FREE 11 Script Writing Software for Mac and Windows

A script plays a significant role in the video. You need to write a script first before recording your video. Today, there are several script writing software available in the market, and mostly all are pretty expensive. Here are 11 free scriptwriting software for MAC and Windows to make your screenwriting experience easy and smooth.

Part 1: Free Script Writing Software for Mac

1. Write a script with Casualty

Casualty is a unique free script-writing software for MAC with a different approach than its counterparts. Developing stories with Casualty software gives you the freedom to visualize even the most complex stories. When you can visualize a structure, you can easily direct whatever is in your mind into the video. Writing novels and screenplays is just a matter of your creativity regarding the free screenwriting software, Casualty. The features of Casualty are-

• Allows you to plot timelines and key moments to visualise
• Causality has both a free and a paid version
• In the free version, space for writing a script is limited
• Based on 3 components- script, story logic, and timeline
• Just move your beats, and the script automatically rearranges
• Analyzes all the events in your story, finds your plot problems, and comes up with the most logical sequence
• Runs well on anything from laptops to multi-monitor setups
• Character development, layers, and translation

2. Write a script via Celtx

Celtx is a blueprint for writing, as a screenplay is for a film. This free script writing software can keep an eye on your budget and help in structuring and planning. You just need to download this free screenwriting software for MAC and get going. The features of Celtx are-

• Comprehensive plan, create, and manage tool
• Get the story started with index cards
• Navigate & arrange scenes with drag & drop ease
• Break down your script to capture what you need
• Compatible with iPhones and tablets, and offering real-time collaboration options
• Cloud-based pre-production suite

3. Write a Script by Final Draft

Final Draft is the leading software for professional screenwriters, studios, and production companies worldwide. It offers customizable writing environments, streamlines the writing process, and ensures correct formatting, allowing writers to focus on what truly matters—creating compelling stories. The features of this software are-

• Effortlessly write while Final Draft handles formatting
• Choose from templates and workflows to suit your style
• Brainstorm and outline scripts individually or collaboratively
• Generate scripts trusted by 95% of the industry
• Check screenplay timelines and analyze dramatic elements

4. Write a Script through Kit Scenarist

One open-source, versatile, and free script writing software, Kit Scenarist, is available for Mac, PC, and Linux operating systems. The mobile version of Kit Scenarist allows you to work on it on the go. The features of this software are-

• Index cards, statistics, and a research module designed to help you organize your research materials
• Write and update your script on the go
• Simple and powerful application for creating screenplays
• Download and use it for free
• Full-featured studio for creating stories from the birth of the idea to production
• Statistics module to get detailed reports

5. Screenwriting software like Fade In

The Fade In has both a paid version and a free script writing version. It is one of the best and most affordable free screenwriting software for MAC that you may try out before purchasing the paid version. The features of Fade In are-

• Basic writing, editing, and viewing functionality to meet your screenwriting needs
• Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux users
• Complete application for writing motion picture screenplays
• Tools for outlining, organizing, and navigating
• Universal state-of-the-art interface
• Automatically transitioning from scene headings to action to dialogue
• Real-time collaboration capabilities

6. Highland 2 For Screenwriters

Highland is a free script writing software program and carries a tagline, "More Power. Less Distraction." It has several features and is designed amazingly. The features of Highland are-

• Indent characters, parentheticals, and dialogue as you type
• Organize your screenplay by acts and sequences rather than slug lines
• Auto plain-text backups
• Custom Theme Builder and built-in editor themes
• Gender analysis
• Amazingly designed interface

7. Use Drama Queen to write a script

Drama Queen for Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems is both paid as well as free screenwriting software. Whether you wish to export or import, Drama Queen is a great choice and is compatible with Final Draft. The features of Drama Queen are-

• Structure a story into “Steps,” auto-formatting, and an ideas panel
• Drag and drop navigator
• Format your script either individually or exactly
• Free export into all popular file formats
• The ideas panel in DramaQueen allows collecting and editing all ideas and researching material for a story
• Make best use of screen space as it enables distraction-free, absolute focus on writing a synopsis, treatment or script, outlining or collecting ideas

Part 2: Free Screenwriting Software for Windows

8. Trelby

An open-source and free screenwriting software, Trelby is easy to download and recommended by many. It is only available for Windows and Linux. It is a good choice when you search for free software for script writing. The features of this tool are-

• Fast and simple
• Import and export most file types
• Full documentation available to fully understand Trelby
• Install the Courier 10 pitch font for best screenplay rendering
• 2-minute getting started guide

9. Page 2 Stage

Page 2 Stage is a basic scriptwriting free software available in thirty languages. Whether you are British, Turkish, or Australian, Page 2 Stage’s language capability comes in as a handy option. The features of Page 2 Stage are-

• Fastest and most modern screenwriting word processor
• Easy to use

10. WriterDuet

WriterDuet is one of the best free screenwriting software options that allows real-time collective work. In the free version of the software, you can upload 3 scripts without any limits on page, time, or export-import. In order to upload more scripts, you need to try the paid version of this free script writing software. The features of this tool are-

• It makes your writing simple
• Free 3 scripts upload
• All 3 scripts in the free version have no page limit, time limit, or export and import quotas

11. StudioBinder

StudioBinder is a completely free screen writing software that helps you to create as many scripts you like with no restrictions on page limit. The features of StudioBinder are-

• Guides you through the writing process and teaches you the industry standard format
• Comprehensive tools to manage your entire production
• Develop and write your content, sync your script, breakdown the scene requirements
• Shortlist storyboard, schedule your shoot days, manage locations, add cast and crew, and send out call sheets within the app
• Real-time collaboration with your writing partners

Bonus Tip: How to Use AI to Generate Video Scripts?

In addition to traditional scriptwriting software, you can enhance your writing process with Filmora, a powerful video editing tool that offers a feature called AI Copywriting. This feature is integrated with the ChatGPT API and provides several helpful capabilities for scriptwriters and content creators.

Features of Filmora's AI Copywriting:

• AI-Generated Script Ideas: Get inspiration from AI-generated scripts to kickstart your writing process.
• Text Generation During Editing: Create captions, dialogue, and descriptions while editing your videos.
• YouTube Titles & Descriptions: Generate engaging titles and descriptions to attract viewers and improve SEO.

Using Filmora's AI Copywriting can streamline your scriptwriting and video production, allowing you to focus more on creativity and storytelling.

FAQs

1. Can I use these software options for writing movie scripts?

Yes, all the software mentioned in this article can be used for writing movie scripts. They provide the necessary formatting and tools required for screenplay writing.

2. Are these software options truly free?

Most of the software listed offers a free version or trial. However, some may have limitations or offer premium features for a fee.

3. Is there a difference between screenplay writing software and general writing software?

Yes, screenplay writing software is specifically designed for formatting scripts according to industry standards, while general writing software may not have these specific formatting features.

4. Can I collaborate with others using these software options?

Many of the mentioned software options, such as Celtx and WriterDuet, offer collaboration features that allow multiple users to work on the same script simultaneously.

Conclusion

As a screenwriter, it would be helpful to find easy-to-use and free scripting software. Now that you are aware of the 11 free screenwriting software for MAC and Windows, use the one that suits your needs and make your writing process easy and flawless.

If you want to get closer to the final effect of your script, you may be interested in Filmora, which can bring your imagination to life on the screen.