Freedom251 › Screenwriting Software
Screenwriter-mode
What Screenwriter-mode is
Screenwriter-mode is a free GNU Emacs plug-in for writing screenplays on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its screenplay files are plain text, so they can also be read and edited in other text editors. The project recommends .scp files for individual scenes and .screenplay files for a full screenplay. While you write, the mode keeps a history of slug lines and character names for revisiting. It can also generate location and character lists formatted for Emacs Org-mode.
The included screenplay-build shell script combines .scp scenes into a preview, but the preview has no page or scene numbers. A separate screenplay-character tool finds capitalized character names with dialogue and makes a report; the report can contain false positives and needs review. The screenplay-tools suite includes production breakdown tools. The Free plan costs nothing and includes the plug-in and suite. Listed export formats are PDF, .screenplay, .scp, and .org. Windows setup has a few printer-specific exceptions in the screenplay-tools scripts.
Who it suits
It suits screenplay writers who use GNU Emacs or want plain-text files they can edit elsewhere. It is also intended for writers seeking a free tool, with versions described for Windows, Mac OS, and Unix-like systems.
What it does well
- Plain-text screenplay files work in other text editors.
- Remembers slug lines and character names.
- Combines scene files into a preview screenplay.
- Includes production breakdown tools.
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What to know first
- Preview omits page and scene numbers.
- Character reports may contain false positives.
- Windows scripts have printer-specific exceptions.
Limits
The Free plan includes the plug-in and screenplay-tools suite. Its screenplay-build preview has no page or scene numbers, and Windows users may encounter printer-specific exceptions in some scripts.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | GNU Emacs plug-in · screenplay-tools suite included | Free |
As nongnu.org lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Screenwriter-mode website for setup instructions.
- Choose the instructions for Windows, Mac OS, or a Unix-like system.
- Install or configure GNU Emacs and the plug-in using the relevant instructions.
- Use the included screenplay-tools suite for screenplay utilities.
Verdict
Screenwriter-mode brings screenplay drafting, scene previews, character reports, and production breakdown tools into a free GNU Emacs plug-in. Its plain-text files and listed platform support suit writers comfortable with Emacs and willing to review the tool-generated reports.
Questions
How much does Screenwriter-mode cost?
The Free plan costs nothing.
Which platforms does it support?
It supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What file formats can I export?
Listed formats are PDF, .screenplay, .scp, and .org.
Does it work outside GNU Emacs?
Screenwriter-mode is a GNU Emacs plug-in, but its screenplay files are plain text and can be read and edited in other text editors.
Does it include production breakdown tools?
Yes. The screenplay-tools suite is included in the Free plan.
Facts from Screenwriter-mode's own pages
- Build tool
- The included screenplay-build shell script combines .scp scene files into a preview screenplay. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Character reports
- The screenplay-character tool searches for capitalized character names with dialogue and generates a report. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Element history
- The mode remembers slug lines and character names so writers can revisit them while writing. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- File extensions
- The site recommends .scp for scene files and .screenplay for a complete screenplay. · nongnu.org, 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. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Org-mode integration
- It can provide lists of locations and characters formatted for Emacs Org-mode. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Plain-text files
- Screenplays use plain text and can be read and edited in other text editors. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Platform support
- The site describes the software as multi-platform and provides setup instructions for Windows, Mac OS, and Unix-like systems. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Preview limitation
- The screenplay-build preview does not include page numbers or scene numbers. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Report review
- The character report may include false positives, so the site advises reviewing its output. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- What it is
- Screenwriter-mode is a plug-in for GNU Emacs for writing screenplays. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Windows limitation
- The site says the screenplay-tools scripts have a few printer-specific exceptions on Windows. · nongnu.org, 9 Oct 2026
Where Screenwriter-mode stands on Freedom251
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