Open Draft Screenwriting
Screenwriting Software
About
This free, open-source application offers professional screenplay formatting, real-time collaboration, and visual planning tools. It supports multiple export formats and is available across all major operating systems, providing a privacy-first writing experience.
What's New in Open Draft Screenwriting
2.3.2
September 21, 2026
WRITE IN YOUR OWN SCRIPT A screenplay written in Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Sinhala, Tamil, Telugu or Thai now exports to PDF with a typeface that can draw it. These used to come out as blank space where the dialogue should have been. Chinese, Japanese and Korean arrive the first time you need them. HEBREW AND ARABIC, THE RIGHT WAY ROUND Both now export right to left, with Arabic letters joined the way they are written rather than standing apart. WORD FILES THAT KEEP YOUR SCRIPT A Word export now asks Word for a typeface that can draw what you actually wrote instead of a Latin one, so the Hindi in your script is still Hindi when a producer opens it. WHEN A TYPEFACE WILL NOT LOAD The export now tells you which one, instead of quietly leaving a gap where your words should be.
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FAQ
What makes Open Draft different from other screenwriting apps?
Open Draft is 100% free and open-source, offering real-time collaboration without requiring an account. It also provides robust version control and a privacy-first approach with no tracking or analytics.
Can I collaborate with others on a script using Open Draft?
Yes, Open Draft features real-time collaboration similar to Google Docs. You can co-write with others by simply sharing a link, and live cursors show who is editing where.
What file formats can I export my screenplay to with Open Draft?
You can export your work to industry-standard formats including PDF, Final Draft (.fdx), Fountain, and plain text. This ensures your work is not locked into a proprietary format.
Is Open Draft available on all devices?
Yes, Open Draft is designed to work everywhere. It is available on macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android, and can be run as a desktop app or self-hosted in a browser.
Does Open Draft have ads?
No, Open Draft is completely ad-free. As a free and open-source application, it focuses on providing a clean and uninterrupted writing experience for its users.
How does Open Draft handle saving and revisions?
Open Draft utilizes Git-based version control, meaning every save is tracked. You can compare drafts side by side, see exactly what changed, and restore any previous version instantly.
What are the visual planning tools in Open Draft?
Open Draft includes Beat Boards and Index Cards, allowing you to plan your story visually. You can drag and drop scene cards, color-code acts, and restructure your screenplay easily.
What is the update frequency for Open Draft?
The application was last updated on August 23, 2026, indicating active development. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, its open-source nature suggests community contributions can influence release cycles.
