Trelby
Trelby is free, open-source screenwriting software for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What Trelby is
Trelby is free, open-source screenwriting software for Windows, macOS and Linux. Its editor enforces screenplay formatting and pagination, with auto-completion and spell checking. Writers can switch between draft, WYSIWYG and fullscreen views. A character-name database contains more than 200,000 names from various countries. Trelby generates scene, location, character and dialogue reports, and compares scripts to show changes between versions. It imports screenplay-formatted text, Final Draft XML, Celtx, Fountain, Adobe Story and Fade In Pro files. Export options include PDF, formatted text, HTML, RTF, Final Draft XML and Fountain. The configurable PDF generator can embed a chosen font and add custom watermarks. The download page lists Trelby v2.4, with installation methods including PyPI, Fedora, Debian/Ubuntu, Flatpak and a generic tarball. The project points users to its FAQ and GitHub issue tracker for support.
Good
- Enforces screenplay formatting and pagination
- Over 200,000 character names
- Reports for scenes and dialogue
- Compares scripts between versions
- Exports PDF and multiple text formats
Watch out
- No free trial because it is free software
- Listed version is v2.4
- Desktop platforms only
Who it suits
Trelby suits screenwriters who need structured screenplay formatting, revision comparison and broad screenplay-file import and export options on desktop systems.
Verdict
Trelby covers core screenplay drafting, reporting and revision tasks while remaining free and open source. Its desktop focus and listed version should be checked against your workflow before adoption.
Plans and prices
From Trelby's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Trelby | Free | Free and open source screenwriting software |
The facts
Each one read from Trelby's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Downloads
- The download page lists Trelby v2.4 for Windows, MacOS, and Linux installation methods including PyPI, Fedora, Debian/Ubuntu, Flatpak, and a generic tarball.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- It exports PDF, formatted text, HTML, RTF, Final Draft XML, and Fountain files.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Formatting
- The editor enforces screenplay formatting and pagination, and includes auto-completion and spell checking.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Import formats
- It imports screenplay-formatted text, Final Draft XML, Celtx, Fountain, Adobe Story, and Fade In Pro files.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- Trelby is free and open source software licensed under the GPL.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- The listed maintainer is Gwyn Ciesla.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Name database
- Its character name database contains over 200,000 names from various countries.checked 8 Oct 2026
- PDF tools
- Its configurable PDF generator supports embedding a chosen font and adding custom watermarks to generated PDFs.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Trelby is a screenwriting program for writing movie screenplays.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Reports and comparison
- It can generate scene, location, character, and dialogue reports, and compare scripts to show changes between versions.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The maker pages reviewed provide no security or compliance claims.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to check its FAQ and report issues through the GitHub issue tracker.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Views
- It offers draft, WYSIWYG, and fullscreen views.checked 8 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
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