What are the best free screenwriting software options for writers?
Below you’ll find our picks for the best 12 FREE screenwriting software options for the aspiring screenwriter in 2023.
Here’s the criteria we used while compiling the list:
• You must be able to write and export at least one script for free. Many “best free screenwriting” posts contain software that you have to purchase after a free trial in order to continue using it. While a couple on this list do have free trials, you’ll still be able to use the software after the trial’s expired to complete your script(s).
• Must be a program that we can personally vouch for. In order to make the list, each program has been used and tested by our team.
So let’s get to it!
Free scriptwriting software #1: Arc Studio Pro.
Arc Studio Pro has a clear and distraction-free interface that lets you focus on your story while making formatting to industry-standard a piece of cake.
Improved collaboration features and smooth feedback management are also made to keep your workflow straightforward and efficient while it keeps track of all your edits so that nothing gets lost. On top of that, an intuitive drag-and-drop and color-coding system lets you organize or rearrange your story in no time.
The app is available on desktop for Windows and Mac but also has a web version. Their basic free plan includes two scripts for free without any limit on the number of pages.
Free screenwriting software #2: Causality.
This free screenwriting app is different from most on this list in that it works by laying out the beats of your screenplay visually, rather than in a conventional movie script format.
In other words, Causality is a new kind of screenwriting app that helps you develop the story on a macro level, rather than get caught up “in the weeds” of each scene on a micro-level.
It doesn’t matter how complex the story is, Causality will be able to give you an overview of the events using its Story Sequencing Engine to analyze your story’s events. It can even unearth plot problems you may not have considered and suggest more logical sequences.
As far as drawbacks go, the actual writing is limited within this free version of Causality. You have to unlock the paid version for unlimited writing, and a few other features, such as exporting and printing.
Free screenwriting software #3: DramaQueen.
DramaQueen is a free screenwriting software download that’s compatible with Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems. It’s also very compatible with Final Draft, so if you want to import, export and format using that platform, DramaQueen is a good choice.
The software has a range of handy features including structuring a story into “steps,” auto-formatting, an ideas panel and drag-and-drop navigator. The ideas panel is particularly useful, allowing you to collect and edit all of your research and ideas in one place.
DramaQueen is completely free of charge with no limits on the number of scripts you can upload or length of usage.
Free screenwriting software #4: Fade In.
This is one of the best screenwriting software programs out there. Is Fade In free? Yes, there’s a demo version of the paid version and the functionality is exactly the same.
As they say on the site, “The free downloadable demo offers the same functionality as the full version, although it will pop up an occasional purchase reminder after 10 pages, and includes a watermark on print/PDF output.”
Some of its best features are real-time collaboration, and the fact you’re not restricted just to using scenes and index cards to organize your script. You can also color-code it and mark significant plot points, characters and other elements as you like, giving you a personalized, clear overview of the story.
Available for Mac, Windows and Linux users and the only drawback with the free version we can see is that your script will include a watermark once you print it out or convert to a PDF.
Free screenwriting software #5: Highland 2.
This is a Mac-only free scriptwriting software program developed by professional screenwriter, John August. Its tagline is “More Power. Less Distraction,” and that’s exactly what it’s like to write using this program.
Beautifully designed and feature abundant, the software handles formatting automatically, so you can focus on writing, rather than worrying about menu commands.
Highland 2 is able to indent characters, parentheticals and dialogue as you type, organize your screenplay by acts and sequences instead of sluglines, and much more. A new feature that’s been added recently is Revision Mode in which you can track all your changes in different colors.
This free screenwriting software download is also adept at moving files between Final Draft, Fountain, and PDF formats. The only two downsides are that it’s only available for Mac OS, and PDFs you create will be watermarked.
Free screenwriting software #6: Kit Scenarist.
What makes Kit Scenarist one of the best free screenwriting software options out there is the fact that it’s not just a word processor. The program is also a one-stop research, planning and statistical hub.
Kit Scenarist enables you to collect all your research for a script in one place—characters, locations, descriptions, photos, etc.— alongside the actual script itself. Plus, track statistics such as how many dialogue lines each character has.
If you’re a fan of visualizing your story on index cards Save the Cat-style, the program also contains a card module that allows you to see your story laid out on a board.
The word processor itself is pretty standard and does a good job of formatting a script to industry standards and you’re even able to configure the program’s algorithm to suit your writing needs. Kit Scenarist is available for Mac, Windows and Linux users and is able to import/export to Final Draft.
Free screenwriting software #7: Milanote.
Organize your research, ideas, characters and outline in one place. And they have a wealth of templates to help you get started. Milanote has a free plan, and is available as a web app and Mac app. They also have accompanying mobile apps for recording ideas on the go.
Free screenwriting software #8: Page 2 Stage.
You used to have to pay for Page 2 Stage, but it’s now a 100 percent free open source scriptwriting program. The main advantage it has over other software on the list is that it’s available in thirty languages. So if you’re, say, Turkish, and are looking for a free screenwriting software program, this could be the one for you.
The program’s language capability also comes in handy if you’re British, Australian or Canadian and want to make sure your screenplay adheres to US English for the American market.
A disadvantage of Page 2 Stage is that it only runs on Windows operating systems. On the other hand, this can be seen as an advantage if you’re a PC user. As they say on their site, “We concentrate on Windows so we can make it perfect for Windows without the compromises necessary for a program that runs on multiple platforms.”
Free screenwriting software #9: Prewrite.
Prewrite is another visual outlining tool rather than traditional free screenwriting software to write your script on. It comes with an emphasis on perfecting story structure.
Compared to other programs, it’s uniquely positioned as the first step in the writing process, with multiple layouts to view and analyze your work before exporting out to Final Draft (or any programs that opens .fdx) to finish the job.)
Bring your scenes and characters to life with inspiring commercial-free images from Unsplash and The Movie Database, all searchable right from within the app.
The Story Stats view breaks down INT. vs. EXT., location time of day, overall tone, and which scenes specific characters appear in together. If you’ve already started from the blank page, you can import an existing script to analyze and refine its structure.
Free screenwriting software #10: StudioBinder.
It’s super simple to set up and use and will serve you just fine if you’re trying out screenwriting for the first time and/or aren’t worried about a lack of bells and whistles. (For example, we can’t see a way to remove scene numbers, and it appears to only export to PDF.)
That said, the software does come with a host of production features for budding movie makers, such as shot lists, shooting schedules and storyboards. And for a grand price of $0, that’s a pretty good deal, we think.
Free screenwriting software #11: Trelby.
Is Trelby free? Yes! It’s a great open-source screenplay software that’s downloaded and recommended by many aspiring screenwriters. No locked features, no watermarks, no script limits. And if you know how to code you can even modify the software yourself to suit your needs.
Using Trelby is fast and simple and it’s able to import Final Draft software, Celtx, Fountain and Fade In Pro. Likewise, it can export to PDF, Final Draft and Fountain, as well as HTML and RTF. Not only that, but the software generates the exact same output, meaning it behaves identically across all platforms.
The main drawback with Trelby is that it’s currently only available for Microsoft Windows and Linux, although a Mac version is said to be on the way… And is it still being supported and updated? Hard to tell but does the job.
Free screenwriting software #12: WriterDuet.
Another great free screenwriting software option is WriterDuet which allows real-time collaborative work in which you and your writing partner will immediately see all edits made. And you can both filter any changes made by who made them, the date and line.
WriterDuet backs up your work locally when offline, and automatically syncs it once you reconnect. Its compatibility with other screenwriting software is equally impressive, allowing you to import and export Final Draft software, Fountain, Celtx, PDF and Word files.
While the free version won’t watermark your script when you print or export it, bear in mind this software is online only. As such, you’re only able to upload three scripts with one account, but all are without page limits, time limits or export/import quotas.
To work with more than three screenplays and access the more feature-rich version, you have to pay, but you can get 10 percent off by adding this code at checkout: SCRIPTREADERPRO.
(Please note: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase a paid version of one of these programs we’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Frequently asked questions on the best free screenwriting software.
Q. What is the best program to write scripts on: a free option or a paid one?
A. If you’re serious about screenwriting your best option is purchase some professional software as you’ll be able to access more features. You can read about our top 5 recommend paid programs here. If you’re on a budget, though, or just testing the waters with screenwriting, then our 10 best free screenwriting software options above are a great place to start.
Q. What is the best free script writing app?
A. Luckily we have post on the best free screenwriting apps for you too. Follow the link here to check ’em out our 10 Best Screenwriting Apps for Writers On-the-Go.
Q. Why should I take your word that these are the best free screenwriting software options on the market?
A. You don’t have to 🙂 We always recommend you do as much independent research as you can. Try putting a search term in your browser like “best screenwriting software reddit” and see what other writers out there think.
Q. Is Celtx completely free?
A. According to this page on the Celtx website, it is. And on this one, it isn’t. That’s enough confusion for us to leave it off the list.
Top 12 best free screenwriting software: conclusion.
What is the best software for screenwriting? What screenwriting software do professionals use?
We generally advise writers to follow in the footsteps of professional screenwriters and purchase one of these five best screenwriting software programs. If they’re taking it seriously, that is.
However, for the less serious writers out there, the free software market has made some big gains in recent years.
There are some great free screenwriting software programs out there that are virtually identical to their paid counterparts, such as Fade In and WriterDuet.
Overall, give a few free programs a test drive and go for the one that feels best for your writing needs. There is no right or wrong answer here.
Finally, one last point…
Can you write a script on Microsoft Word?
Technically, yes. But we really don’t recommend it. Even if you’re not taking screenwriting super seriously or can’t afford a paid program, there’s no need to struggle along in Word.
Check out our best free screenwriting software above and let them do the heavy lifting of formatting for you.
Thanks for reading and feel free to comment below with any free screenwriting software or screenwriting apps you think we’ve missed out. What’s the best free screenwriting software out there in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below.
Enjoyed this? Read more on free screenwriting software and paid software…
5 Best Screenwriting Software Programs Compared
The 10 Best Screenwriting Apps for Writing On the Go
3 Awesome Final Draft Software Tricks We Learned From an Insider
[© Photo credits: Pixabay, Unsplash, Flickr]
So glad I stumbled upon this post. Thanks.
Thanks, John, you’re welcome.
Do any of these allow me to save my script as a PDF?
Hey Greg – yes, they all do.
This is just great, thank you so much for taking the time to put it together. Peace.
What about NolanAI
It’s web based and absolutely free, and it’s also integrated with AI to assist with scripting.
Hello. It was very useful. I don’t know if my previous message has arrived or not.
I use the Fade in software, does Watermark create a problem for the script?
For example, will I face problems in international screenwriting festivals if my PDF has a watermark?
Thank you for answering my questions
its very helpful!
I use the Fade in software, does Watermark create a problem for the script? I mean, in terms of format, it should not have a watermark when converting the script to PDF?
Hi Amir, there’s no need to watermark scripts and if anything it looks amateurish and might put readers off. Cheers
WOW i agree
Good to hear, Angel 🙂
DramaQueen is great!
Thanks so much for these free screenwriting software, regards G
What about Celtx?
Such a nice blog on free screenwriting software and I hope you keep update us with such great tips and information in future too. This is a great post; I will share as much as I can.
Might have changed since you published this article, but Writer Duet is no longer free in any helpful sense of the word. You have to subscribe if you want to do anything but share a document. Editing by two individuals requires payment.
Thanks for the heads-up, Erica!
Thanks for the great list i have been looking for screenwriting software like this.
Nice work, I really appreciate your wok continue writing. I had been already written about Final Draft.
Here we get to know about free screenwriting software information in detail. It helps us to decide that which one is best among its types. Thank you for this article!
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Hi. First script attempt for me and collaborating with a partner in another state. I’m interested if anyone knows of a free screenwriting software that allows for collaboration where both parties can edit and view the project together at same time or separate. I have tried a few but when you turn on the permissions for the other person it tells you you have to “upgrade to Pro” or something similar.
Oh! It’s amazing !
Awesome list thank you so much! I’m using FadeIn thanks to you guys.
Having used Celtx for some time I must say that as far as writing goes it is free, limited to 3 projects for which, in return, there is no page limit. Further production’s tools are in the premium pack, as well as the option to work offline. Now that I reached the limit of free projects, I am going to try other free tools but I feel Celtx should be in the list since other software have made it with the same or similar restrictions.
Good
I’m a beginner screenwriter and I use Trelby. So far it has been really helpful. The only thing it lacks that I wish it had is the ability to put words into italics, bold print, or underline them. Otherwise, it is a great resource. Also, I wanted to say thank you so much for writing this blog! I’ve got a lot of great insight out of this.
Thanks a lot for your feedback!
Thank you so much! Really useful!!
Thanks for reaching out, Edurne!
I’ve been writing a scripts for a production companies in the USA, I’ve just realized how Final draft has been helpful to me and how successful I’ve been and how I’ll be. I’d like to recommend it as the best script writing software I’ve ever used though it’s expensive to purchase as it’s setback, but it worth it. Touche
Extremely helpful article, thank you!
Thanks a lot, Avi!
Hi Script Reader Pro,
May I begin by thanking you sincerely for your web site and the many tips so generously offered.
I had Final Draft 8 but my hard drive became corrupted/broken and I lost it along with all my programmes including an Adobe Editing. Of course, being a stupid man, I did not register any of it thus, it is lost and I cannot afford the cost of new one. However, what do you recommend I should go for here amoung your list of free software knowing that I am very used to FD 8 ??
Thanking you in advance for your usual prompt professional response in these matters.
Yours truly
Dominic
Thanks, Dominic. WriterDuet or Fade In but the latter is probably the closet to FD as it’s not cloud based.
Are any of these geared more for TV/sitcom writing than for movies? Thanks much!
so, good. guys, amazing, software for that writing, guions
Thanks for the shout out, Oscar!
Why is IndieSkript.com not on this list?
We are writing script for YouTube videos
I don’t have a comment
anyone heard of studio binder?
KITScenarist, a Russian software is what I’ve been using, so far. It’s really good, except that it can’t handle simultaneous dialogue. Otherwise, I would not be looking to improve.
Appreciate the recommendations. Will try them out!
Thanks, Antoine!
As Jesse says in Before Sunrise, “Anything that’s any good cost a little money”.
I understand that not everyone can afford the best software, being poor myself, but sometimes you have to sacrifice and get the best if you are going to succeed, what’s the old adage, it cost money to make money. A football team doesn’t win the super bowl with third rate players, a NASCAR team doesn’t when the Daytona 500 with cheap cars. I remember years ago when I first building webpages, I downloaded a free web editor, my websites sucked, then I spent all my money on Macromedia Dreamweaver and it changed my world. I read an interview with Taylor Sheridan, it talked how he and his wife were broke, they maxed out their last credit card on Final Draft, and he when on to write 4 award winning Screenplays. Weather or not Final Draft is actually the best may be conjecture, but at the moment Hollywood seems to think so, so I’m going to go with the tool that provides me the best chance of success.
Very true, great comment, Rachael 🙂
I’ve been writing scripts since 09, 12 completed so far. I stumbled onto your site last week and have been reading, (non-stop) and learning so much. You guys are offering a great tool for beginners. I really appreciate you.
Thanks so much, Charlie – keep at it!
I am very happy using Fade-In as a second attempt at using screenwriting software. My first attempt was to use Celtx which was a nightmare with problems too varied to explain here. I ruined my laptop a couple months ago and had Fade in on it along with a script draft. I bought another laptop (an awful expense) and contacted Fade In support. I was given instant support by their downloading the program to include updates having only to use my code key. I paid for it once and get free updates. One time payment only. Using it is quite simple and takes very little time getting familiar with the keys for Scene Heading, Action, Character, Transition etc. I have printed four pages as a test script to see the results to ensure the results are correctly formatted and I was very happy to see the format was spot-on for all formatted processes, for which my test script had all that would be required under normal writing circumstances. If your budget will allow, I recommend Fade In. It is relatively short money compared to Final Draft et al and I think quite competitive. Cheers
Thanks for reaching out, Lee – FadeIn is great so you made a good choice there. 🙂
THANKS for your great list!
Fairly satisfied with WriterDuet. For now, at least.
Regards.
Yup, WriterDuet is a great piece of kit. Thanks, William!
Thank you so much, its so precious for me. I’ll try and learn more. God bless you all. Aamiin.
Thanks a lot, Dini!
hello i’m looking for a dependable screenwriting software program that doesn’t cost an arm or a leg and doesn’t hold propriety rights when i want to remove the content and install in a PDF or file manager. i don’t need all the tricks of the trade tips, I know how to format a screenplay.
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Thanks a lot for the great article. What about Clapper Board Studio?
Fairly promising free software.
Thanks for reading Dmitry, we’ll check it out.
Amazon Storywritter is being decommissioned June 30, 2019. Would be worthwhile to revisit the top 10 list.
Thanks, we’ll be updating the post shortly.
Amazon Storywriter is discontinuing their software starting June 30th, 2019.
Such a bummer because I like the simple format.
Thanks, yes, we’ve added that to the post.
I am looking for a free offline scriptwriter program. I am currently using the Celtx suite but am really annoyed by the online-only format. I need the freedom of writing offline. Any options? I am using a MAC, btw, thanks.
Also, this is a very useful site.
Thanks – have you seen these free screenwriting options?
I’m using Word and finding it hard to writer. Will look into these, thank you.
You’re welcome, Victor. Any of these are better options than Word.
Thnanks for putting the time to put this list together. Saved me searching!
Thanks for reaching out, Brigitte!
Causality is not free, you have to pay $279 to save your document, so it’s not really worth it as a “free” program.
I can only agree with that. Causality is only a “DEMO Version”. Even if they call it the “Free Version”. You cannot save more than 10 pages, after that you have to pay! Pure fooling around and in my opinion has nothing to do with this list.
Dubscript?
Has anyone on here used WriterDuet free version? Recommended?
Yes! It’s a great alternative if you’re strapped for cash.
Nice list. I am using Final Draft for now but may switch when it next loses my script again!
Yup, it can be buggy…
Curious. Does anyone know what ultimately happened to Sophocles screenwriting software? In my humble opinion, it was actually superior to Final Draft–I used it in grad school and everyone was none the wiser.
Well, the No. 2 pick is the best free screenwriting software I’ve found, hands down.
Not heard of most of these – – thanks for the heads up!
You’re welcome, Neil!
I’m realⅼy loving this site since I found it. Feels like my screenwriting is improving everyday.
Glad to hear it, Bernie!
In year 2019 there are lot of movies are going to be released. Obviously, there are Avengers part 2, new Star Wars Episode nine and many others. These are movies that every person wants to see, but sometimes you can miss it.That’s where apps come in handy you can watch a movies for free. Btw, looking for the best app to watch free movies on your Android phone? Then your should check Showbox Application. This is the most famous app today that has a big library of shows and movies. This app is also available for Windows users. But your need to download it first to enjoy free shows.
DubScript has kept a low public profile since its release. Any updates on this software?
Celtx charges you after a month
Any free screenwriting software that doesn’t use the cloud? Please tell me as I dont want to lose my work again.
thank you for the information, will purchase and use for training of authentic filmmakers…….
Thanks, Marion!
I’ve used Writer Duet paid version and free version and both are great. Just my 2 cents…
Yes, WriterDuet’s great. Thanks for the comment, Rosa.
If your a serios writer you’d better pay for script software. These are useless!!
Do you have any recommendations of software for animation? I’d want to find out some additional information on that if you have it.
1. Trelby 2. WriterDuet 3. Fade In.
Is it best to take free screenwriting software? What’s the difference between these and paid versions? I am a new writer apologies if this is a silly question. Peace.
I’m new to screenwriting, can anyone tell me how to use the software? Any of the software, or what would you recommend for beginners? I don’t know how to navigate the Celtx site to get started.
I met a filmmaker at a festival who highly recommended Script Studio… have you used this software? How does it compare to Final Draft and Writer Duet?
No we haven’t used it, thanks for the heads up.
May want to take a look at Digipitch
Thanks Gary.
What about Celtx?? How can it not be on this list??
It’s no longer free, unfortunately.
Hello, I am an amateur script writer with already many stories. But I have never seen a professional script nor do I even know what is meant by script writing software. Can anybody help me? I really love to make a career in script writing.
Hi Tebeck – you can download and read pro scripts here and here’s a post on the best screenwriting software available.
Love these, thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Marilla!
Hi! I just wanted to ask if any of these software have ever have any issues with hackers?
When will you all learn its not the software that matters its the STORY!
I used Final Draft for several years and liked it, then lost my apartment and my desktop, leaving me with a Chromebook laptop — and to my dismay, FD was incompatible with Chromebook. WriterDuet came to my rescue, so much so that I bought the paid (full, lifetime) version of WD, which runs beautifully and has several extras lacking in the basic free version. I’ve completed two feature romantic comedy screenplays with WD and am working on a third. Its scripts supposedly can be converted to FD, but I’ve yet to try that option.
Yes, you can import and export to Final Draft in WriterDuet.
I am surprised there’s so many free screenwriting software out there.
It’s really the best time to be a screenwriter with sites like yours. Thank you so much for this vaulable resources!
Thanks, Bernadine!
Anyone try scriptworthy?
Hi Ben, not tried it – hopefully someone can let us know.
Can someone say which one is completely free. i cannot afford a software right now.
I paid for a Final Draft years ago and used it successfully for a while but then they wanted more money or they wouldn’t update my software to use on my new computer! They actually locked me out of my own software that I paid for! I thought that was really bad on their part. Like I mean I understand charging more for a new version but if I already bought it and was happy with it, I should be able to keep using that as long as I want.
I decided to boycott Final draft. I don’t write full time so it wasn’t worth it to me to keep paying their new fees.
I have used “fountanize” in chrome. It’s very basic and I miss the extras that Final draft had but I don’t want to give them my money anymore. I am going to try writer duet that several people mentioned on this site. Thank you for the tips!
Yes Writer Duet’s pretty great – good luck with the switch.
Are all these options good when converting the script to PDF?
Adobe is no longer available to new users and existing users will need to have all their data downloaded and off the site by Jan 2019 as they are no longer offering the software….. just an fyi
Thanks for the heads up, Jeanna!
Novel Suite works really well too. Although it’s designed predominantly for authors, the concepts are the same, and there is loads of functionality for screenwriters.
http://www.novelsuite.com
Thanks Ria, we’ll check it out!
There’s a new resource out there, a desktop application put out by the guys at Hollywood Camera Work, called Causality. It’s based more on the plotting out of your storyline – but it also lets you slowly write your script in nuggets of scriptlets as you develop your story. These nuggets are tied to your storyboard, which you can move around and rearrange at will – while still keeping your story logic intact. It’s not your expected scriptwriting software, and you’ll get frustrated if you think of it that way… but it is free and it’s a fresh new approach to the story development/scriptwriting process that’s at least worth the look. It’s free with a paid upgrade – I’ve only ever used the free version, and full-disclosure: I’ve never actually finished a project with it.
WriterDuet has been acting up lately for me. Sad, because I actually like that site.
So basically, James D, what you are saying is that your 15 scripts COMBINED aren’t worth the cost of $80 (Fade In’s current price), yet you would love your scripts to generate millions of dollars one day. Think about your logic for a second…
Adobe Story will reach end-of-life in January 2019 and even the desktop version will cease to function. It was a really nice piece of software too, what a shame!
Until I can justify the cost fo Final Draft or Fade In, I’ve been looking into free options. I used to subscribe to Celtx, but I’m not a writer and couldn’t justify the price for something that I only used occasionally.
I’m finding that the free versions of both Celtx and Writer Duet are limited to only 3 scripts. (Already have at least 15 scripts in Celtx from when I had a subscription)
Are any of the other alternatives open to unlimited scripts?
Can anyone tell me if I can copy and paste from the Celtx free version? Also, is there a way I can send somethings that I’ve written on Celtx? Also any idea’s of a way to get a cheap version of final draft? Thank you
A “cheap version of Final Draft” would be pirated which we don’t condone. I don’t use Celtx, but have you tried to copy and paste and it doesn’t work?
I really like CeltX but the pro version is insanely expensive.
Same with Adobe Story.
also, this whole online stuff is a nightmare. I want to be offline when i write to avoid distraction and if my internet goes down i can’t do a single thing.
I miss the good old days when you bought something and owned it instead of fucking renting everything.
Very useful site. Thanks SRP.
Thanks Guna!
I am very happy with Trelby
Thanks, we’ll look into that one too.
Does the SRP team have any thoughts on the software Scrivener? Final Draft has a sale going on through tomorrow/today, so I may cave in and buy it. I started dabbling with a trial of Scrivener though and was curious if anyone has experiences.
I would grab a copy of Final Draft while it’s on sale. Scrivener isn’t a screenwriting focused software.
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Sounds good, Daryl.
Hi,
I am a new scriptwriter and am wondering if ANY of these SW products can easily convert a Word document into a script format? If not, what is the least painful way to do this?
Unfortunately there isn’t a program yet that can easily convert from Word to a screenwriting format at the touch of a button.
Keep working ,great job!
Thanks Hershel!
I want to know how to get free copy of Final Draft if anyone can tell me.
You can’t – not legally anyway.
Thanks will check these out!!
It is such an awesome blog about the Screenwriting Software. Thanks for providing such an awesome information.
You’re welcome, Bashra!
Awesome Information, thanks SRP!!!
Glad you found it helpful 🙂
There are many such software out there but I much prefer to stick with the pro software rather than free screenwriting programs if you want to be a professional writer. Just my opinion.
That’s fair enough. 😉
Celtx is AWFUL man! Avoid.
What problems have you run into with it?
I like this because Final Draft’s monopoly on screenwriting software market has just been going on too long.
Craig Mazin would agree with you 😉
I have to really take a little offense to the script snobs who say things like, “if you’re serious and want to be a REAL writer, you’ll fork over for Final Draft”.
Why does it offend me? Because it is some serious gatekeeping bullsh*t. FD isn’t just “buggy”, it has outright fits malicious destruction that has erased masterpieces like Thanos snapping his fingers in the Infinity Gauntlet.
I’ve been screenwriting since the “format it on your typewriter” days and there was a time I really liked Final Draft. Then it became an industry ‘standard’ and the price gouging began. FD bloats the software with a lot of useless crap, of which close to half of them never work as advertised.
Then there are their crack anti-piracy measures that were obviously coded by someone SMOKING crack. One of them randomly and falsely identified my copy as being altered/pirated, which it wasn’t. FD made a few feeble attempts to correct the problem until they just said “sorry” and that was the end of it.
For them, at least.
For whatever reason, the issues continued with the next update. And the next. I’ve gone through multiple computers since then, new storage drives, etc. and while it seems like everything is going well, I’d eventually have the same issue all over again. FD’s usual response? Give us more money for bloatware that doesn’t work because we’re the industry standard and you’re not a REAL screenwriter unless you use our product, which, of course, I absolutely can NOT.
So everybody that has that snotty “FD is the only tool for real writers” attitude, absolutely screw yourselves. If I COULD pirate this software at this point, I WOULD. Attitudes like FD’s and the people who support them in that absolute way are why the practice exists.
A lot of these free apps are great alternatives and if you need to use a few of them to accomplish different things, then so be it. There’s something to be said for “right tool for the right job” over “cram all of the tools into the same toolbox but they’re not as big or good as the specialized tools & a lot of them are broken but hey, it’s more convenient, right?”.
No, it isn’t. I’d love to see them get blasted by the FTC or something and forced to issue free copies of the program to anyone who wants it. Mine probably STILL wouldn’t work but I wouldn’t be out more money than I received for a couple of the screenplays I manage to write with it.
Sorry about the rant but that one’s been building up for a long time.
Thanks for the heads up. This is useful to us poor writers haha.
Glad we could help.
Last script I wrote I bought Dramatica, which was a bear & I gave up on it. I formatted using books & other scripts. I’ve been asked to write for a project that already has a producer, but I’ve been out so long that I need advice on what software to use. This is a movie with possibility of going mini-series. Any suggestions?
WriterDuet for a free option and Final Draft, Movie Magic or Fade In for paid.
I’ve only just starting learning about screenwriting and will get one of these free options first. Thanks Script Writer Pro!
No problem, Mel!
Thanks Mel!
Great list – thanks Script.
Thanks, Phyllis.
Thanks Phyllis.
What’s Fade In like?
It’s a great program, Ken. And much cheaper than either Final Draft or Movie Magic.
A great budget alternative to Final Draft.
If you haven’t got much money I’d buy Fade In rather than get these. It’s only $79.
That’s a good choice, Ida.
Good advice.
Never heard of those last ones.
Great , thanks for this.
You’re welcome, Robbie!
Anyone know if Adobe is still free. Looks like you have to pay to me.
Final Draft may not be perfect but it’s the best screenwriting program out there at the moment. Don’t waste your time with these freebie alternatives.
That’s a fair comment. We just wanted to give writers the choice 🙂
That’s subjective. After trying both, I think Writerduet is definitely better. Even the free version can do almost all, if not all, of what Final Draft can do, and there’s a lot it can do that Final Draft can’t.
Adobe Story is not free anymore. And they don’t let me download my files unless I pay. Without any notification…
Thanks for the heads up, Asli, I’ll look into it.
My name is Arthur Lewis I’m from Western Cape and I’m a new screenwriter. Thank you so much for this site, it’s helping me improve as a writer.
You’re welcome Arthur. Good luck with the writing.
Thankѕ a
lot. 🙂
WriterDuet is the best.
Yes, it’s pretty decent.
Writer Duet was good, except when I converted it to PDF and printed it, it messed up several of my pages, because there were long blocks of text. I didn’t have the same problem with Fade In but every page printed would have (printed with the demonstration version of Fade In).
Hi there, does anyone know if Movie Magic is better than Final Draft?
Final Draft is easier to use in our opinion and is more widely used in the industry.
We prefer Final Draft but it’s all relative.
Does any one know what Amazon screenwriter is like?
Amazon Storywriter is very bare-bones. It’s simple and gives you what you need to get your script on paper, but it lacks any kind of moderately advanced features that make most screenwriting software so nice to use.
Celtx is NOT free. 15 days of use, and you’re locked out until you subscribe- it’s pricey as well.
According to their website “Basic Screenwriting” is still free? https://www.celtx.com/pricing.html
If you select a package then go to the next step you can return to the free version.
I like Celtx.
can anybody provide me link of celtx for pc
Adobe Story is not bad.
Celtx sux.
May I ask why? Just curious 🙂
Tried using fire-camp – what a waste of time. After logging in the only option available was create a story but when you try to find the Outline function you are asked to sign in and once you sign in you are back to create story with no tutorial.
Before writing a line of dialogue, you have to outline your story! FIRECAMP is a simple, visual and collaborative web tool to outline, write and develop stories. You can add collaborators to your story and see changes in real time.
We are providing a free version of our tool for screenwriters, because we know it’s not always easy to start as a screenwriter.
Sounds interesting. Drop me a line.
I use Chromebook. Do you have a screnwriting version that’s compatible?
Sorry Vincent. Don’t know much about Google Chromebooks.
I would like to introduce my own opensource product inScipt English version which supports Fountain syntax, PDF preview and PDF download. You can access it by various browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, IE etc) on several platforms(Windows, macOS, Chromebook, etc). No fee, no trial and no registration needed for this online service. inScript is not only free but also opensource. Further more, you can even run it locally through docker.
More features of inScript:
– Dark mode
– Full screen mode
– 3 different font sizes for writing
– Auto save in browser’s local storage
Hope it helps.