Screenwriting software has become bloated. Somewhere along the way, tools meant to help us write became obstacles to writing. We wanted to get back to basics — just you, your words, and a cup of coffee.
The best writing tool is the one you forget you're using.
The Problem with Modern Screenwriting Software
Every screenwriting tool we tried came with the same issues. Complicated interfaces with dozens of buttons you'll never click. Expensive subscriptions that punish you for taking a break. Proprietary file formats that hold your words hostage. Features designed for studios, not writers.
We didn't need storyboarding. We didn't need production breakdowns. We didn't need cloud collaboration with 47 team members.
We just wanted to write.
Note
The average screenwriter uses maybe 10% of their software's features. The other 90% is clutter — visual noise that pulls focus from the only thing that matters: the page.
Back to Basics
CoffeeDraft started with a simple question: what if screenwriting software got out of your way?
What if you could just open a browser and start writing? What if formatting happened automatically as you type? What if there was nothing to learn, nothing to configure, nothing between you and your story?
That's the experience we built.
The Fountain Philosophy
We built CoffeeDraft around the Fountain format — a plain text markup that's human-readable and universally compatible.
Your scripts are never locked into our system. They're just text files you can open anywhere, anytime, forever.
No proprietary formats. No forced exports. No "please upgrade to access your own work." Fountain files are yours. Period.
Tip
Fountain files are just .txt files with screenplay formatting. You can write them in any text editor, read them without special software, and they'll still be readable in 50 years. Try saying that about .fdx files.
Privacy First
Here's something radical: we don't want your data.
CoffeeDraft stores everything locally in your browser. Your scripts never touch our servers. We can't read your work. We can't sell your work. We can't lose your work in a data breach.
Your stories belong to you. Not to us. Not to the cloud. Just you.
Warning
Local storage means your scripts live on your device. Export regularly and keep backups. We give you the freedom — you take the responsibility.
Why "CoffeeDraft"?
The best writing happens in coffee shops. There's something about the ambient noise, the smell of fresh brew, and the change of scenery that unlocks creativity.
Writers have known this for centuries. Hemingway wrote in cafés. J.K. Rowling wrote in cafés. You've probably had your best ideas in cafés.
A coffee shop is a place where you give yourself permission to write. CoffeeDraft is that permission, anywhere you go.
We wanted to capture that feeling in a tool. The warmth. The focus. The sense that this moment is for writing and nothing else.
That's why the interface is dark and minimal. That's why there are no distractions. That's why it feels like settling into your favorite corner table with a fresh cup and an empty page.
What's Next
We're committed to keeping CoffeeDraft simple, fast, and free.
No bloat — every feature must earn its place. No subscriptions — writing shouldn't require a monthly fee. No lock-in — your work is always yours to take.
This isn't a business model. It's a philosophy. Good tools should help you create, not extract value from your creativity.
Note
CoffeeDraft will always have a free, fully-functional version. We believe every writer deserves access to professional tools, regardless of budget.
Start Writing
You've read enough. The manifesto is over. The tool is ready.
Open CoffeeDraft. Pour yourself a coffee. Write something.
The screenplay you've been putting off? Today's the day. The cursor is blinking. The page is waiting. Go.