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Head-to-head · Screenwriting Software

Screenwriter-mode vs OpenDraft

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Screenwriter-mode #5 in Screenwriting Software —/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit site
Higher score OpenDraft #6 in Screenwriting Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit OpenDraft

Screenwriter-mode leads on 0 checks, OpenDraft on 3, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreOpenDraft · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresOpenDraft · 4 of 4

Our editors rank Screenwriter-mode at #5 and OpenDraft at #6 for screenwriting software; Screenwriter-mode has no rubric score yet (facts researched, not yet scored), so the checks below decide.

OpenDraft offers real-time collaboration; Screenwriter-mode doesn't publish it. OpenDraft offers offline mode; Screenwriter-mode doesn't publish it. OpenDraft offers revision tracking; Screenwriter-mode doesn't publish it.

Screenwriter-mode is the better fit for plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools. OpenDraft is the better fit for free, full-platform collaborative screenwriting.

  • Screenwriter-mode fits best

    Plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools

  • OpenDraft fits best

    Free, full-platform collaborative screenwriting

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Side by side

Feature Screenwriter-mode —/10 Visit ↗ OpenDraft 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score — 9.0
Ranking #5 in Screenwriting Software #6 in Screenwriting Software
Best for Plain-text writers using lightweight desktop tools Free, full-platform collaborative screenwriting
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Docs Community, Docs
Integrations 1 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Screenwriter-mode 1/4 · OpenDraft 4/4
Real-time collaboration Not published ✓ (best)
Offline mode Not published ✓ (best)
Revision tracking Not published ✓ (best)
Production breakdown tools ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms Linux, macOS, Windows macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android, browser
Export formats PDF, .screenplay, .scp, .org PDF, Microsoft Word (.docx), Final Draft (.fdx), Fountain (.fountain), Fade In (.fadein), Open Screenplay Format (.osf), OpenDraft (.odraft)
Our review
Pros
  • Free and cross-platform on Linux, macOS, and Windows
  • Core screenplay formatting with automatic .scp and .screenplay activation
  • Character, location, scheduling, and production-oriented reports
  • Professional screenplay formatting with beat boards and index cards
  • Real-time collaboration, permissions, version history, and track changes
  • Broad platform support with imports, exports, and production tagging
Cons
  • Requires comfort with GNU Emacs and command-line tools
  • Collaboration features are outside its stated focus
  • Revision and publishing capabilities are limited in scope
  • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of simple drafting
  • Production tagging is geared toward workflows beyond writing alone
  • Self-hosting requires managing the deployment environment
Our verdict

Screenwriter-mode is a screenplay-formatting plug-in for GNU Emacs, aimed at writers and production users who are comfortable working with Emacs and command-line tools. It supports slug lines, action, dialogue, and transitions, while…

Read the review →

OpenDraft is a free, open-source screenwriting application for writers, collaborators, and production-focused teams. It combines an industry-standard screenplay editor with beat boards, drag-and-drop index cards, character profiles,…

Read the review →
  1. Screenwriter-modeScreenwriting Software —Free plan
  2. OpenDraftScreenwriting Software 9.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Screenwriter-mode — where it wins

    • Free and cross-platform on Linux, macOS, and Windows
    • Core screenplay formatting with automatic .scp and .screenplay activation
    • Character, location, scheduling, and production-oriented reports

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires comfort with GNU Emacs and command-line tools
    • Collaboration features are outside its stated focus
    • Revision and publishing capabilities are limited in scope

  • OpenDraft — where it wins

    • Professional screenplay formatting with beat boards and index cards
    • Real-time collaboration, permissions, version history, and track changes
    • Broad platform support with imports, exports, and production tagging

    Where it doesn't

    • Its broad feature set may exceed the needs of simple drafting
    • Production tagging is geared toward workflows beyond writing alone
    • Self-hosting requires managing the deployment environment
  • Screenwriter-mode—/10 · Free plan

    A free, plain-text screenplay tool for writers comfortable with GNU Emacs.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • OpenDraft9.0/10 · Free plan

    A broad, no-cost screenwriting suite for writing, collaboration, revisions, and production planning.

    Visit OpenDraftFull verdict →

More comparisons

All screenwriting software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on screenwriting software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026