Screenwriter-mode
Screenwriter-mode is a free GNU Emacs plug-in for writing screenplays on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What Screenwriter-mode is
Screenwriter-mode is a free GNU Emacs plug-in for writing screenplays on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Screenplay files are plain text, so they can also be opened and edited in other text editors. The project recommends .scp for scene files and .screenplay for a complete script. While writing, the mode keeps a history of slug lines and character names; it can also produce location and character lists formatted for Emacs Org-mode. The included screenplay-build shell script combines .scp scenes into a preview, but that preview omits page and scene numbers. A separate screenplay-character tool finds capitalized names associated with dialogue and generates a report; the report can contain false positives and merits review. The included screenplay-tools suite provides production breakdown tools. The listed Free plan costs nothing and includes the GNU Emacs plug-in and screenplay-tools suite. Listed export formats are PDF, .screenplay, .scp, and .org. On Windows, the screenplay-tools scripts have a few printer-specific exceptions.
Good
- Screenplay files remain editable as plain text.
- Remembers slug lines and character names.
- Provides Org-mode location and character lists.
- Includes production breakdown tools.
- Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Watch out
- Build preview omits page and scene numbers.
- Character reports may contain false positives.
- Windows scripts have printer-specific exceptions.
Who it suits
It suits screenwriters comfortable working in GNU Emacs who want plain-text files and production breakdown tools. Writers using Windows should consider the printer-specific script exceptions.
Verdict
Screenwriter-mode offers screenplay-focused tools within GNU Emacs and keeps its files portable as plain text. Its preview and generated character reports need review for the stated omissions and possible false positives.
Plans and prices
From Screenwriter-mode's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | GNU Emacs plug-in · screenplay-tools suite included |
The facts
Each one read from Screenwriter-mode's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Build tool
- The included screenplay-build shell script combines .scp scene files into a preview screenplay.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Character reports
- The screenplay-character tool searches for capitalized character names with dialogue and generates a report.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Element history
- The mode remembers slug lines and character names so writers can revisit them while writing.checked 9 Oct 2026
- File extensions
- The site recommends .scp for scene files and .screenplay for a complete screenplay.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The site presents the software as a free screenwriting tool for writers who want to write without software licenses getting in the way.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Org-mode integration
- It can provide lists of locations and characters formatted for Emacs Org-mode.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Plain-text files
- Screenplays use plain text and can be read and edited in other text editors.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Preview limitation
- The screenplay-build preview does not include page numbers or scene numbers.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Report review
- The character report may include false positives, so the site advises reviewing its output.checked 9 Oct 2026
- What it is
- Screenwriter-mode is a plug-in for GNU Emacs for writing screenplays.checked 9 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform support
- The site describes the software as multi-platform and provides setup instructions for Windows, Mac OS, and Unix-like systems.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Windows limitation
- The site says the screenplay-tools scripts have a few printer-specific exceptions on Windows.checked 9 Oct 2026
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