Question 1

Does table read send my script to a server?

Accepted Answer

No. Table read only uses voices built into your device. Cloud voices are hidden, so your script never leaves your computer.

Question 2

Can I open a production draft on the free plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Locked pages, A pages, scene numbers, revision colors and asterisks from Final Draft open and export exactly as they came in. Pro is only needed to start new revision passes, lock pages or tag elements.

Question 3

Can I export character sides?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pick a character and download a sides PDF with their full scenes and cues, or a dialogue-only PDF with just their lines.

Question 4

Is it really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Writing, importing and focus mode are free with no account. A free account adds exports, the Timestamped Draft Certificate and one co-writing room. Pro adds unlimited rooms, encrypted sync, draft history and production tools, all unlocked for everyone during our launch preview.

Question 5

How is BlockReel Writer free?

Accepted Answer

BlockReel is built to support independent filmmakers from the first page to the screen. Pro subscriptions, the Script Lab and our other services pay for our readers, our servers and our team, which is how writing, formatting and exporting stay free for everyone. We don't sell data, we don't run ads, and we never train AI on your scripts.

Question 6

What happens when the preview ends?

Accepted Answer

Pro becomes $5/month or $48/year. You’ll get at least 30 days’ notice, and you’ll always be able to open and export your scripts, tags and history.

Question 7

What is the Founding Writer lifetime pass?

Accepted Answer

Founding Writer pass: lifetime Pro, one-time $145. Every current and future Pro feature of BlockReel Writer, for the first 500 writers. Add-ons that cost us per use are billed separately.

Question 8

Can I install it like desktop software?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use Install app to give BlockReel Writer its own icon and window on your computer or phone. Your scripts stay in the same place, and once you've opened it, the editor keeps working without an internet connection.

Question 9

Do my co-writers need Pro to write with me?

Accepted Answer

No. A free account includes one co-writing room, and Pro adds unlimited rooms. Anyone with your invite link can join and write with you for free.

Question 10

Does it use AI?

Accepted Answer

No AI writes, judges or trains on your script. Optional voice dictation uses your browser's speech service, only when you turn it on.

Question 11

Can I import and export Final Draft and Fountain files?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Import .fdx and .fountain files, and export PDF, Final Draft (.fdx) and Fountain with a free account. Your formatting, scene headings and character cues come with you.

Question 12

Will my page count match Final Draft?

Accepted Answer

Designed to match. Pagination follows Final Draft's rules, and imported .fdx files keep their own page settings.

Question 13

How is my script protected?

Accepted Answer

Sync is end-to-end (zero-knowledge) encrypted with your passphrase, so BlockReel only stores scrambled data. Timestamped Draft Certificates use the RFC 3161 standard from an independent timestamp authority.

Question 14

Can I make production breakdowns?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tag elements by department and export One-liner, Breakdown and department CSVs whose scene numbers and pages match your PDF.

Question 15

Where is my script saved?

Accepted Answer

By default, in your browser on your device, with no account needed. Clearing browser data removes it, so export a copy regularly. For automatic backup across devices, Writer Pro adds end-to-end encrypted cloud sync.

Question 16

How does encrypted cloud sync work, and how is it different?

Accepted Answer

Writers usually have to pick between two compromises. Local-only files stay private, but a failed drive, a lost laptop or cleared browser storage can wipe out your work. Standard cloud sync works across devices, but your script sits readable on a company's servers, exposed to breaches, staff access or AI training. Writer Pro uses zero-knowledge encryption, the same approach used by password managers and private messaging apps. Before your script leaves your computer, your browser encrypts it with AES-256 using a passphrase only you know. Our servers store only encrypted script contents (titles included), we never hold your key, and we cannot read your script or train AI on it. On another device, your passphrase unlocks your library locally. Keep your recovery key safe: if you lose both it and your passphrase, nobody, including BlockReel, can recover your synced scripts.

Question 17

Does a Timestamped Draft Certificate prove I own the script?

Accepted Answer

It shows this exact draft existed at a given time. It does not register copyright or prove authorship on its own.

Write for free. Your script stays yours.