5 Best FREE Screenwriting Software in 2020
Sep 28, 2018 It works for Mac, Windows, Linux, among other formats. What Comes Free? Right now, the demo version is free to download. If you like it and conquer writing short films within it, you can consider upgrading for the price of $79.95. Celtx is a blueprint for writing as screenplay is for a film. This free script writing software can keep an eye on your budget and help in structuring and planning. You just need to download this free screen writing software for MAC and get going. The features of Celtx are.
A welder cannot build a bridge without his torch. A rockstar can’t have a solo without his guitar. A screenwriter cannot write a script without screenwriting software.
Today we’ll look at five of the best screenwriting software programs out there in the market in 2020, and the best part, all of these choices are FREE.
Maybe you’re a first-time writer looking to try and bring the film you see in your head onto the page or maybe you’re a seasoned writing veteran looking for new software to try out. Well, let’s look at some of your best choices.
Celtx
Celtx is screenwriting/pre-production software designed for creating and organizing media projects in several different formats, film screenplays, television screenplays, stage plays, games, podcasts, and documentaries.
It is one of the most well-known screenwriting software in the film industry.
With many collaborative features built into its code its perfect if you want to collaborate on a script in real-time.
There are some features that require you to pay a monthly fee to use, but if you’re just looking for software that’ll allow you to simply write and have things in the proper industry standards when it comes to formatting, you can’t do wrong with Celtx.
Celtx is also available on all devices so it makes writing at home or on the go possible.
WriterDuet
WriterDuet is screenwriting software for writing and editing screenplays and other forms of mass media.
Initially released in 2013, this software has been getting more recognition as time has moved along and is a favorite among up-and-coming filmmakers.
The software is powered by Firebase. This allows users to write together in real-time from multiple devices.
WriterDuet is an online-based program but recently the software has been given some off-line features that are free to use.
While it’s not false advertising to say that WriterDuet is free, there are some stipulations to the free title.
Unlike some other programs, WriterDuet allows its users to write their first THREE screenplays for free. After that, you either have to pay a per-month price or an annual free.
With that said, if you are a first-time writer, it’ll take you some time to fully finish your first –second – and even third screenplay. By that time, you may decide to invest some money into a full version of this software or go with a competitor.
Scripts written with WriterDuet allow the user to save their script in the FDX file format which 95% of Hollywood studios, producers, production companies use, so if you get a script request from someone in the industry you’ll be able to easily send the script in the proper format.
Fade In
Fade In Professional Screenwriting Software or simply known as Fade In is screenwriting software for crafting film and television screenplays, stage plays, radio plays, graphic novels, and more.
The look of the software is very watered down allowing the user to simply focus on writing their script.
While the software is free, you can only work on one script at a time unless you want to pay a fee to work on more.
If you’re just getting your feet wet in screenwriting, the simple free version will do its job just fine.
You can save your script in FDX format as well, which means you can send your script to someone that uses Final Draft and its compatible.
With the software available for both Mac and Windows users, you don’t have to worry if it’ll work on your device.
Trelby
Trelby is a free and open-source screenwriting program that provides a simple, uncluttered interface for writing scripts.
This is the only open source screenwriting program we have on this list. This means any user can edit the program’s code to add new features or take away ones. This is how innovations are made.
If you’re looking for software that not only allows you to write your script but also does other things like budgeting, create cast lists, and other related pre-production tasks, this isn’t the software for you as this software has none of those features.
Trebly is designed to be clean and straightforward. If you simply want to sit down and write, then Trelby is perfect for you.
Kudos to Trelby for being 100% free. There are no extra features that you have to pay for.
Kit Scenarist
This is completely free screenwriting software that you may have never heard of before because it’s still in beta, but available to download now.
Writerduet Apk
It allows you to export for Final Draft, Word DocX, and PDF files.
A major feature that caught our eye that no other screenwriting program features, is a clock that gives you an estimate of the duration of your screenplay. Each scene heading includes time for how long the software believes your scene will run.
This isn’t a feature that makes all other screenwriting software obsolete, but it’s a unique feature we haven’t seen before and could be useful, especially for those writers who tend to write longer than normal scenes. It’s also a great tool in quickly assessing the pace of your script.
The layout is amazingly simple and allows the user to focus on what’s most important, writing the actual script. Everything looks clean and sleek.
While the program is free, you can choose to pay for dedicated cloud storage and also buy a mobile version of the program for your phone so you can continue writing your script no matter where you are.
The only visible downside to Kit Scenarist is that since the program is still in the beta stage you may run into some issues here and there as the programmers are still working out all the kinks to the program’s code.
But if you’re looking for something brand-new, free, with some unique features, this could be the perfect screenwriting software for you.
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Is web-based screenwriting viable for professional screenwriters?
Absolutely ... with WriterDuet. Other screenwriting websites give web apps a bad name, falling far below the standard that serious writers require. WriterDuet changes that, with a browser-based experience that makes your screenwriting app an effortless extension of your creative mind.
That said, if you love our interface but would prefer the traditional, totally offline, file-based desktop software experience, check out WriterSolo at www.writersolo.com. It's free, and yet it's better than anything else out there.
What browser do you recommend?
Many browsers are supported by WriterDuet, but Chrome is by far the best in terms of speed and features it supports.
I'm having issues loading or accessing WriterDuet, or another problem with the software.
Uolo Tech
First, check out our troubleshooting tips. If you're still experiencing the issue, email us at help@writerduet.com with as many details as you can provide (operating system/device, app/browser, what steps you are taking and where you are hitting a stopping point).
Are page counts the same in any browser/app, in Final Draft, and in PDF/print?
100%. We hate inconsistency.
Do you support stageplays, TV and documentary formats? What about comic books, novels and treatments?
Yes! You can change the script template under Format > Document Template, and customize it further under Customize > Format.
Are scripts private?
Yes. WriterDuet uses SSL security, and generates random access codes to share with collaborators you choose. Scripts are not shared except through your requests & guest codes.
Can I get my script out?
All users can export scripts in many formats under File > Export. You can also import those (even PDF and Word docs), and paste in Fountain text directly!
Do you support mobile devices?
Yes! You can find the mobile app in your respective app store or access WD via mobile browser at writerduet.com.
Does WriterDuet own my writing?
Definitely not. You retain your rights, and simply grant WriterDuet permission to share and perform (on ReadThrough) scripts as you request. We don’t have any ownership of your work, and only share your scripts in ways you request.
How are files saved?
We auto-save all changes on our servers, and you can backup copies to Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud and your computer. We also save automatic plain text backups to your offline browser memory that can be accessed under Help > Locally Saved Backups.
Does WriterDuet work offline?
Yes! With WriterDuet Pro, you can seamlessly write with or without an Internet connection. When you reconnect online, your script will automatically sync.
Can I get industry-standard revisions with *s?
Absolutely! Use Revisions > View & Track to start creating a revision draft, or Revisions > Date & Writers to create one retroactively (<--attention script coordinators)! Print or download a PDF from there, and toggle the view on and off independent from the change-tracking under Revisions > View & Track.
Are the Paid and Free versions compatible?
Totally. Pro writers will have access to more features within a script they’re collaborating on versus a Free user, but Pro and Free users can seamlessly collaborate. Only paid users can send invites, but anyone can join a script invitation link.
Will I lose my scripts if I cancel my subscription?
Not at all! If you decide to pause or cancel your subscription you will still have access to all of your projects with WriterDuet Free. You can view/edit your projects but will not have access to paid subscription features, such as the ability to create more than three projects
Will I lose my scripts if I delete my account?
Writerduet Phone Number
Yes. Deleting your account will completely erase your account data from the app; please make sure you have recent backups of all of your account's projects before deleting.
May I ask a question?
Caleres, Inc.
Of course! Email us at help@writerduet.com.