What is Trelby?
Trelby is a free, open-source screenwriting software designed to simplify and streamline the screenwriting process. Released in 2012 as an update and rebrand of the earlier software Blyte, Trelby offers a robust set of features that cater to screenwriters of all levels.
Key Features and Functionality
Screenplay Formatting and Automation
Trelby automates the screenplay formatting process, ensuring that your script adheres to industry standards. It recognizes and formats key screenplay elements such as scenes, characters, and dialogue automatically. For example, typing “int.” or “ext.” will automatically change the element to a Scene heading, and the software will adjust the case and punctuation accordingly.
Customizable Interface and Shortcuts
Trelby allows for extensive customization, including the ability to change keyboard shortcuts, page size, margins, indentation, and the look of different element types. Users can configure the software to fit their writing preferences, making the writing experience more efficient.
Multiplatform Support
Trelby is multiplatform, supporting both Windows and Linux, and ensures that the output is identical across all platforms. This consistency makes it a reliable tool for writers working on different operating systems.
Advanced Writing Tools
- Auto Completion: Trelby features auto-completion and typing intelligence, such as automatically changing the case of the first letter of every sentence and converting “( ” into a Parenthetical element.
- Fullscreen Mode: The software includes a no-distraction fullscreen writing mode, accessible by pressing F11, to enhance the writing experience.
- Dual Dialogues and Selection: Trelby supports dual mouse and keyboard selection, allowing for precise and easy selection of text across multiple scenes and pages.
Import and Export Capabilities
Trelby is highly compatible with various file formats, including Final Draft XML (.fdx), Celtx (.celtx), Fountain (.fountain), Adobe Story (.astx), and Fade In Pro (.fadein). It also supports exporting to PDF, formatted text, HTML, RTF, and other formats, making collaboration with other writers and production teams seamless.
Reporting and Analysis
The software generates useful filmmaking reports, such as scene, location, character, and dialogue reports, which are invaluable for planning and coordinating resources during pre-production.
Version Tracking and Comparison
Trelby includes features for version tracking and script comparison, allowing writers to see the changes made between different drafts and revert to earlier versions if needed.
Additional Features
- Character Name Database: Trelby comes with a character name database containing over 200,000 names from various countries.
- Spell Check and Statistics: The software includes built-in spell checking and statistical analysis tools.
- PDF Generation: Trelby has a highly configurable PDF generator that supports embedding custom fonts and adding watermarks to the pages of your screenplay.
Community and Development
Trelby is open-source, licensed under the GPL, which means it is free to use and contribute to. The community is active, and users can get involved in the development process to make the software even more useful.
In summary, Trelby is a powerful, free, and customizable screenwriting tool that automates formatting, offers advanced writing features, and supports a wide range of file formats and reporting capabilities, making it an excellent choice for screenwriters and filmmakers.