The Best 3 Truly Free Screenwriting Software for MacOS and Windows
A lot of screenwriting apps claim to be free, but which ones really let you write and export a full script?
Most screenwriting apps let you download and try out their software for free, but there are only a few that will let you write without having to worry about ever spending a dime.
I’ve listed the three best free screenwriting apps with detailed pros and cons below.
1. Celtx (Web-based)
Celtx is a free web-based screenwriting software. You can still find old desktop versions of the app, but those free versions are quite outdated and no longer receive developer support.
They have a new paid version of their app on the Mac app store for $19.99. But there are several better alternatives out there at that price point.
However, the Celtx web-app is an excellent option if you want to do some free scriptwriting.
Pros
- WYSIWYG editor. Auto-formats your script to the industry standard.
- Access the app from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Support for writing TV episodes, stage plays, games, and VR.
- Imports .fdx and .fountain files, exports to .fountain and PDF.
- Allows multiple users to collaborate on the same file.
Cons (for the free version)
- Limited to 3 projects.
- “Created with Celtx” watermark.
- Must be connected to internet to use.
- Cannot export to .fdx format.
Final Thoughts: The paid monthly version removes the first three cons and unlocks some other features, but it comes at the fairly steep price of $7.50/month for the first year, then goes up to $15/month after.
Celtx is a great app if you do your writing on public computers, or if you have a writing partner and want to work on a project together in the cloud.
2. Trelby (Windows & Linux)
Trelby is an excellent open source screenwriting solution for Windows and Linux users offering a full set of features that usually can only be found in expensive alternatives.
Pros
- WYSIWYG editor. Auto-formats your script to the industry standard.
- Detailed statistics of character lines, scene breakdowns, action lines etc.
- Imports .fdx, .fountain, .astx, .fadein file types and exports to .fdx, .fountain, and PDF.
- Highly customizable user interface and print draft.
- 100% free with all features.
Cons
- No MacOS support or mobile app options.
Final Thoughts: The best thing about Trelby is that there is no paid upgrade option to unlock the full features. Everything is entirely free and comes in a single package.
Windows and Linux screenwriting apps are quite limited compared to their MacOS counterparts, but you really don’t need the alternatives when you have a great free option like Trelby.
3. KIT Scenarist (Mac, Windows, & Linux)
KIT Scenarist reminds me of Scrivener in that it includes an outline and research module to help you take notes and build your script. But on top of that, the app provides detailed statistics and is entirely free.
Pros
- WYSIWYG editor. Auto-formats your script to the industry standard.
- Detailed statistics of dialogue, scene breakdowns, action lines etc.
- Imports .fdx, .fountain, .trelby, .celtx file types and exports to .fdx, .fountain, and PDF.
- Offers a companion app on iOS and Android for $3.99.
- Dark Mode.
- Cloud service for $4.99/month for those who wish to work with collaborators or for easy access across multiple devices.
Cons
- Little.
Final Thoughts: KIT Scenarist has it all — not only is it fully-featured but it looks good too. The desktop app is entirely free and you can pay a small fee for the app and cloud service.
The fact that it runs on multiple platforms makes it easy for writers who use multiple computers to switch between machines and continue where they left off without having to readjust their workflow with a different app.
If there’s a free screenwriting app that you use not listed here, please let me know in the comments!
The tools don’t define the art, the artist does.
