Where can I write a screenplay for free?
There are many free desktop screenwriting software and online tools that you can use to write scripts and screenplays. Try Trelby or Causality as these are good ones. You can also write a screenplay for free using the web-based software mentioned in this article.
Best free Cloud-based Script writing Online Tools
Here is a list of the best free cloud-based script-writing or screenwriting online tools that you can use:
1] WriterDuet
WriterDuet is a free cloud screenwriting software. It comes with some advanced tools that help you write professional screenplays. You don’t have to focus on the formatting; just write your script and it will automatically be formatted as a screenplay. Later, you can download the created screenplay in a variety of formats. It can also be used for writing a right-to-left screenplay, stageplay, virtual reality, books, novels, multi-cam sitcoms, audio/ visuals, and many other projects. The good thing is that it offers a real-time collaboration feature. This feature basically allows you to invite your co-writers to create and edit a screenplay with you. It provides many more advanced features that you can look forward to; let’s check them out! Main Features: It lets you import an existing screenplay that you can edit as per your requirement. You can upload the scripts from cloud services including Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud. Besides that, the feature to create a completely new script from scratch is always there. You can use its multiple formatting options that allow you to configure a document template, line type, margins, text style, dual dialogue, font settings, and many more options. It also offers a Line Types & Tools feature to change the format of line type as character, scene, action, dialogue, transition, notes, audio, etc. After writing a screenplay, you can share it with others using various Share features such as Join Another Project (using shared URL), Email Document, Share for Review, Edit Collaborators, etc. You can also find some good script revision tracking features that help you view modifications made on a script within a particular time period and let you mark/ unmark changes. The scripts can be saved on the cloud. However, you can even download the final version of your screenplay in a wide number of formats. These formats include PDF, Final Draft, Fountain, Celtx, DOCX, HTML, etc. Some additional handy tools are also provided in it that just ease up your experience. Some of these features are Writing Scheduler, Word Count, Spellchecker, Outliner, Tagger, Open Comments, and more. One more great feature of this cloud screenwriting software is the Cards & Private Pad feature. It basically lets you write scenes using index cards. You can also use a private writing pad to pend down notes and useful references for the future. It provides a Production section where you can find options to configure various scenes, header & footers, watermarks, and other settings. You can also set up auto-save settings. As it lets you collaborate with other writers in real-time, it also offers useful Comments and Chat features. These features let you comment as well as communicate via instant text messaging within the software. It is a feature-rich cloud-based screenwriting software. However, its free plan has some feature limitations. You can use its pro version to access all its tools and features. Try it here.
2] RawScripts
RawScripts is a simple but effective cloud based screenwriting software that you can use for free. Using it, you can import existing scripts or create a brand new screenplay from scratch. It supports FDX, TXT, and Celtx formats to upload existing scripts to modify accordingly. You can also collaborate with your friends and co-writers on the same script using its Collaboration feature. It helps multiple writers to come together and work on a particular screenplay collaboratively. It comes with a dedicated script editor where you can write screenplays. You can format the content as slugline, action, scene, character, etc. Besides that, you can also highlight text, format font, check for spelling errors, etc. You can also customize the title page of the script as per your requirement. In a side panel, you can list all the scenes in your screenplay. Plus, you can also add new notes while creating a script. The final screenplay can be exported in PDF or TXT format. You can find all your screenplay on its dashboard. Plus, it lets you group scripts in different folders.A dedicated Trash section is also available where you can find accidentally deleted or other deleted screenplays. You can use this cloud based screenwriting software here.
3] Arc Studio Pro
Arc Studio Pro is yet another free cloud based screenwriting software on this list. It is a professional screenplay writing software that writers can use to showcase their writing skills for free. You can also invite your colleagues and other writers to edit a particular screenplay in collaboration. Just invite users via email and then start writing scripts together. It lets you configure the format of your screenplay document using options like elements template (film or television screenplay), page layout, page margin, screen heading, screenplay information, and more. You can also import an existing screenplay in FDX, PDF, Word, or Fountain format. It lets you add characters, actions, dialogues, transitions, shots, scenes, parenthetical, and more to your scripts. You can also use specific hotkeys to quickly add a certain type of element to your screenplay. You can also use a Scene Navigator that shows you all the scenes that are present in your script. Furthermore, it lets you configure an outline and craft by adding plot, characters, locations, etc. When you are done writing the script, you can export it to formats like including PDF, Fountain, and Final Draft. Separate Comments and Reviews sections are available to view comments and reviews associated with your script, respectively. All in all, it is one of the best free cloud-based screenwriting software.
4] StudioBinder
Another good cloud based screenwriting software that you can try for free is StudioBinder. It is primarily a cloud film and TV production management software that also lets you create scripts. It lets you import existing scripts for modifications or create completely new ones from scratch. Besides that, you can also create a breakdown of your scripts, schedule your shoots, and plan your shots using this free software. For writing screenplays, just add a new project and then choose Write from prompted production management features. Apart from Write, you can find some features like Workflow, Production Calendar, Project Contacts, Shooting Schedule, Shoot Locations, Call Sheets, and more. Main Features:
It supports FDX, TXT, PDF, and Fountain formats to import your existing scripts. You can find all necessary screenplay formatting tools that include characters, scenes, action, transition, etc.It lets you invite your co-writer for real-time collaboration on a specific screenplay.You can check all script revisions in a separate section. Also, some handy revision management options like Rename Revision, Duplicate Revision, and Save As Template are also available in it.It lets you see collaborators’ comments and assigned tasks in a dedicated section.You can download the created script as PDF or let it be saved on the cloud.You can also share the script through a generated URL.You can find an auto-save feature in it that automatically saves your script after a particular time duration as you focus on writing.You can filter scenes and casts of a script.
It is an advanced cloud screenwriting software that provides a free plan. But, you will have to face various limitations in its free plan, e.g., it lets you save only 1 project on your account at a time. However, if you need, you can purchase the pro features as per your requirements.
5] Gingko
Gingko is a very basic cloud based screenwriting software that also has a free plan. It can be used to write screenplays as well as academic papers, timelines, notes, and more. It is different from other listed software. You can use index cards to write screenplays using it. It also lets you invite your co-writer to collaborate on a screenplay with you. When you are done writing a screenplay, you can export it in formats like HTML, Plain Text, LaTeX, DOCX, JSON, etc. Liked its features? Head to gingkoapp.com to start writing screenplays and scripts.
Is Trelby free?
Yes, Trelby is a free screenwriting software for Windows. You can download and install it and start writing your screenplays in it. That’s it! Now read:
yWriter review: Free Script Writing software for Windows.How to write a Screenplay in Google Docs?
