Top 7 Screenwriting Software Tools for Indian Writers (Free & Paid)

Screenwriting is the foundation of every great film, web series, or short. It’s where ideas are structured, dialogues are crafted, and visual worlds are built with words. But writing a screenplay isn’t just about creativity — it also requires correct formatting, version control, and clean, industry-standard presentation.

Whether you're an aspiring writer working on your first script, or a professional screenwriter preparing pitches for production houses or OTT platforms, choosing the right screenwriting software can significantly enhance your process.

This guide presents the top 7 screenwriting tools used by Indian writers in 2025, covering both free and paid options. We also include India-specific insights like writing in regional languages, exporting for production teams, and preparing for pitch submissions.

1. Final Draft (Paid)

Price: Approx. ₹17,500 (One-time license) Platform: Windows, Mac Best for: Professional screenwriters, production-ready scripts

Why It Stands Out: Final Draft remains the global industry standard, used by major studios, OTT platforms, and seasoned Indian screenwriters. It includes automatic formatting, scene navigation, revision tracking, and a Beat Board for structuring your story. Many Indian production houses accept Final Draft files directly.

Key Features:

• Hollywood-standard formatting

• Multilingual support (for Hindi, Tamil, etc., via Unicode)

• Index cards and outline mode

• Collaboration tools

Tip: If you’re pitching to Netflix, Amazon, or studios, Final Draft ensures you're using the expected professional format.

2. WriterDuet (Free & Paid)

Price: Free version available; Pro starts at approx. ₹700/month Platform: Browser-based + Desktop App (Windows, Mac) Best for: Collaborative writing, online workshops.

Why It Stands Out: WriterDuet is a powerful cloud-based screenwriting app used by co-writers, writing rooms, and online workshops. It’s ideal for writers collaborating across cities or countries — something increasingly common in India’s OTT ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaboration

• Import/export Final Draft, Celtx, PDF

• Offline writing mode (with Pro version)

• Commenting and tagging system

Tip: Perfect for writing rooms in regional content hubs like Mumbai, Hyderabad, or Kochi, where multiple co-writers work on the same show.

3. Trelby (Free)

Price: Free and open-source Platform: Windows, Linux Best for: Students, beginners, indie writers on a budget.

Why It Stands Out: Trelby is simple, lightweight, and distraction-free. While it lacks cloud syncing or mobile access, it’s completely free and follows standard screenplay formatting, making it a favorite among film school students and aspiring screenwriters in India.

Key Features:

• Automatic formatting

• Character name database

• PDF export and reports

• Fast, clutter-free interface

Tip: Trelby supports Hindi and other Indian scripts via Unicode fonts. Ideal for writers starting out or working on student films.

4. Celtx (Free & Paid)

Price: Free basic plan; Pro plans start at ₹1,200/month, approx. Platform: Browser-based + mobile apps Best for: Writers who also produce or plan shoots.

Why It Stands Out: Celtx offers more than screenwriting — it includes pre-production tools like storyboarding, budgeting, and shot listing. For indie filmmakers who write and produce their own content, Celtx is a valuable all-in-one tool.

Key Features:

• Screenplay formatting

• Cloud-based backups

• Storyboard and scheduling tools

• Real-time collaboration

Tip: Frequently used in Indian ad agencies and indie film projects for seamless transition from script to shoot.

5. Fade In (Paid)

Price: Approx. ₹6,000 (One-time license) Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android Best for: Professional writers looking for an affordable Final Draft alternative.

Why It Stands Out: Fade In offers most of the features of Final Draft at a lower price and supports both.

cloud syncing and real-time collaboration. It’s increasingly gaining traction among serious writers in India, especially those writing for both film and OTT.

Key Features:

• Auto-formatting

• Scene management

• Support for multiple languages

• Markdown support

Tip: Fade In works smoothly with Indian languages, including Devanagari and Tamil scripts, making it ideal for bilingual scripts or subtitled projects.

6. Highland 2 (Mac Only, Free & Paid)

Price: Free version available; Full version approx. ₹6,500 Platform: macOS only Best for: Apple users who prefer minimal, distraction-free writing.

Why It Stands Out: Created by Hollywood screenwriter John August, Highland 2 is a clean, modern app that focuses on writing without distractions. It uses a plain-text formatting system (Fountain), which is simple to learn.

Key Features:

• Focus mode for writing

• Drag-and-drop scene organization

• Built-in gender analysis of characters

• Exports to PDF, FDX, and HTML

Tip: Ideal for solo writers on Mac who want a sleek, easy-to-use interface and are familiar with markdown-style formatting.

7. KIT Scenarist (Free & Paid)

Price: Free basic version; Cloud Pro Plan approx. ₹500/month Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android Best for: Writers who want detailed analytics and a research hub

Why It Stands Out: KIT Scenarist is a feature-rich tool designed for screenwriters who want everything in one place — from research material to scene analytics. It’s growing in popularity in India for long-form web series writing.

Key Features:

• Scene and character analytics

• Story development board

• Multilingual support

• Local database and cloud sync

Tip: Especially useful for writers creating complex series bibles or multi-character plots.

How to Choose the Right Software

Here are some factors to consider before selecting your screenwriting tool:

1. What stage are you at?

• Beginners: Trelby, Celtx (Free), KIT Scenarist

• Intermediate: Fade In, WriterDuet

• Professional: Final Draft, Highland 2 (Mac), Celtx Pro

2. What’s your workflow?

• Solo writing: Fade In, Highland, Trelby

• Collaboration: WriterDuet, Celtx

• Full production prep: Celtx, KIT Scenarist

3. Are you writing in Indian languages?

Ensure your tool supports Unicode fonts and right-to-left script rendering where needed.

4. Do you need offline access?

Not all browser-based tools allow offline writing. Choose desktop versions if you need uninterrupted access.

A good screenplay can change lives — but only if it’s presented professionally. The right screenwriting software helps you focus on storytelling while ensuring that your script meets industry formatting standards.

At the Indian Film Institute, we mentor screenwriters, host writing labs, and collaborate with OTT platforms and producers to scout new talent. If you're serious about screenwriting, pair your tool with practical feedback and training.