Trelby for Windows

Quick summary

Trelby is a free, cross-platform screenwriting application built to keep the writing process simple and focused. It provides industry-standard formatting out of the box, clear on-screen layout options, and tools to help manage characters, scenes, and revisions — making it a practical choice for both beginning writers and experienced professionals.

Core capabilities

• Multiple visual modes (including draft and WYSIWYG) for flexible writing and review
• Automatic layout, pagination, and template-based script formatting to save time
• Auto-complete for names and elements plus inline spell checking to reduce errors
• Built-in scene and character reports, and a comparison tool that highlights edits
• Options for PDF creation, adjustable fonts, and optional watermarking for distribution

File compatibility and exports

• Exports available in PDF, HTML, RTF, and Final Draft XML so scripts are easy to share
• Imports from plain text and common screenplay formats such as Fountain and Final Draft
• Interoperability with other tools (Celtx, Adobe Story, Fade In Pro, etc.) to maintain workflow continuity

Formatting, reports, and revision workflow

Trelby enforces correct script structure automatically, which cuts down on manual formatting work. Its reporting features let you generate breakdowns of scenes, locations, dialogue, and character appearances to keep story elements consistent. For collaborative edits or multiple drafts, the script comparison view makes changes easy to spot and manage.

Limitations to consider

• No built-in multimedia or storyboard functionality — video/audio integration must be handled with separate tools
• Lacks native cloud-based collaboration features, so real-time remote co-authoring requires additional services
• As a community-maintained project, development and feature releases may be less frequent than those from commercial vendors

Who should use it

Trelby is well suited to writers who want a lightweight, distraction-free environment that still enforces professional formatting and helps track story elements. It works for hobbyists, film students, and seasoned screenwriters who do not need integrated media editing or native cloud collaboration.

Suggested alternative

If you need broader project features or a different interface, consider KIT Scenarist (free), which offers an alternative set of tools and workflows that some writers prefer for research and production-oriented scripting.