Freedom251 › Screenwriting Software
TalkingDraft
What TalkingDraft is
TalkingDraft is screenwriting dictation software for screenwriters and playwrights who want to create a first draft by speaking dialogue and action. During dictation, number keys 1–9 assign dialogue speakers and 0 marks action lines. The free outliner includes story-structure guides and a beatsheet calculator; users can export outline text or download a transcript as a text file for import into screenwriting software. The maker lists compatibility with Final Draft, Fade In, WriterDuet, Highland, Trelby, ArcStudio, StudioBinder, Squibler, Storyist, and other screenwriting apps. Transcription is listed for 21 languages. 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 data is encrypted in transit and kept in separate isolated systems. The free tier allows up to three stories before a referral link is needed for more. Premium plans offer 99% transcription accuracy, with one-time and recurring options.
Who it suits
TalkingDraft suits screenwriters and playwrights who prefer speaking early scene drafts and organizing story beats before polishing. It may fit writers who use compatible screenwriting apps and can work within the free story limit or choose a paid option.
What it does well
- Number keys label speakers and action lines while dictating.
- Free outliner includes story guides and a beatsheet calculator.
- Exports outlines and transcripts as text files.
- Standard transcription runs in the user's browser.
- Transcription support is listed for 21 languages.
What to know first
- Free tier is limited to three stories before referral sharing.
- Transitions and parentheticals are left for users to add.
- Offline desktop version is still in development.
Limits
The Free plan allows up to three stories; sharing a referral link unlocks more. Its standard transcription is described as up to 90%+ accuracy. Paid transcription is described as 99% accuracy; one-time bundles begin at 3.00 USD for 100 extra minutes, while Premium begins at $9 a month.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Unlimited standard transcription · up to 3 stories, then referral required · free outliner · beatsheet calculator · formatted export | Free |
| 100 extra premium minutes | 100 minutes · about 50 pages · 99% accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x speed | $3, paid once |
| Pay-as-you-pro: 100 extra minutes | 100 extra minutes ~ 50 pages · 99% transcription accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x faster processing | $3, paid once |
| 300 extra premium minutes | 300 minutes · about 150 pages · 99% accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x speed | $6, paid once |
| Pay-as-you-pro: 300 extra minutes | 300 extra minutes ~ 150 pages · 99% transcription accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x faster processing | $6, paid once |
| Premium yearly | yearly · 99% accuracy · improved punctuation · 10x processing speed · unlimited stories · saves $40.88 | $79 a year |
| 500 extra premium minutes | 500 minutes · about 250 pages · 99% accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x speed | $8, paid once |
| Pay-as-you-pro: 500 extra minutes | 500 extra minutes ~ 250 pages · 99% transcription accuracy · pro punctuation · 10x faster processing | $8, paid once |
The first 8 of 9 plans, as talkingdraft.com lists them, read 15 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word. Every plan
Getting started
- Visit the TalkingDraft website.
- Use TalkingDraft on the web or in a mobile browser.
- Start with the Free plan or choose a paid plan.
- Dictate dialogue and action, using 1–9 for speakers and 0 for action lines.
- Download the outline or transcript as a TXT file for import into a screenwriting app.
Verdict
TalkingDraft focuses on spoken first drafts, with an outliner and text exports for further screenwriting work. Writers should note the free story limit and that transitions and parentheticals remain for later editing.
Questions
Is TalkingDraft free?
Yes. The Free plan costs nothing and includes unlimited standard transcription, the free outliner and formatted script export.
What does the free plan limit?
It allows up to three stories. Users can share a referral link to unlock more stories.
What paid plans are available?
One-time bundles cost 3.00 USD for 100 extra minutes, 6.00 USD for 300 minutes and 8.00 USD for 500 minutes. Premium costs $9 a month or $79 a year.
Which platforms can I use?
TalkingDraft is listed for web and mobile browser use. Offline mode is unavailable; a local desktop version is described as in development.
Can I move my work into screenwriting software?
Yes. Outlines and transcripts can be downloaded as TXT files, and the maker lists compatibility with apps including Final Draft, Fade In, WriterDuet, Highland and Trelby.
How does TalkingDraft handle writing and audio?
The maker says writing and audio are not used to train AI, and data is encrypted in transit and stored in separate isolated systems. Standard transcription runs in the user's browser; premium transcription is handled by a vendor under a contractual data processing opt-out.
Facts from TalkingDraft's own pages
- AI data policy
- The maker says user speech, writing, recordings, scripts and outlines are not used to train AI models. · talkingdraft.com, 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. · talkingdraft.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Audio playback
- Recorded scene audio can be replayed in the app and downloaded from its audio player. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Authentication security
- Authentication uses Google Firebase, with short-lived session tokens, server-side validation and no TalkingDraft-held passwords. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Beatsheet calculator
- The beatsheet calculator adjusts target lengths for story sections, sequences, acts and beats. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Company founder
- Stage 32 identifies Fred Gooltz as the founder of TalkingDraft.com and describes him as a playwright, screenwriter and development coordinator. · stage32.com, 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. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Desktop status
- A desktop application using local speech-to-text without internet is described as forthcoming and available through a waitlist. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Editing scope
- The maker says transitions and parentheticals are left for users to add in their screenwriting or polishing app. · talkingdraft.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Export
- Users can download an outline or transcript as a text file for import into screenwriting software. · talkingdraft.com, 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. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- TalkingDraft documents a Parsable Script Format for exchanging story data with third-party software and backing up stories locally. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Flexible casting
- Character names can be saved and reused across scenes, with scene-specific speaker assignments. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Los Angeles · talkingdraft.com, 28 Sept 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. · talkingdraft.com, 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. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Licence
- The terms explicitly state that the client software is not open source and may not be duplicated or modified. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: editing scope
- The help center says substantial polishing, including transitions and parentheticals, is intended to happen in another screenwriting application. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: formatting omissions
- Stage 32 advises omitting transitions, parentheticals and location slugs during dictation so they can be handled later. · stage32.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: free story cap
- Free accounts can create three stories before referral sharing is required to unlock more stories. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: requires planning
- Stage 32 recommends a tight scene-by-scene beatsheet and page targets before recording to prevent rambling. · stage32.com, 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. · stage32.com, 15 Oct 2026
- Limits
- The free tier allows up to three stories before users must share a referral link to unlock unlimited stories. · talkingdraft.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Limit: service warranties
- The terms disclaim promises about reliability, completeness, accuracy, availability and security, with discontinuing use as the stated remedy. · talkingdraft.com, 15 Oct 2026
Where TalkingDraft stands on Freedom251
- Screenwriting Software#17 of 27