A free, multiplatform, feature-rich screenwriting program!
Jotter Pad is the best app for screenwriting for all genres. Jotter Pad gives you a distraction-free user interface so that you can work with a clean design app. As a writer, you always think about writing the script for different purposes and requirements. Jotter Pad has easy to change format style so that you can set it as per your preferences. It also offers intuitive commenting features and in-app text and video chat to streamline feedback and co-writing. WriterDuet includes many standard screenwriting software features, including templates, outlining tools, reporting alternate dialogue storage, cloud backup (Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), and revision tracking. Top Free Screenwriting Software For Filmmakers & Writers. Make your writing process even more simple than ever through the best screenwriting software. Here, at Tech Pout, we’ve shortlisted 16 top-rated screenwriting applications that will level-up your writing creativity! Compatibility:-Windows and Linux. Despite its lengthy official name, Fade In Professional Screenwriting Software is a streamlined app that still manages to offer every feature a professional writer could need. Use it to write anything from a movie to a radio play, or even a video game. Getting through pages is easy with Fade In's autocomplete typing. With Script you can write formatted scripts on your mobile device, collaborate with partners, and get free backups of all your writing. PlusScript syncs with all-in-one online Celtx studios, so you can take your finished script into production and collaborate with your team on breakdown, storyboarding, scheduling, budgeting, and call sheet generation and distribution.
Trelby is simple, fast and elegantly laid out to make screenwriting simple. It is infinitely configurable.
Trelby is free software, that you can contribute to.
Features
- Screenplay editor: Enforces correct script format and pagination, auto-completion, and spell checking.
- Multiplatform : Behaves identically on all platforms, generating the exact same output.
- Choice of view: Multiple views, including draft view, WYSIWYG mode, and fullscreen to suit your writing style.
- Name database: Character name database containing over 200,000 names from various countries.
- Reporting: Scene/location/character/dialogue reports.
- Compare: Ability to compare scripts, so you know what changed between versions.
- Import: Screenplay formatted text, Final Draft XML (.fdx), Celtx (.celtx), Fountain (.fountain), Adobe Story (.astx) and Fade In Pro (.fadein).
- Export: PDF, formatted text, HTML, RTF, Final Draft XML (.fdx) and Fountain (.fountain).
- PDF: Built-in, highly configurable PDF generator. Supports embedding your chosen font. Also supports generating PDFs with custom watermarks, to help track shared files.
- Free software: Licensed under the GPL, Trelby welcomes developers and screenwriters to contribute in making it more useful.
Excited? Take the screenshot tour, or download it and give it a test. It's free!
Like what you hear, and want to help? Get involved!
Find us on twitter as @TrelbyOrg.
Every writer has their own method for brainstorming, outlining, writing, editing, and sharing their work. Trial and error will help you discover your preferred tools and processes. As technology evolves, there are always new and emerging tools to explore that might help you take your screenwriting – and your business as a screenwriter — to the next level.
Here’s a rundown and review of some of the best online, mobile, or cloud-based screenwriting tools recommended by writers.
Screenwriting Software
Free Screenwriting Apps
There are a lot of different screenwriting softwares out there, but Arc Studio has one feature in particular that is useful: it allows multiple users to edit a document, just like in Google Docs. Whether you are writing with a partner or sending your script to a reader for feedback, this is a game changer.
Final Draft really is the industry standard when it comes to screenwriting software. It also has a mobile platform that allows you to write and edit your screenplay on the go, send or share your files between multiple platforms, and always be on the same page with Dropbox and iCloud.
Final Draft is an expensive option, but because so much of the industry uses it, your draft will be formatted and easy to share with collaborators.
WriterDuet was created to make it easy for writers to collaborate on the same project. It also has a free version that allows writers to work on up to three scripts but for collaborations and pro tools, you’ll need to purchase one of its packages (monthly, annual, or lifetime).
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Note-taking tools
Most screenwriters I spoke to, myself included, utilize Google Docs for their outlines, character sheets, and show bibles. The easy storage file system and editing potential makes it so convenient.
Meanwhile, Google Spreadsheets make it easy to track things like contest submission deadlines, projects submitted, and so on. I also make my film budgets in Google Spreadsheets.
Screenwriting Apps
Google Presentations are just like Powerpoint or Keynote, but stored online — I use them to create pitch decks, press kits, and lookbooks.
Dropbox is a helpful working-file storage system. Many writers store their working drafts (and previous versions) on Dropbox to easily open the file and continue writing from any device.
Evernote is a great note-taking system. It allows you to create “notebooks” and store your “notes” in a visual filing system, while also tagging your documents with search words.
I personally use Evernote not in a creative way, but in a record-keeping way. I track contacts that I’ve met, meetings I’ve had, and essentially keep a journal of professional pitches: date, who I met with, what project I pitched, etc.
Script Coverage & Notes
When it comes to script coverage, WeScreenplay offers many benefits. First of all, there are three packages to help you get as specific as you need for your project. All coverages include a 72-hour turnaround so you can get notes quickly. You also get qualitative notes, which help you compare your progress and see where you’re performing compared to other writers. The Bespoke and Comprehensive packages also offer a Marketing Blueprint that is custom-tailored to help you meet your goal for the script. You’ll be able to choose from one of four options:
- To use as a writing sample to find representation or submit to a competition/fellowship
- To self-produce (financing already in place)
- To self-produce (still seeking financing)
- To sell to a studio or producer
The Marketing Blueprint is a unique feature that can really help emerging writers, especially ones who are as yet unrepresented, utilize their script to advance in their careers.
The Black List offers two main functions. First, it provides coverage on a script as well as a competitive rating that helps industry professionals find and read the script. Second, it hosts an annual list of its top performing feature screenplays for the year. Scripts that make it on that annual Black List have gone on to win Academy, Emmy, and Golden-Globe Awards as well as launch writers’ careers. When writers pay for hosting (and coverage) on the Black List, it becomes easier for competitive scripts to be found by buyers, producers, and reps.
Podcasts
Scriptnotes is a podcast about screenwriting and things that are interesting to screenwriters. Hosted by professional writers John August (Aladdin, Big Fish) and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl, Hangover Part II), Scriptnotes covers everything from the business of screenwriting to common screenwriting questions to providing actual feedback on listeners’ scripts. It’s a must-listen.
An official podcast of the WGA West, 3rd & Fairfax includes conversations with notable writers making their mark on the industry. Learn about your favorite shows, award-nominees, and industry trends.
Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost, The Middleman) and Jose Molina (Sleepy Hollow, Firefly) are two of the most generous leaders in the writing community when it comes to sharing their time and knowledge. This podcast includes their hard-earned experiences and straight-shooting advice on breaking into television (and staying there).
Final thoughts
Free Screenwriting Apps That You Can Revise
Remember, to be a successful screenwriter, you will not just have to write great screenplays. You will have to be savvy about the business, your own record-keeping, self-promotion, networking, and collaborating with others.
Luckily, you can use the tools above to stay organized, informed, and productive like the professional you are!
Free Screenwriting Apps That You Can Revise
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Free Screenwriting Apps On Windows
Shannon Corbeil is a writer, actor, and filmmaker in Los Angeles with recent appearances on SEAL Team and The Rookie. An Air Force veteran, her articles have been published in Business Insider, We Are The Mighty, and Military.com. She has written and produced hundreds of digital videos with millions of views. You can read more about her on her website or come play on Instagram and Twitter!