Script writing software for free is not hard to come by, folks!
When the actual business of script writing is hard enough, it’s nice to know that you don’t have to worry as well about how to afford the software for it. Because if you’re looking for free script writing software, you don’t have to look far.
We’ve compiled a list of no less than 13 options for script writing software that’s free. And while it might take a few tries with different programs, the only must is to find one option that’s perfect for your needs to become the catalyst for a successful screenwriting career.
Before we begin, though, we should mention that for many of the below software programs, their free version is just that—one option among several. And those several others? Usually free-based programs that tend to offer more bells and whistles than their free counterpoint.
In some cases, the free version is a temporary option. In essence, they’re giving you the chance to see if their program works for your needs, and if it does, you’ll be expected to pay for its long-term use.
Now that we’ve got those details out of the way, let’s dive in!
Many people think of screenwriting as a solitary endeavor, but that’s often not the case. Between writing teams1 and projects with multiple Writers, it absolutely can be a collaborative undertaking. Enter Arc Studio Pro. It brands itself as software that works equally well for solo Screenwriters and writing groups.
Arc Studio Pro has a basic free package, as well as an Essentials package for $69/year and Pro package for $99/year.
Think screenwriting is just a bunch of words on a page? Think again.
Causality understands that Screenwriters approach storytelling in any number of ways, and many of them develop their scripts with a more visual perspective. If you consider yourself one of them, Causality might be the right script writing software program2 for you.
The free option offers unlimited story development3 and outlining4. However, you can only export a written script that is under 10 pages. If you decide to continue with this option, you can get its Pro version for a monthly fee of $7.99 or yearly commitment of $5.99/month. Another option is a one-time purchase of $279.
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Celtx is currently among the more well-known script writing software programs currently available to Screenwriters.
While technically speaking it still offers a free version, it’s more so a limited trial that users can explore for a month. After that, should you decide to keep using Celtx, it’ll cost you. You can sign up for its Writer package for $13.49/month that’s billed yearly, its Writer Pro package that’s $22.49/month billed yearly, or its Team package that’s $53.99/month billed yearly.
Alas, we’ve come to our first script writing software for free with no strings attached! DramaQueen indeed comes with no cost, which might just be reason enough for some Screenwriters to sign up for it. Given its clean integration with other programs, including Final Draft, it’s not a bad bargain.
It’s important to point out, though, that options such as DramaQueen often are simplified in comparison to other paid-for programs. If simple is right up your alley, though, give it a try!
Fade In is another script writing software program with quite a bit of clout. This popular option makes quite a few lists, free or not, but those looking to just try out their options can include this one among their maybes.
If you want to explore Fade In, you can do so with a free trial that seemingly has no expiration date. That being said, if you want to print out or create PDFs of your work, they will have a watermark on them.
As mentioned, some Script Writers have a more visual style when it comes to writing their screenplays. But if you’re a text-centric type of Writer, consider Highland 2. After all, “words come first” is its tagline.
Like DramaQueen, Highland 2 is script writing software that’s free. No catches. No fine print. With one major caveat… Like Fade In, if you would like to use this particular script writing software, you will have to make peace with the fact that your screenplays will have its watermark on them.
Are you the kind of Writer who wants one script writing software program for all things screenwriting, including your research and index cards5? Look no further than KIT Scenarist in that case.
KIT Scenarist is your one-stop platform for your screenwriting needs, and it just so happens to have a free option as well! However, if you want more of those bells and whistles that we mentioned are so common to many script writing software options, you can sign up for a monthly subscription. The 12-month option will cost you $52.90.
Much like Fade In, Milanote is a script writing software free option with no time limit on your usage of it. Not too shabby, right? So give it a spin, and if you like it, you can always upgrade. This program has a “Pay Per Person” plan for $9.99/month and a “Upgrade Your Team” plan for $49/month.
We’ve already covered more than a half-dozen script writing software for free options, but if none of them so far are quite what you’re looking for, no worries! Then you might want to try Page 2 Stage.
Much like DramaQueen and Highland 2, this option is a completely free one. Though a simple interface, it might just be the one that works perfectly for your writing needs.
Prewrite doesn’t call itself a writing app. Rather, it considers itself more a “story” app whereby users can take advantage of it for all of their storytelling needs whether they’re a Screenwriter, educator, or other type of creator.
If you’d like to see what it’s all about, Prewrite allows you one free story trial. Should you decide to keep working with it, you have several paid-for options. You can sign up for its Premium package at $14.99/month, it’s Pro package at $29.99/month, or it’s Team package for $29.99 per monthly user.
Given that it can take weeks, months, or even years to complete a script, the script writing software options with no time limits might be among the most useful for Screenwriters. In addition to the programs we’ve mentioned so far, there’s StudioBinder.
Free is great. No time limit is great. But if you want to try out this particular script writing software option, you get one shot, as the tradeoff is one project per company account. Should you choose to go forward with a paid subscription, you can sign up for its Indie package for $29/month, its Professional package for $49/month, or its Studio package for $99/month.
And now for something different. Yes, you can count Trelby among your script writing software free choices, but did you know you can also contribute to this software option? It’s true!
If you fancy yourself a programmer or coder as well, consider checking out Trelby to see if you like it and have an idea or two on how to improve it.
And here we are. The last of our script writing software free options. WriterDuet is another program that has a highly respected reputation among Screenwriters, and for good reason. It has a great interface, as well as multiple subscription choices.
You can try it out for free for up to three writing projects. If it feels like the best writing option for you after that point, you can sign up for one of three paid versions. Its Plus package is $9.99/month, its Pro package is $11.99/month, and its Premium package is $13.99/month.
Screenwriting is a challenging enough undertaking as it is, so it’s important to make sure you have as much working in your favor as possible. While paid screenwriting software options are a perfectly fine choice, script writing software for free can be just as useful for no cost at all!
At the end of the day, what’s important is that Screenwriters find a screenwriting software option that makes the actual writing process smooth and seamless. Maybe your perfect option is a paid-for one. Maybe it’s a totally cost-free one. But knowing that you have options—options you can try out without clearing out your wallet—can help to ensure that you make choice that is best for you.