Trelby

Q: Is there a Trelby online version?

No. Trelby is a desktop program. trelby.org lists downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux, and no web app.

Q: Is Trelby free?

Yes, completely. It is free software under the GPL-3.0 license, with no paid tier.

Q: Is Trelby still updated?

Yes. Version 2.4.16.2 was released on 3 October 2025.

Q: Does Trelby work on Mac?

Yes. Install version 2.4 on macOS with pip, which needs Python 3.9 or newer.

Q: Can Trelby open Final Draft files?

Yes. It imports and exports Final Draft XML, and also handles Fountain.

Free, open source screenwriting program for Windows, macOS and Linux.

FreeOpen source, GPLDesktop only

Visit trelby.org ↗Last verified: 5 Nov 2026

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FreeGPL-3.0

2.4.16.2Latest, Oct 2025

200,000+Names database

NoWeb version

The short version

What is Trelby, and is there an online version?

Trelby is a free, open source screenwriting program that you install on Windows, macOS or Linux. There is no browser version. trelby.org only offers desktop downloads.

Trelby is still maintained. Version 2.4.16.2 came out on 3 October 2025. You can install the current version with pip on Windows and macOS, or on Linux through Fedora, Debian and Ubuntu packages or Flatpak. The one-click Windows installer on the site is an older 2.2 release. Trelby enforces script format and pagination, and imports and exports Final Draft and Fountain files.

Bottom line: Trelby is a sound free choice for writing on one computer. If you want to write in a browser or with a co-writer, pick an alternative.

What it does

Key features

Format enforced

The editor keeps correct screenplay format and pagination, with auto-completion and spell checking.

Several views

Switch between draft, WYSIWYG and fullscreen views while you write.

Reports and compare

Scene, location, character and dialogue reports, plus a compare tool to see what changed between drafts.

Import and export

Import Final Draft XML, Celtx, Fountain, Adobe Story and Fade In. Export PDF, Final Draft XML, Fountain, HTML and RTF.

What it costs

Trelby pricing (2026)

Plan	Price	What you get
Trelby	Free	The full program, every feature, no account.
Source code	Free	GPL-3.0 licensed on GitHub. Contributions welcome.

Trelby has no paid plans. It is free software under the GPL.

Honest fit

Who it's for, who it isn't

Pick Trelby if

You want a free screenwriting app with no account
You work on Linux, or move between operating systems
You trade Final Draft or Fountain files with others
You prefer open source software

Look elsewhere if

You want to write online in a browser
You co-write in real time
You need an iPad or phone app
You want a one-click Windows installer for the newest version

What people ask

Trelby FAQ

Is there a Trelby online version?

No. Trelby is a desktop program. trelby.org lists downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux, and no web app.

Is Trelby free?

Yes, completely. It is free software under the GPL-3.0 license, with no paid tier.

Is Trelby still updated?

Yes. Version 2.4.16.2 was released on 3 October 2025.

Does Trelby work on Mac?

Yes. Install version 2.4 on macOS with pip, which needs Python 3.9 or newer.

Can Trelby open Final Draft files?

Yes. It imports and exports Final Draft XML, and also handles Fountain.

What are Trelby alternatives?

Other free and paid screenwriting apps, including online ones. See our Trelby alternatives page.

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