Screenwriting

Trelby – feature-rich screenwriting program

Trelby is open source feature-rich screenplay writing software that’s simple and easy to use.

Trelby divides a screenplay into a long list of elements, each with a specific element style. The available element styles are: Scene, Action, Character, Dialogue, Parenthetical, Transition, Shot, and Note.

The software features a no-distraction fullscreen writing mode.

Features include:

  • Screenplay editor: Enforces correct script format and pagination, auto-completion, and spell checking.
  • Multiple views:
    • Draft view – has the advantage that you see only the actual words you have written without page-break related formatting distractions. It is also the fastest mode, and allows more lines to be viewed.
    • WYSIWYG mode.
    • Full screen to suit your writing style.
    • Overview – small.
    • Overview – large.
  • Name database: Character name database containing over 200,000 names from various countries.
  • Reporting: Scene/location/character/dialogue reports.
  • Compare: Ability to compare scripts, so you know what changed between versions.
  • Import: Formatted text, Final Draft XML (.fdx), Fountain, Adobe Story, Fade In Pro, and Celtx.
  • Export: PDF, formatted text, HTML, RTF, Final Draft XML (.fdx), Fountain. There’s also watermarked PDF export.
  • PDF: Built-in, highly configurable PDF generator. Supports embedding your chosen font.
  • Undo/redo.
  • Non-breaking space support.
  • Unicode filenames are supported.
  • Dual mouse and keyboard selection. Trelby’s selection was written with the keyboard in mind.
  • Cross-platform support – runs under Linux and Windows, behaving identically on all platforms, generating the exact same output.

Website: www.trelby.org
Support: Manual
Developer: Trelby developers
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

Trelby was previously developed by a different author under the name Blyte, starting life as commercial software but subsequently released under an open source license.

Trelby

Trelby is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to Script Writing


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Please read our Comment FAQ before posting a comment.

3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
age of gar
age of gar
1 year ago

I’m here looking for alternatives because Trelby hasn’t been updated in forever and does’nt seem to install on later Ubuntu versions. I’ll be happy when the developers can give us a new package that works !

Mel
Mel
1 year ago
Reply to  age of gar

Trelby installs fine on Arch.