Trelby

What Trelby is

Trelby is a free, open source program for writing movie screenplays. Its editor applies screenplay formatting and pagination, with auto-completion and spell checking for drafting. Writers can work in draft, WYSIWYG, or fullscreen views. A character name database contains over 200,000 names from various countries. Reports can cover scenes, locations, characters, and dialogue, and script comparison shows changes between versions.

Trelby imports screenplay-formatted text, Final Draft XML, Celtx, Fountain, Adobe Story, and Fade In Pro files. It exports PDF, formatted text, HTML, RTF, Final Draft XML, and Fountain. Its configurable PDF generator can embed a chosen font and add custom watermarks. The program supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. The download page lists Trelby v2.4 and 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. Trelby is licensed under the GPL, and Gwyn Ciesla is listed as its maintainer.

Who it suits

Trelby suits screenwriters who want a dedicated editor that handles screenplay layout and pagination. It also fits writers who need to import or export several screenplay formats, compare script versions, and use a free, GPL-licensed program on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Getting started

1. Visit https://trelby.org/.
2. Choose an installation route for Windows, macOS, or Linux from the download page.
3. Install using a listed option such as PyPI, Fedora, Debian/Ubuntu, Flatpak, or the generic tarball.
4. Start a screenplay or import a supported format.
5. Use the FAQ or GitHub issue tracker for support.

Verdict

Choose Trelby if you want a free, open source screenplay editor with formatting, script comparison, and broad import and export support. Its PDF tools can embed a selected font and add a watermark. The project directs users to its FAQ and GitHub issue tracker for support.