CuePad vs Cue to Cue
CuePad and Cue to Cue are both dedicated digital prompt book applications built for theatre production. They share a lot of common ground — script annotation, cue management, collaboration — but differ significantly on platform, ground plan tools, and pricing model.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CuePadRecommended | Cue to Cue | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Web browser (any device) | iPad + Mac native app |
| Free tier | Yes — full tools on 1 script | No |
| Starting price | $19/month (Pro) | Subscription required |
| Script annotation | Yes — PDF with cue overlays | Yes |
| Cue tracking | 9 typed, indexed cue types | Yes |
| Ground plan blocking | Yes — interactive with character markers + movement paths | No ground plan editor |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes — role-based, page-level locking | Yes |
| PDF export | Yes (Pro) | Yes |
| Apple Pencil support | Yes | Yes |
| Works on desktop browsers | Yes (any browser) | No |
Where CuePad Wins
Ground plan blocking
CuePad includes a full interactive ground plan editor — upload your stage diagram, place character markers, draw movement paths, and attach ground plan snapshots to individual cues. Cue to Cue has no ground plan editor. If blocking diagrams are part of your prompt book workflow, this is a significant gap.
Platform reach
CuePad works in any browser on any device — Mac, Windows, iPad, Android, phone. Cue to Cue is iPad and Mac only. If anyone on your production team uses Windows or Android, Cue to Cue doesn't work for them.
Free to start
CuePad's Core plan gives you a full production on one script at no cost. Cue to Cue requires a paid subscription from the start.
Where Cue to Cue Wins
Native app experience
Cue to Cue is a native iPad and Mac app. For stage managers who work primarily on Apple devices and prefer native apps over browser-based tools, the interaction model may feel more polished.
Established European presence
Cue to Cue has strong adoption in European theatre, with partnerships with stage manager organizations in Spain, New Zealand, and Scandinavia. If you're working in those contexts or with companies that already use it, the existing familiarity has value.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose CuePad if:
- You need ground plan blocking as part of your prompt book
- Your team uses a mix of devices including Windows or Android
- You want to start free
- You prefer a web-based tool accessible from any browser
Choose Cue to Cue if:
- You work exclusively on iPad and Mac and prefer native apps
- Your organization or collaborators already use Cue to Cue
- Ground plan blocking is not a priority in your workflow
Try CuePad Free
No credit card required. Full blocking, cue, and ground plan tools on your first script at no cost.
Start Free with CuePad