OpenDraft

Overview

OpenDraft is a free, open-source screenwriting app for writers who want planning, revision history and production preparation alongside screenplay formatting. Its standout trade-off is a local-file workflow with optional live collaboration, rather than cloud-hosted projects.

Projects stay on the local computer, with no account or data collection; OpenDraft also states that it has no tracking or analytics. The desktop app works offline, but live collaboration and update checks need an internet connection.

For more options, browse Screenwriting Software.

Key features

Planning and production

A Beat Board, Index Cards, Scene Navigator and color-coded Script Notes give writers several ways to organize story material and scenes. Character management and reusable production tags—for cast, extras, stunts, vehicles, props, costumes and VFX—extend the workflow toward production breakdowns. That breadth is useful for writers developing a script through preparation, though it may be more structure than someone seeking only a basic script editor needs.

Collaboration and revision history

Writers can invite collaborators by link and edit simultaneously, with changes synchronized instantly. Git-based version control adds named check-ins, side-by-side comparisons and the ability to restore earlier versions. This pairs live teamwork with a way to review revisions; writers who need to collaborate without internet access will need another workflow.

Files, backups and extensibility

OpenDraft imports and exports Final Draft FDX, Fountain and Fade In files, imports OSF and plain text, and exports PDF and DOCX. Automatic timestamped backups can be saved to desktop folders or, on mobile, to Files, iCloud Drive, Google Drive or Dropbox. A plugin architecture allows custom features without changing the core application. Browser self-hosting requires Python 3.12 or newer, Node.js 18 or newer and Git, so it is a more technical route than simply using the desktop app.

Pricing

OpenDraft is free forever at no cost. The free plan requires no account or subscription and has no feature gating; there is no free trial because the application is already free. There are no paid tiers or published seat or usage caps to weigh against the price. Its MIT license and lack of hidden costs make it a straightforward fit for writers avoiding recurring software fees.

Platforms

OpenDraft supports macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android and browser use. Desktop use works offline. Browser self-hosting brings the additional requirement for Python 3.12 or newer, Node.js 18 or newer and Git.

Who it's for

OpenDraft suits screenwriters who want story-planning tools, screenplay formatting, version history and production tagging without a subscription, and who prefer projects stored locally. It is also a fit for writers who value offline desktop work and can connect when they need live collaboration. Writers who require live collaboration while offline, or who do not want to manage the stated browser self-hosting prerequisites, should consider another setup.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free forever, MIT-licensed, with no account, subscription or feature gates.
• Local project files, offline desktop use and stated zero tracking, analytics and data collection support a privacy-conscious workflow.
• Planning tools, Git-based revision history and production tags cover work from story organization through breakdown.
• Imports and exports across several screenplay formats, with PDF and DOCX export and automatic backups.

Cons

• Live collaboration and update checks require internet access, so offline use does not extend to real-time teamwork.
• Browser self-hosting requires Python, Node.js and Git, which adds setup work for users choosing that route.
• Support is through GitHub Issues and community discussions, rather than a stated direct support channel.

Alternatives

Choose Celtx if a cloud-based editor and real-time collaboration are priorities: its free plan includes one project, and it also offers a free trial. Choose Revision Screenwriter if you want a free tool across desktop, mobile and web; its free plan has no listed project or length limits.

ScreenWeaver is another free screenwriting option. Story Architect is worth considering if you want a free plan and trial; its maker describes it as open core, with some features closed source and commercial. WriterDuet offers a free plan limited to three projects. Arc Studio Pro has a free plan for two scripts with watermarked PDF export. DramaQueen offers a free plan with no restriction on project number or length. Scriptum is another free, open-source screenwriting application.

Verdict

OpenDraft is the right choice for screenwriters who want planning, revision tracking and production tools in a free app that keeps projects local and works offline on desktop. Its combination of those tools and no-cost, no-account use is compelling; look elsewhere if your collaboration must remain live without an internet connection.