Trelby review
A capable free option for individual writers who need structured screenplay formatting.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Trelby is a free, open-source desktop application for writing screenplays. It is aimed at individual screenwriters and open-source contributors who want structured formatting without a subscription. The core writing tools include screenplay formatting, automatic pagination, autocomplete, spell checking, draft, WYSIWYG, and fullscreen views. A character-name database with more than 200,000 names adds support during drafting, while reports cover scenes, locations, characters, and dialogue. Script comparison helps identify revisions as a draft changes.
Pricing is straightforward: Trelby is available as free, open-source software rather than as a product with paid plans. That makes its full stated feature set accessible without comparing plan limits or deciding which tier adds essential tools. PDF generation is configurable and can include watermarks, while export options include PDF, RTF, formatted ASCII, HTML, Final Draft XML, and Fountain. Import support covers Final Draft XML, Celtx, Fountain, Adobe Story, and Fade In Pro, giving writers several routes for bringing existing scripts into the application.
Its strongest fit is a solo writer who values desktop access, standard screenplay structure, revision comparison, and format flexibility across Windows, Linux, and a listed macOS release. The vendor’s current download page lists Windows, macOS, and Linux for version 2.4, while the FAQ describes Mac as unsupported, so macOS users should review the current release information before selecting it. Trelby is less suitable for production teams seeking collaboration or advanced production-management features. Choose it for focused individual writing and practical file interchange; consider another option when shared workflows or production breakdowns are central requirements.
Trelby pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source with no paid tier barrier
- Screenplay formatting, automatic pagination, and multiple writing views
- Imports and exports across major screenplay formats
- Where it doesn't
- Collaboration features are not part of its stated focus
- Production-management features are not part of its stated focus
- macOS availability is described differently across vendor pages
Trelby fact sheet, pricing and score →
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