Free Screenwriting Software
A Collection of Screenwriting Programs and Templates You Can Download for Free
Free Screenwriting Templates
The main difference between screenwriting templates and screenwriting software lies in the functionality. Although both will help you properly format a screenplay, templates are basically formatting settings created for use within an existing word processing program like MS Word.
Microsoft Screenwriting Template
This is a basic template designed for use with Microsoft Word 97 or later. It's pretty basic and lacks the integrated functionality of full-blown screenwriting programs, but it's free and easy to use. All the margins appear correct, everything appears properly spaced and the template also features a super small download size (30KB).
If you would like to check out this free screenwriting template, click HERE. You can download it directly from Microsoft.
Microsoft Screenwriting Template with Hot Keys
This free screenwriting template is a bit more advanced than the previous one, but it's also only compatible with Microsoft Word 2007, so if you run an older version of Word, this is not the template for you.
If you would like to check out this free screenwriting template, click HERE. You can download it directly from Microsoft.
Free Screenwriting Software
Although templates are a great start, if you've ever used professional screenwriting software, you know how easy the more advanced programs make the screenwriting process. Fortunately, there are some free screenwriting software programs that work just like the professional software without the high price - actually without any price at all.
Celtx Free Screenwriting Software
Perhaps the most potent free screenwriting program available online, Celtx offers a host of free tools for screenwriters.
The software itself is every bit as powerful and intuitive as screenwriting programs costing hundreds of dollars. With fully-integrated storyboard capabilities, scene tracking, note card generators, and much, much more, Celtx is worth every penny - Oh, wait, I forgot - it's free.
In addition to the free screenwriting software, Celtx also offers a screenwriting community, that's also free to join, the ability to collaborate online with another writer, and a whole host of other tools.
The program has a bit of a learning curve, but that's to be expected considering the number of tools at your disposal. Celtx also offers free video tutorials on how to use their screenwriting software and for the more technologically inclined, you can download their source code for free as well.
To check out Celtx for yourself, click HERE. I think you'll be glad you did.
Scripped Free Screenwriting Software
Scripped writer offers an interesting variation to regular free screenwriting software. Instead of downloading the software, scripped writer allows you to write save and print your script in your browser.
To check out scripped writer for yourself, click HERE.
All right, so that that you've saved a bunch of money on screenwriting software, take some cash and buy yourself a nice dinner. Everyone needs a break from ramen noodles now and then.
Good luck and good writing!
Published by Will Wright
I'm a film industry veteran with over a hundred professional credits. View profile
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- Free screenwriting software and templates differ in functionality.
- Celtx offers an impressive array of free for screenwriters.
- Scripped works in a similar fashion to Google docs.
18 Comments
Post a CommentI tried the freeware Cinergy script editor. The editor does what it is supposed to do but is awkward to use.
PLUS:
Smart formatting of scene headings, action lines, character names, parentheses and dialog. Auto numbering and re-numbering of scenes. Import and export tools and print to PDF. The paid version of the program is a full production management suite with call lists, wardrobe, storyboards, the whole tutti.
MINUS:
No keyboard shortcuts, unlike MS Word's Ctrl-R for Justify Right, so you keep having to switch from keyboard to mouse. Ctrl-PageUp/PageDown doesn't take you to top and bottom of document. "Look and feel" of Windows '97.
Logline is in free beta. There will always be a free account available.
Great article, Will. Sitting beside me, right now, is my box of Movie Magic Screenwriter software, ordered from someone through Craig's List at Tulane University because my son talked me into going "secondhand." It sounded good, price-wise, until it arrived and we needed some number we didn't have. The girl who had sold it did not knowingly screw me over, but it had that effect. The only way the screenwriting program (which was pricey) can be used at all is if you have the disk at all times. I wrote one screenplay on it for my first novel, entered it in a "Writer's Digest" contest, and won an Honorable Mention. I'll probably never use it again, because I have no idea where the disk is now. Typical. If I DO decide to waste my time writing a screenplay that no one will ever produce or look at, I'll try some of your freebie recommendations. And thanks for the "Follow." I'm flattered and am adding you to my list of favorites.
Will, this is great information. Thanks for the heads up!
Excellent article, Will. Thank you.
I've used Celtx and it can be a bit trying at first. But it's free and it's worth every dollar.
thank you soo very much for this information. I have been looking for this and here it is. THANK YOU !!!
It is really good to know that you can make use of such software for screen writing. Thanks for sharing this great info.
Thanks for the info. I must send this link to my son in college. It's right up his alley.
Now that I've actually read the article, good lookin' out Will! Gonna give Celtx a looksie. FADE OUT baby!