but do the occasional scripted project and are looking for a one-stop shop, Showbiz budgeting software may be for you.
PROS
Built-in film budget calculator: Showbiz Budgeting Software’s OT Translator function gives you a self-updating overtime calculator.
Tailored to the producer: Showbiz Budgeting Software’s purchase order system and petty cash workflow allow for streamlined actualization.
Client-facing: Showbiz Budgeting software is well regarded in the commercial space and a recognizable format.
CONS
Weird layout: Showbiz Budgeting’s layout isn’t that easy on the eyes, and we’re being honest, a bit clinical.
One trick pony: Showbiz budgeting software is slightly more conducive to commercial than scripted content.
$$$: The software is a tad pricey, roughly comparable to Movie Magic Budgeting at 2 software licenses for $399.
4. Hot Budget
Hot Budget is to commercials what Movie Magic Budgeting is to film and TV. In its short lifespan, it has arguably become the industry standard for commercial budgeting software.
Great for spinning up a budget to win bids, Hot Budget is easy to use as well as affordable.
Hot Budget is actually cheaper when purchased with Hot Bricks, making it a favorite for those that already use Hot Bricks and is simply just one of the best film budgeting softwares of 2021.
Questions on how to program professional video equipment insurance and calculate Film equipment insurance costs in Hot Budget?
PROS
Recognizable: The most popular commercial budgeting software around.
Built for the bid: The top sheet is in an easily read with a clean client-facing format.
Easy importing: Easily import your own (or the company your working for) chart of accounts. Timecards can be uploaded directly to the payroll log.
CONS
Commercial Focused: Not often used as a film budgeting software tool. It’s most useful if you’re working on a SAG commercial or a non-union commercial shoot.
Hidden pricing: In addition to their website being confusing to navigate, their pricing details are not disclosed. The rates here are a bit confusing but it is subscription based and costs around $100/ year. Discounts seem to be available for those who utilize their production rentals company, Hot Bricks.
Not Cloud based: As an excel plug-in, Hot Budget is a desktop software, which means you’re bound to one computer.
5. Gorilla Budgeting
In charge of scheduling your shoot? Then Gorilla Budgeting may be just what you’re looking for. Produced by the same people behind Gorilla Scheduling, this budgeting software may not be free, but certainly eliminates a few headaches, and is one of the best film budgeting softwares of 2021.
While you still need to get a payroll company, Gorilla can handle the budgeting..
At $249 its a bit cheaper than its film budgeting software competitors. They also offer a 15-day free trial via their creator, Jungle software. Similar to the Celtx model, their focus is more narrow. It has a user-friendly interface and integrates well with its scheduling software.
PROS
User friendly: Gorilla Budgeting is intuitive, especially compared to Movie Magic Budgeting.
Sleek design: Like their other products, Gorilla Budgeting utilizes a neat layout.
Integrated: Easily port in your Gorilla-made schedule, and vice versa.
CONS
Film Budgeting Software
Pricey: At $249, it’s expensive. Plus to add a union rate book, it’s another $50.
6. Google Sheets (Free Film Budgeting Templates)
Budgeting on a budget? Have no fear, there are some great free film budgeting software options and film budgeting templates out there for you as well. You may have to wade through a bit more muck to find the right one for you (and beware trial modes that don’t allow you to download PDFs) !
Whether you’re looking for a film budget template for Google Sheets or want to keep things on the desktop with an excel program, templates are a great way to customize the process to your needs! Google Sheets is a great place to import a customized film budgeting template. Many commercial producers who utilize this have inherited a film budget sheet template, passed down from generation to generation of line producer.
They are a great tool for an emerging producer as sometimes they have remnants of costs from past shoots, like how much was paid for professional video equipment insurance. But these film budget templates are coveted and hard to come by. So if you don’t have an in, you either need to design your own or purchase a film budget sheet template from a company.
PROS
Control over layout: If you are a wiz with a spreadsheet, you can customize to your hearts delight.
In the cloud and on the drive: If you love google suite and organize your digital wrapbook there, this is nearly a one stop shop.
Probably free: Many websites offer a solid free film budget template for Google Sheets. Or you can purchase templates from a number of places for a flat fee. Places like BoilerPlate sell their formats starting at $49 and you can plop it into Excel or throw it up to the drive.
CONS
Must love Excel: If you’re not a whiz with a spreadsheet, this is likely not for you.
No integration: Doesn’t auto-populate from a complimentary program, like your scheduling software.
Too broad: If you don’t find a template tailored to a specific project type (commercials or features), your film budget template might not give you the nuance you need to win bids.
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*The majority of these companies offer both budgeting and scheduling software.
Wrapping Up
Movie Magic Budgeting Trial
As you can see, there are many options out there for film budgeting softwares and it often comes down to personal preference.
Movie Budgeting Software Free Mac Version
Whether you’re planning to use your own film budget template or you're ready to throw down for Movie Magic budgeting or Showbiz film budgeting software, don’t be afraid to test out a few before making your final decision. You might have an equally hard time choosing the best filmmaking software to use before or after you worry about the budget. But the budget will always be thereAs the saying goes, it takes a video village to make a movie, and also money, crafty, and great film budgeting software.