What are the best free screenwriting software options?
For beginner screenwriters, the journey from concept to produced film can seem daunting. But the first step—crafting a compelling screenplay—doesn’t require a hefty investment in expensive software.
You may have heard that paying for Final Draft is the only way to write a professional screenplay. But that is simply not true. You can get screenwriting software for free.
There are plenty of budget-friendly scriptwriting programs that offer the tools you need to bring your story to life.
Below you’ll find our picks for the best 12 FREE screenwriting software options for the aspiring screenwriter in 2024.
Here’s the criteria we used to compile 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!
#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.
Note: Your PDFs will be watermarked with the “Arc Studio” watermark when you export them. If you want to get rid of that watermark, you will have to invest in the paid version of this screenwriting program.
#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.
#3. DramaQueen.
DramaQueen is a free scriptwriting 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.
DramaQueen has a story-first approach that helps you develop your story structure and characters. 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. It’s a great tool for beginner screenwriters who want to explore their story ideas without the price tag.
#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 demonstration version of Fade In includes all key functionality except for online realtime collaboration, and will place a watermark on any printed/PDF output.”
One of the best things about Fade In is the fact that 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. It also offers extensive formatting capabilities, image support, and a no distractions full screen view that will allow to to focus only on writing.
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. Overall, the free version of FadeIn is a good option to try out the software and see if it fits your needs for basic screenwriting. But, for full functionality and features like collaboration and watermark-free exports, you’ll need to upgrade to the paid version.
#5. Highland 2.
This is a free screenwriting software for Mac users, 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 not available for Windows or Linux, and PDFs you create will be watermarked.
#6: Story Architect.
Once known as “Kit Scenarist”, Story Architect is the new and improved version of this free screenwriting program. It was designed for writers who work across different formats including novels, plays, comic books, and even radio drama.
Story Architect offers a strong foundation for screenwriters, especially those who value organization and want to develop their characters and story beyond the basic script. Just like Kit Scenarist, Story Architect enables you to collect all your research for a script or writing project 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 an index card feature 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. Story Architect is available for Mac, Windows and Linux users and is able to import/export to Final Draft.
#7: Milanote.
Milanote lets you see your story structure at a glance—just like your wall of index cards, but portable. Easily drag and drop to rearrange the key parts as your story comes to life. It’s the perfect companion to your script.
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.
Although you won’t be writing an actual script in Milanote, it is a great story planning software that will help you immensely once you actually start writing your script.
#8: Page 2 Stage.
You used to have to pay for Page 2 Stage, but it’s now 100% free open source scriptwriting software. The best feature of Page 2 Stage is that it’s available in 30 languages. Most of the other software on this list don’t make switching languages quite as easy. So if you’re, say, Turkish, and are looking for a free screenwriting 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. But if you are looking for free screenwriting software for Windows, this may be exactly what you need. 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.”
#9: Prewrite.
Prewrite is a cloud-based screenwriting tool that focuses on the visual development of your story rather than the actual screenwriting. It comes with an emphasis on perfecting story structure through visual mapping rather than outlining.
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.)
It tracks narrative structure and story/character arcs so that you have everything you need to get started writing, as well as bringing your scenes and characters to life with inspiring commercial-free images from Unsplash and The Movie Database. All searchable right from within the app.
It also includes Story Stats view breaks that 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.
While Prewrite offers basic scene writing functionality, it excels in the pre-writing stages and doesn’t offer full-fledged screenwriting features like industry-standard formatting or script breakdown tools found in software like Fade In or Highland 2.
#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.)
Unlike most screenwriting software, StudioBinder offers a free version with core writing features. It’s also tightly integrated with their entire production management suite. The free tier allows collaboration with real-time edits, revision history tracking, and the unique ability to generate shot lists and call sheets directly from your screenplay. And for a grand price of $0, that’s a pretty good deal, we think.
#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 of Trelby is said to be on the way… If you’re looking for a free screenwriting software for Windows, this could be perfect for you.
#12: WriterDuet.
Another great free screenwriting software option is WriterDuet. This is a cloud-based screenwriting software that caters to both individual writers and collaborative projects.
It allows real-time co-writing with multiple users, similar to Google Docs, making it easy to work on scripts together. Built-in text and video chat keep communication flowing during collaboration.
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. Overall, WriterDuet is a versatile screenwriting software that can be used by both individual writers and teams. It provides a strong feature set for the writing process, with the free tier offering a good starting point for beginners.
Frequently asked questions on the best free screenwriting software.
Q. Can you write a script on Microsoft Word?
A. Technically, yes, but we really don’t recommend it as it’s technically challenging and no one takes a screenplay seriously that’s written in Word. Even if screenwriting’s just a hobby or you 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.
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.
Best free screenwriting software: conclusion.
If you’re just starting out in screenwriting, take some of these free screenwriting programs for a test drive.
Although we generally advise writers to follow in the footsteps of professional screenwriters and purchase one of these 7 best screenwriting software programs, for less experienced or serious writers out there, the free versions will do the trick.
The key takeaway here is don’t let your budget hold you back! Give a few free scriptwriting programs a try and go for the one that feels best for your writing needs. There is no right or wrong answer here.
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]
