Your files
Local-first. Offline-capable PWA. Fountain, FDX, PDF, and plain text in and out. No lock-in.
INT. YOUR SCRIPT - NIGHT
Write the script.
Keep the script.
Free, open-source, local-first screenwriting with AI on your own API key. Your pages stay private by default.
INT. ROOFTOP GREENHOUSE - NIGHT
Rain hammers the glass. A single lamp burns.
LENA
(checking a gauge)
It held through the storm.
LENA
For one more night.
CUT TO:
Tab cycles elements · Enter advances · Courier margins like the real editor
INT. THE VAULT - CONTINUOUS
Three things you keep
Your AI
Bring your own API key. Editor tool edits are accept-or-reject. Your pages are not training data.
Your tool
Open source under AGPL. Free to write with today. The code is public and auditable.
INT. THE WRITING ROOM - DAY
Craft that stays out of your way
INT. PRODUCTION OFFICE - DAY
Production-minded formatting
White
Blue
Pink
Yellow
Green
Goldenrod
INT. THE HONEST TABLE - DAY
How Dastan compares
| Dastan | Final Draft | Arc Studio | WriterDuet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (writing) | Free | Paid license | Freemium | Subscription |
| Open source | Yes (AGPL) | No | No | No |
| Local-first / offline | Yes | Desktop | Cloud | Cloud |
| BYOK AI | Yes | No | Built-in | Built-in |
| FDX import/export | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Collaboration | Coming soon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Facts checked July 5, 2026. Prices and plans change. Verify on each vendor's site.
INT. QUESTIONS - LATER
FAQ
Is it really free?
Yes for writing. The local editor, import/export, version history, and workspace tools are free in the open-source app. Future cloud sync, managed AI, and collaboration may be paid add-ons.
Where is my script stored?
In your browser's IndexedDB on your device by default. Nothing is uploaded unless you opt into cloud features when they ship.
Does the AI train on my writing?
No. With BYOK, your browser sends prompts to your provider with your key. Dastan does not run a training pipeline on your scripts in the open-source app.
Can I open Final Draft files?
Yes. Import .fdx. Keep a backup of the original; complex production metadata may not round-trip perfectly.
What if Dastan disappears?
Export to Fountain or FDX regularly. The code is AGPL. Your formats are industry-standard.
What does AGPL mean for me as a writer?
Nothing about your scripts. You own your writing. AGPL applies to the software itself if someone redistributes modified versions.