The Best Free Screenwriting Software Options

Want to become a professional screenwriter, but don’t know which writing software to use? Unfortunately, no writing software will make your writing better, but some may be better suited to your needs.

There are many software options in the film world and many of them are great for different reasons. Screenwriters should choose their software wisely.

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Over my decade of screenwriting, I’ve used every screenwriting software imaginable. I’m going to take you through the eight best screenwriting software solutions I’ve found on the market, and we’ll list the pros and cons of each.

Let’s jump straight into the details to find out which script writing software is the best!

Which screenwriting software will you choose?

There are a handful of free screenwriting software programs out there, but which one is the best free software? We’ll walk you through the options with the pros and cons of each, and hopefully you’ll find the one that works best for you and your writing style. Screenwriting should become second nature, so choose a program that makes you feel comfortable.

Free screenwriting software allows you to test your skills without investing financially in the medium. So, what are your best free screenwriting software options?

If you’re here to learn how to become a screenwriter, you’ve come to the right place. Unlike other aspects of filmmaking, screenwriting is free. Your original ideas are your ultimate ticket, and all you have to do is get them on paper and in the right format to start showing them to people.

But wait a minute, you need software to get a clean script ready to present to executives… software that can cost several hundred dollars. This is bullshit.

This is the screenwriting software used by Craig Mazin, where he put all the Chernobyl The characters are drawn into the fight of their lives. It is an efficient software, less buggy than the competition and which offers professional standards at every turn. It works for Mac, Windows, Linux, among other formats.

What is free?

For now, the demo version is free to download. If you like it and are looking for a way to write short films with it, you may want to consider upgrading for $79.95.

Recently updated with offline writing features, this software makes it easier to collaborate with a partner. It’s a simplified version of the software that has fewer frills and more practical applications like reviews and outlining.

What is free?

You can write your first three screenplays for free here. It’s pretty good. After that, you pay $11.99 per month or $89 per year to write.

Welcome to the open source screenwriting software solution. The advantage of the program is that it can export scripts to PDF, FDX, Fountain and even DOCX formats, which allows it to work according to the industry standards of screenwriting software.

What is free?

Everything. There is no paid version of this software. You can definitely donate! But they wanted to have something that everyone could use for free and they achieved that.

Pros: You can map stories, use index cards, many features available in the free version.

Cons: This is still a beta program, so testing and bugs will be ongoing. The paid version is a monthly service, which means that over time you will pay much more than these other “one-time” purchase programs.

The brainchild of John August, this professional screenwriting app is used by many top writers looking for an alternative to Final Draft. Recently updated with a revision mode, it does everything you want in a software with the push of a button. However, it’s still only available for Macs.

What is free?

There is a free demo version that lets you produce pages, but it’s only $49.99 to upgrade. It exports to FDX, PDF, and is incredibly useful. It’s one of my favorite tools because of how easy it makes writing your story in screenwriting software.

This is a completely free screenwriting software solution. It doesn’t come with any frills, but if you just want to sit down and write, this might be the app for you.

What is free?

Everything. There are no paid upgrades here, just tools for writers trying to break into the industry.

Welcome to the beginning screenwriter’s crutch. Pages and Word come with your computer and are a great way to have fun. If you aspire to be a professional screenwriter, you need to be prepared to put in the work. Before you learn the script format, it’s best to hang in there, work on your dialogue, work on your voice on the page, and experiment. The screenwriting process can be daunting, so dip your toes in the water here.

Benefits:It usually comes free with your computer or Google account. There are no limits to what you can write and you can learn the basics of telling your own story.

The inconvenients:You won’t learn anything about formatting, it’s not for professional screenwriters, and there are limits to the formatting you can do on the page.

Okay, you’ve gotten past the options your computer offers. Now it’s time to learn how to format and see your ideas appear on the page. It’s exciting, but it’s probably not the time to commit to paying a lot of money for a program. Celtx is a great choice. Come here to learn.

Benefits:It’s free, and free is fantastic. You can learn how to format from scratch. There are many paid upgrades that can help you budget and even shoot your first screenplay.

The inconvenients: It’s less intuitive than other programs. You can save different files, but most people in the industry aren’t looking for Celtx files when they want to do a budget and breakdown.

Options for professional screenwriters

Now that you know about the free options, let’s look at some screenwriting software that costs a little more than the free ones…sometimes hundreds more…but they’re what you need to become a professional screenwriter.

The company’s tagline is “the industry standard,” and it’s impossible to ignore Final Draft’s relevance in the marketplace. Final Draft is used by many professional screenwriters, but it’s not a panacea. Still, it’s a useful tool with many templates for different formats, and using it makes you feel “cool.” I know it does. I remember the first time I used it, what I wrote, and how I felt like a “professional screenwriter.”

Benefits:The “.FDX” format is universally used by many professional productions. The Revisions mode makes it easy to track changes.

The inconvenients:At almost $250, this is without a doubt the most expensive program on this list. Sure, a lot of people use it, but it has crashing issues. Plus, upgrades sometimes wipe out old files.

This is a very intuitive software that also works in tandem with one of the most popular budgeting software. Movie Magic is also reliable, easy to use, and constantly updated with useful tools. It is also popular in many writers’ rooms.

Benefits:You can change the layout and interface to keep your screen clean and clear. You can collaborate with other writers in real time.

The inconvenients:It’s not as popular as Final Draft, but it’s just as expensive.

It’s always a good idea to listen to the advice of a professional screenwriter. John August has created an option that meets what most screenwriters want: something simple that allows the writing to flow smoothly. All for a low price. We’ve talked about the new Highland 2 update, which offers many templates and many useful tools for screenwriters. A new update is coming in May 2019, so we’ll keep you updated as they add more to their software and it becomes more intuitive.

Benefits:You can customize the layout, use different colors, and export to many different formats. Additionally, John is constantly creating updates based on user suggestions and needs.

The inconvenients:There aren’t many features, so if you need an option that also handles budgeting and other bells and whistles, this isn’t the program for you.

Chances are you write something other than screenplays. This software offers templates for all types of writing. It’s designed specifically for writers and extends to film and television.

Benefits:If you decide to start writing novels and short stories, this is a great choice. It can be used for a wide range of writing. Plus, it has a great outline feature.

The inconvenients:Because it is not strictly designed for film and television, there are many shortcomings in cross-compatibility, general usability, and practicality.

A screenwriting tool that has been gaining traction since its launch in 2020. Writers who use it find value in its transparent visualization of their screenplay structure and the ability to write in multiple Indian languages. It is also free to use at the moment.

What is free?

Currently, every part of this app is free.

And then? Write your script!

As I mentioned in the opening, none of these programs will turn you into a professional screenwriter overnight. They can help you shape and put your voice on the page, but the secret to success lies in writing and rewriting.

Then we suggest you take our free screenwriting seminar! There are many screenwriting programs that can help you become a writer, but ours is free and you just have to follow the classes week by week and in 10 weeks you will have a draft!

The truth is, it doesn’t matter what software you use to write, the important thing is that your writing is good! Pick the program that works best for you, and then use it A LOT. I can’t wait to see what you write next.