I know how discouraging it can be to imagine turning a screenplay into something bigger, only to hesitate because of the high cost of professional screenwriting software. Many aspiring writers, directors, and producers face the same challenge when traditional tools feel out of reach.
I don’t think the budget should stand in the way of creativity. Free screenwriting software offers a wide range of helpful features, from automatic formatting to character and story analysis, without the hefty price tag.
In this guide, I break down the best free screenwriting software options based on real user experiences. Whether you’re a student refining your skills, a home-based writer, or simply keeping costs low, this list highlights features, reviews, and pros and cons to help you find the right tool to bring your story to life.
Best free screenwriting software for 2026
- Arc Studio Pro: Best for modern, real-time collaborative writing
Google Docs, style collaboration with industry-standard formatting, cloud sync, and revision management. - Celtx: Best for collaborative screenwriting and pre-production
All-in-one cloud platform with script formatting, storyboarding, and real-time collaboration tools. - Final Draft: Best for industry-standard screenplay formatting
Automatic Hollywood-standard formatting with advanced tools like Beat Board, Story Map, and revision tracking - Plottr: Best for visual story planning and plot organization
Visual story cards and timelines that help writers map plots, characters, and story arcs clearly. - Tinkerlist: Best for team-based script development and production planning
Real-time collaborative scripting combined with budgeting, scheduling, and crew planning tools.
*The software list is arranged alphabetically. These tools offer free trials, free forever options, or freemium models.
Comparison of the best free screenwriting software
If you feel overwhelmed by the wealth of information about free screenwriting software, this comparison table will help you with all the important aspects:
| Best free screenwriting software |
G2 Rating |
Free plan |
Paid plan |
|
Arc Studio Pro |
4.7/5 ⭐️ |
Yes, feature-limited |
Starting at $69 per year |
|
Celtx |
4.2/5 ⭐️ |
Yes, feature-limited |
Starting at $14.99 per month |
|
Final Draft |
4.5/5 ⭐️ |
Free trial available |
Starting at $9.85 |
|
Plottr |
4.8/5 ⭐️ |
Free trial available |
Starting at $9.99 per month |
|
Tinkerlist |
4.6/5 ⭐️ |
Free trial available |
Available on request |
*All pricing details mentioned in the article are based on publicly available data at the time of publication and are subject to change.
5 best free screenwriting software I recommend
Screenwriting software has become an essential tool for writers who want to focus on storytelling without getting caught up in formatting rules or industry standards. From structuring scenes and dialogue to managing revisions, these tools help streamline the writing process for both beginners and experienced writers.
The growing reliance on such tools is reflected in market trends. The screen and script writing software industry is projected to grow from $0.1804 billion in 2025 to $0.64 billion by 2035. This steady growth highlights how digital writing tools are becoming a mainstay for modern storytellers.
As more creators develop scripts for films, web series, and short-form content, the need for accessible and flexible screenwriting software continues to rise.
From my experience, quality screenwriting tools don’t always require a paid subscription. Several free screenwriting software options I’ve explored offer automatic formatting, clean writing interfaces, and useful export features that are more than enough to draft and refine scripts.
That’s why I’ve curated this list of the best free screenwriting software I recommend, tools that let you experiment, complete full drafts, and find the right creative workflow before deciding whether to upgrade.
How did I select and evaluate these free screenwriting software?
To build this list, I started with G2 data, shortlisting top-rated tools based on their G2 scores and consistent performance in the screenwriting software category.
From there, I reviewed product features and recent, verified user feedback to confirm that these tools deliver real value and to understand where each one stands out, whether that’s automatic script formatting, collaboration features, export options, or ease of use for beginners.
I wanted to see whether these screenwriting tools live up to their claims, what each one is best suited for, and whether there’s a free version or free trial you can try with minimal risk. Since this is a free-focused list, I paid close attention to what you can actually do without paying, such as script limits, access to core writing features, export formats, and any restrictions that might encourage an upgrade.
The screenshots featured in this article may be a mix of those taken from the vendor’s G2 page or from publicly available materials.
Screenwriting software offers various tools for script outlining, formatting, character and plot organization, collaborating with other users, storyboarding, and scheduling to streamline the writing process and support the creation of professional-quality screenplays.
The list below contains real user reviews from the best screenwriting software page. It’s important to note that in this list’s context, vendors offering a free trial are also considered here. To be included in this category, a solution must:
- Provide auto-formatting for standard screenplay formats
- Offer additional functionalities like character notes, scene ordering, and team collaboration
- Have a paid subscription model or an option to download it directly onto a PC
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
1. Arc Studio Pro: Best for modern, real-time collaborative writing
Arc Studio Pro is a professional screenwriting software option for professionals and beginners. It offers a real-time collaborative space like Google Docs, making it easy for multiple users to work on a project together. Arc Studio Pro offers additional features, including a digital whiteboard, an industry-standard formatting tool, cloud sync, PDF export, and revision management. The free forever plan lets you try the tool for writing two scripts.
Pros and cons of Arc Studio Pro: What stood out to me
|
Pros of Arc Studio Pro |
Cons of Arc Studio Pro |
|
Extensive collaboration features |
Steeper learning curve for new users |
|
Storyboard templates |
Lacks core formatting |
|
User-friendly interface |
Limited export options |
What G2 users like about Arc Studio Pro:
“Easy to use and share your ideas for creative collaboration with people. Editing your stories was never this easy.”
– Arc Studio Pro Review, Danish A.
What G2 users dislike about Arc Studio Pro:
“The free version of the service is browser-only and has a limited number of scripts allowed.”
– Arc Studio Pro Review, Verified User in Semiconductors
2. Celtx: Best for collaborative screenwriting and pre-production
Celtx is a versatile online screenwriting software that offers a range of products for writing, story development, pre-production, and production. It has an intuitive user interface with multiple helpful features like script formatting for different media, storyboarding, collaboration space, and other story development and production tools. According to G2 Data, it ranks as the 1st easiest to use tool.
Celtx can be downloaded for desktop use or accessed as an online application. The basic scriptwriting plan is available free of cost and allows you to work on one project.
Pros and cons of Celtx: What stood out to me
|
Pros of Celtx |
Cons of Celtx |
|
Multi-format script editors |
Limited customization options |
|
Collaborative features for teamwork |
Learning curve for new users |
|
User-friendly interface |
Restricted free plan |
What G2 users like about Celtx:
“I love the ability to access Celtx online. I used this program in my screenwriting courses during undergrad, and it was a downloadable program. Now that it is in an online cloud format, I can work on my scripts anywhere, regardless of which device I access them. Additionally, I can now collaborate with my friends and colleagues on a script and receive feedback quickly.”
– Celtx Review, Nuu G.
What G2 users dislike about Celtx:
“The price per month makes this a bit of an expensive solution. Though fairly reasonably priced for the solution overall, if you are already running a business in this area. For someone just starting in film production, having extra monthly costs may prove a bit difficult.”
– Celtx Review, Misha W.
3. Final Draft: Best for industry-standard screenplay formatting
Final Draft is a popular screenwriting software among film, television, and multimedia productions. With refined beat boards and story maps, Final Draft helps organize story ideas and keep writers on track with visual guidelines. It also has features like real-time collaboration, revision mode, and tags mode to simplify your scriptwriting and life. You can sign up for a 30-day free trial to see how the tool works. According to G2 Data, Final Draft ranks as the 5th highest-rated solution in its category.
Pros and cons of Final Draft: What stood out to me
|
Pros of Final Draft |
Cons of Final Draft |
| Comprehensive script formatting | Steep learning curve for beginners |
| Templates for various formats | Occasional software crashes |
| Collaborative features | Limited free trial period |
What G2 users like about Final Draft:
“Final Draft is the best application we’ve tried for screenwriting because of its shrewd devices for designing your work to professional particulars. It additionally offers spaces to assist you with creating stories, such to the Story Guide and Beat Board. It permits you to simply start composing when you open it without us agonizing over the configuration. Also, different elements like note-taking and working with various drafts of similar content are incredibly simple. It is extremely easy to understand programming.”
– Final Draft Review, Khalid R.
What G2 users dislike about Final Draft:
“Final Draft comes out with new versions every year, and instead of being able to just access those versions once you’ve bought the software, you have to buy it again. That’s slightly irritating, because the software is $300. It’s not that it isn’t worth it, it’s just that I wish I didn’t have to pay for basically the same thing, albeit with a few new wrinkles, every single year, even if it is at a discount.”
– Final Draft Review, Eric F.
4. Plottr: Best for visual story planning and plot organization
Plottr is a popular visual book planning software that allows screenwriters to visualize plot points and create visual story cards for better storytelling. Screenwriters can also use this platform to color-coordinate and organize storylines. The platform also offers proven templates for you to get started and a story bible for visually organizing characters and linking them to scenes.
Pros and cons of Plottr: What stood out to me
|
Pros of Plottr |
Cons of Plottr |
| Excellent visual book outlining | Fewer advanced features compared to some competitors |
| Intuitive and user-friendly | Lacks customization options |
| Supports collaboration and organization | Limited free trial period |
What G2 users like about Plottr:
“Plottr has been super helpful in plotting out my novels. I love that there is a way to organize every kind of idea I have, from character development to plot points. The templates they provide are also super helpful.”
– Plottr Review, Kristin M.
What G2 users dislike about Plottr:
“The inability to update existing files when importing from Scrivener.”
– Plottr Review, Travis C.
5. Tinkerlist: Best for team-based script development and production planning
Tinkerlist is a cloud-based software that offers a collaborative space for professional screenwriters and production teams. It allows for real-time live script updation, easy integration with other platforms, and hosts tools for crew planning, budgeting, and scheduling. Tinkerlist also provides a training session to get you started. You can get started with a free trial.
Pros and cons of Tinkerlist: What stood out to me
|
Pros of Tinkerlist |
Cons of Tinkerlist |
| Visual storyboarding | Occasional performance issues |
| Collaboration tools | Limited customization options |
| Cloud-based platform for easy access | No free version, only a free trial |
What G2 users like about Tinkerlist:
“Tinkerlist has complete control over the business communications streams, allowing firms to fully interrelate with clients and employees. Besides, Tinkerlist emphasizes innovation, which is the primary driver for extensive firm development. Finally, Tinkerlist is the guide in matters of content publication.”
– Tinkerlist Review, Jordin M.
What G2 users dislike about Tinkerlist:
“Tinkerlist seems overly complicated and claims to cover everything communication-related. It supposedly brings together various groups and media outlets, but it’s unclear how this actually improves confidential communication.”
– Tinkerlist Review, Jordin M.
Frequently asked questions on free screenwriting software
Q1. What features should I look for in free screenwriting software?
This depends on your needs. Here are some key considerations:
- Formatting: Does it handle industry-standard screenplay format?
- Organization: Can you easily track characters and scenes?
- Collaboration: Do you need to share your script with others?
- Additional Features: Are there specific tools you desire, like beat boards or notecards?
Q2. How do I choose the right screenwriting software?
Consider your budget, experience level, and desired features. Start by exploring free options or demos of paid software. Many offer free trials to allow you to test-drive their functionalities.
Q3. Is free software secure?
Always check the reputation and data practices of any free software before entrusting your work. Look for software with a proven track record and clear privacy policies. Consider cloud-based options that offer secure storage and backups.
Q4. When should I consider paid screenwriting software?
As your screenwriting journey progresses, you might need advanced features like in-depth story analysis, outlining tools, or plagiarism checkers. Paid screenwriting software often caters to professional writers with these advanced needs.
Q5. Can beginners use free screenwriting software easily?
Absolutely. Most free screenwriting tools are designed with beginners in mind and remove the complexity of manual formatting.
Celtx is especially beginner-friendly, offering guided screenplay creation and automatic formatting. Arc Studio Pro also has a clean interface that helps new writers focus on the story rather than the structure.
Q6. Which free screenwriting tools are most popular among writers?
Among free and partially free options:
- Celtx is widely used by students and first-time screenwriters.
- Arc Studio Pro has gained popularity among indie and professional writers for its clean writing experience.
- Final Draft remains the industry standard overall, though it’s primarily a paid tool rather than a free one.
Popularity often reflects ease of use and formatting reliability.
Q7. Does free screenwriting software support industry-standard formatting?
Yes, most reputable free screenwriting tools support industry-standard screenplay formatting, including scene headings, dialogue, action lines, and transitions.
Celtx and Arc Studio Pro both handle formatting automatically. Final Draft is the gold standard, but free tools generally match formatting requirements closely enough for submissions and competitions.
Q8. Can free screenwriting tools be used for TV scripts and web series?
Yes, many free screenwriting tools support TV and episodic formats.
Celtx includes templates for TV scripts and web series, making it suitable for episodic writing. Arc Studio Pro also supports structured TV writing, though some advanced features may be behind a paid plan.
And now for the end credits
Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned professional, screenwriting software is vital for outlining your script and analyzing characters and plot development. All the free screenwriting tools mentioned above are great budget-friendly options for getting started with that award-winning idea.
We hope this list of the best free screenwriting software helps you find the right solution!
Are you ready to bring the drama to the stage? Deep dive into our list of the best free scriptwriting software.
