Q: What is Screeniq Screenwriter?

Screeniq Screenwriter is a complete, web-based screenwriting software package.

Q: How much does it cost?

Screenwriter is absolutely free to use. You will have to sign up first though to use it.

Q: What do I need to run it?

A modern web browser will work just fine. Chances are, if you're reading this, then you can use Screenwriter.

Screenwriter has been tested and will run with the latest versions of Firefox, Opera, Safari, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer, although some features may not work so well with IE, and support for Chrome is still experimental. We recommend using Firefox. Javascript must be enabled in your browser in order to use Screenwriter.

Adobe Flash is also needed, but this is only necessary if you wish to the Visual Thesaurus. However, we do recommend it to take advantage of it.

Q: What operating systems will this run on?

Since Screenwriter is web-based, it will run on practically any operating system. However, we do target and test with browsers on the three major ones: Windows, OS X, and Linux. If you find that it runs on any other OS, let us know and we'll add it to the list.

Q: Can I use my iPhone/Blackberry/Palm/PS3 to access Screenwriter?

Since none of us has one, we haven't been able to test this out, although it is our hope that it can be used on these platforms without any problems. If there is a high enough demand for it on smartphones such as the iPhone or Blackberry, we will look into making a lighter mobile version specially for them.

Q: Why do I have to give you my name when I register?

Your name is used as your author name. When you create a new script or a draft of a script, it will automatically use this name. So if you don't want to keep going back and changing it in every script you make, you should put your name in here. We don't ever see the names in the system.

Q: Am I signing myself up for junk mail/spam?

Absolutely not. This system is maintained separately from everything else and will not be used for anything of that nature.

Q: Do I own the scripts I make with Screenwriter?

Of course. We do not hold any stake whatsoever in any script made by Screenwriter. We want to make that very clear.

Q: Is Screenwriter ever going to go "for pay"?

No. We did originally intend to charge for it, but have settled on leaving it free. Which is also why it is now on Screenwriter's Utopia.

Q: Can anybody read my scripts? How do I know my scripts are safe?

There is no such thing as a completely secure system. Ask any expert and they will tell you. That said, nobody on staff can access or read your scripts at any time. This is intentional. We have been careful to design Screenwriter from the ground up with security in mind.

As to the security of your scripts, Screenwriter uses military-grade encryption (asymmetric AES-256) to store your scripts in many pieces in an area that no member or staff can access, let alone read. Unless you give your username and password out (which is not advised) or use a weak password, there is very little chance your scripts can be appropriated illegally.

Q: Why does it take so long to load a script?

The reason it takes so long (up to 45 seconds) to load a script is because of security. When you load a screenplay, Screenwriter decrypts pieces separately then reassembles them. We have taken every effort to make this as fast as possible without compromising security, and hope to get this time down even further.

Q: How many scripts can I have?

As many as you like. There is no limit.

Q: What other screenplay formats do you support?

Currently, we support Final Draft and Movie Magic. To import them, you must first save your scripts in Rich Text (RTF) format, then use the Import feature on the File menu on Screenwriter.

Screenwriter also supports a format called ScreenML (short for Screenplay Markup Language), which is a special, open format created by Screeniq for use in all of their products.

Q: Does it have a spell check? What languages does it support?

A spell check tool is included, and it supports 14 languages.

Q: I've finished my script, now how do I get it out?

Screenwriter can export your script in Adobe PDF format, which is the industry standard, as well as ScreenML. You can also e-mail a PDF to yourself or others from within Screenwriter also.

Q: Where's the manual?

A manual for Screenwriter is currently being written. As with any kind of software that can be even moderately complex, this can take some time. Please be patient as the manual is being written for both online and offline use in multiple formats.

Q: What is Screeniq Systems?

Screeniq Systems is a separate company that develops Screenwriter and a whole host of other neat filmmaking software, both for the web and desktops. They have donated Screenwriter to the community to use under the auspices of Screenwriter's Utopia.

Q: I work for a film school. Is it possible to use Screenwriter here?

This version is absolutely free to use for anybody. However, Screeniq does have a specialized version dedicated for use inside of educational institutions on their own networks. If you are interested in licensing it for that use, you can contact us for details.