TalkingDraft
TalkingDraft is screenwriting dictation software for writers who want to draft dialogue and action by speaking.
What TalkingDraft is
TalkingDraft is screenwriting dictation software for writers who want to draft dialogue and action by speaking. During dictation, number keys 1–9 identify dialogue speakers and 0 marks action lines. Its free outliner includes story-structure guides and a beatsheet calculator, and users can export outlines or transcripts as TXT files for import into screenwriting software. The maker lists compatibility with Final Draft, Fade In, WriterDuet, Highland, Trelby, ArcStudio, StudioBinder, Squibler, and Storyist, among other apps. Standard transcription runs in the user's browser without sending audio to an external service; premium transcription is handled by a vendor under a contractual data-processing opt-out. The maker says writing and audio are not used to train AI and that data is encrypted in transit and stored in isolated systems. Free transcription is described as up to 90%+ accurate, while premium is described as 99% accurate. The free tier allows up to three stories before a referral link is needed for more. Premium monthly costs $9 a month, and yearly costs $79 a year. Transitions and parentheticals are left for users to add in another writing app.
Good
- Number keys label speakers and action while dictating.
- Free outliner includes structure guides and a beatsheet calculator.
- TXT exports can be imported into screenwriting software.
- Standard transcription runs in the user's browser.
- Premium transcription is described as 99% accurate.
Watch out
- Free tier is limited to three stories before referral sharing.
- Transitions and parentheticals must be added in another app.
- Offline mode is unavailable.
Who it suits
It suits screenwriters and playwrights who want to dictate a first draft and export text for use in screenwriting software. Writers needing more than three free stories or premium transcription can consider its paid options.
Verdict
TalkingDraft combines dictation, basic outlining, and text export for spoken screenwriting drafts. Its free story limit and the need to add transitions and parentheticals elsewhere are worth considering.
Plans and prices
From TalkingDraft's own pricing page, checked 15 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Unlimited standard transcription · up to 3 stories, then referral required · free outliner · beatsheet calculator · formatted export |
| 100 extra premium minutes | $3, paid once | 100 minutes · about 50 pages · 99% accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x speed |
| Pay-as-you-pro: 100 extra minutes | $3, paid once | 99% transcription accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x faster processing · 100 extra minutes ~ 50 pages |
| 300 extra premium minutes | $6, paid once | 300 minutes · about 150 pages · 99% accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x speed |
| Pay-as-you-pro: 300 extra minutes | $6, paid once | 99% transcription accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x faster processing · 300 extra minutes ~ 150 pages |
| Pay-as-you-pro: 500 extra minutes | $8, paid once | 99% transcription accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x faster processing · 500 extra minutes ~ 250 pages |
| 500 extra premium minutes | $8, paid once | 500 minutes · about 250 pages · 99% accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x speed |
| Premium monthly | $9.99 a month | 99% accuracy · improved punctuation · 10x processing speed · unlimited stories · monthly |
| Premium yearly | $79 a year | 99% accuracy · improved punctuation · 10x processing speed · unlimited stories · saves $40.88 · yearly |
The facts
Each one read from TalkingDraft's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI data policy
- The maker says user speech, writing, recordings, scripts and outlines are not used to train AI models.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The maker describes the product as designed for screenwriters and playwrights who want to create first drafts quickly by dictating scenes.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Audio playback
- Recorded scene audio can be replayed in the app and downloaded from its audio player.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Authentication security
- Authentication uses Google Firebase, with short-lived session tokens, server-side validation and no TalkingDraft-held passwords.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Beatsheet calculator
- The beatsheet calculator adjusts target lengths for story sections, sequences, acts and beats.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Desktop status
- A desktop application using local speech-to-text without internet is described as forthcoming and available through a waitlist.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Editing scope
- The maker says transitions and parentheticals are left for users to add in their screenwriting or polishing app.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Export
- Users can download an outline or transcript as a text file for import into screenwriting software.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Export format
- The help center instructs users to download TXT files and import them into applications such as Final Draft, Fade In and WriterDuet.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- TalkingDraft documents a Parsable Script Format for exchanging story data with third-party software and backing up stories locally.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Flexible casting
- Character names can be saved and reused across scenes, with scene-specific speaker assignments.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Documented import or export guidance covers Final Draft, Fade In, WriterDuet, Script Studio, Highland, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Trelby, ArcStudio, StudioBinder, Squibler, Storyist and Scenarist.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The help page lists support for English, Spanish, Hindi, Norwegian, Japanese, Russian, Dutch, Ukrainian, Tamil, Swedish, Chinese, Taiwanese, Portuguese, Danish, Polish, Turkish, French, German, Indonesian, Korean and Italian.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Licence
- The terms explicitly state that the client software is not open source and may not be duplicated or modified.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: editing scope
- The help center says substantial polishing, including transitions and parentheticals, is intended to happen in another screenwriting application.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: formatting omissions
- Stage 32 advises omitting transitions, parentheticals and location slugs during dictation so they can be handled later.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: rough-draft mindset
- Stage 32 advises users not to inspect or edit transcription while recording, implying the method is optimized for rough first drafts rather than polished text.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limits
- The free tier allows up to three stories before users must share a referral link to unlock unlimited stories.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Limit: service warranties
- The terms disclaim promises about reliability, completeness, accuracy, availability and security, with discontinuing use as the stated remedy.checked 15 Oct 2026
The company
- Company founder
- Stage 32 identifies Fred Gooltz as the founder of TalkingDraft.com and describes him as a playwright, screenwriter and development coordinator.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Company location
- TalkingDraft’s footer says it is made in Los Angeles, and its terms specify Los Angeles for mediation and legal venue.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Los Angeleschecked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Limit: free story cap
- Free accounts can create three stories before referral sharing is required to unlock more stories.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: requires planning
- Stage 32 recommends a tight scene-by-scene beatsheet and page targets before recording to prevent rambling.checked 15 Oct 2026
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