11 best screenwriting apps for writing scripts on-the-go.
You’re a screenwriter with big ideas. Ideas that you often need to get down in the moment, wherever you are. This means you need the best screenwriting apps that can let you write on-the-go.
Luckily there are a number of apps out there that can do exactly this. The problem is knowing which are the best screenwriting apps to check out and which are the ones you should leave smoldering in the Mac or Google Play store.
What are the best screenwriting apps on the market?
The truth is, there are actually only a few screenwriting apps that are worth using. That’s why we’ve tried and tested most of them and come up with our selection for the very best screenwriting apps most worth your time and money.
The list below includes screenwriting apps for Mac users and screenplay writing apps for Android users.
We’ve also not just included apps for writing on, but also to read scripts on and even to hear them read aloud on. (The screenwriting apps are listed in alphabetical order, not in order of merit.)
Our top 11 best screenwriting apps.
1. Fade In.
Fade In was one of the five that made it onto our list of the five best screenwriting software and their script writing app version doesn’t disappoint. Just like the desktop version, Fade In Mobile is less prone to crashing and glitchy display problems found in other screenwriting apps.
You can download and try it out a demo version for free. While the demo doesn’t provide the full range of features available in the paid version, it does offer basic viewing and editing functionality for reading and writing on the go.
Price: Free / $4.99
Compatibility: iOS / Android
Download Fade In Mobile screenwriting app >>
2. WriterDuet.
This screenwriting app from WriterDuet works in the same way as their desktop version which made it onto our list of the best screenwriting software on the market. Just like the Celtx app, it’s cloud-based with automatic backups, making it really easy for writers collaborating on a script to share and edit in real-time.
It’s also really easy to use all around, allowing you to focus on the story without worrying about formatting and switching between various elements such as action lines and dialogue.
Price: Free
Compatibility: iOS / Android
Download WriterDuet screenwriting app >>
3. Arc Studio.
This screenwriting app from Arc Studio allows screenwriters never to miss a creative moment. Writers can write online or offline with automatic cloud-based backups. You’ll never have to worry about losing data again.
Now you can write seamlessly from anywhere, and it’s also straightforward to use. The app includes all the features available to the browser and desktop versions and is included with the Essentials and Pro plans for free.
Price: Free with the Essentials and Pro plans
Compatibility: iOS
Download Arc Studio Mobile app >>
4. Final Draft.
The Final Draft app is a portable version of the best-selling screenwriting software, in which you can write and share scripts across multiple platforms using iCloud or Dropbox.
It’s great to use (just like the full desktop version) as you can navigate about the script using the tab and enter keys with ease, and contains many of the same features, such as SmartType, Scriptnotes, Character Highlight, etc.
Price: $9.99
Compatibility: iOS
Download Final Draft Mobile app >>
5. Slugline.
If you want a film script writing app that’s completely distraction-free, without all the bells and whistles that come with fancier products, then this is the one for you. Slugline sticks to the basics: minimal tabbing, automatic formatting, integrated outlining and a super clean design.
This is the highest-rated screenplay app in the Apple store and also comes with a few templates, such as the Save the Cat Beat Sheet. Probably one of the best movie script writing apps when it comes to design.
Price: $19.99
Compatibility: iOS
Download Slugline screenwriting app >>
6. Storyist.
This may be the best screenplay app to go for if you also write novels. It’s a pretty powerful piece of software that’s ideal for writing and editing not just screenplays but manuscripts as well.
The best thing about using this app is how organized it is. With just a few taps, you can access any script or novel, or any part of it, conveniently from your mobile device. While it’s not as popular as some of the bigger screenplay writing apps, it’s cheap and does what it says it does.
Price: $19.99
Compatibility: iOS
Download Storyist screenwriting app >>
7. Script Speaker.
Hearing your script read aloud can be a useful way of picking up things you might miss through reading alone and is the next best thing to having a table read.
Price: $5.00 per month
Compatibility: Desktop but can download mp3 to listen on-the-go. (iOS and Android in development.)
Download Script Speaker screenwriting app >>
8. Index Card.
While you’re in the plotting stage of your screenplay, use this screenplay app to organize your ideas and scenes on index cards just like you would on a real cork board.
We’ve tried various screenwriting apps with similar features and Index Card definitely comes out on top for its ease of use and design. The only downside is its compatibility is limited as it’s only available for iPad users.
Price: $4.99
Compatibility: iOS
Download Index Card script writing app >>
9. Contour.
Developed by Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, Jeffrey Alan Schechter, Contour is probably the best screenplay app for helping writers take an idea and develop it into a fully fleshed-out outline.
While its “fill-in-the-blanks” approach, may put some writers off, others will find it pretty effective at guiding their story down the right path. It does this by asking questions about the protagonist and what they want etc. so you have a better idea of what elements to include in the outline and hopefully never be left wondering “what comes next?” again.
Price: $12.99
Compatibility: iOS
Download Contour screenwriting app >>
10. Celtx.
Celtx’s main selling point is that writers are able to collaborate on a script in real-time. This is due to the cloud-based nature of the software and you’re able to do this for free using the mobile version too.
This Celtx app is equally popular among Apple and Android users and lets them write formatted scripts, automatically sync, collaborate with their partners and take advantage of free online backups and storage.
Price: Free
Compatibility: iOS / Android
Download Celtx screenwriting app >>
11. Weekend Read.
Developed by screenwriter John August, this script writing app is designed purely for reading screenplays rather than writing them and it does the job just perfectly. Now you’re finally able to upload a PDF and read it on your mobile device, as well as Final Draft, Plain Text and Fountain files.
Weekend Read also comes with a host of great features not found in all movie script writing apps, including the ability to change the text size and font, highlight characters, search and read in “dark mode.” Definitely the best screenwriting app for reading scripts rather than writing them.
Price: Free / $9.99 (unlocked)
Compatibility: iOS
Download Weekend Read script writing app >>
Top 11 best screenwriting apps: conclusion.
That’s our roundup of the best screenwriting apps out there, so now you have absolutely zero excuses to not write while you’re out and about. Also, remember to let us know in the comments section below about the best apps for screenwriting you think we’ve missed out.
Liked this post? Find more of the best screenwriting apps and software…
12 Best Free Screenwriting Software for Writers
Screenwriting Software: The 5 Best Screenwriting Programs Compared
3 Awesome Final Draft Software Tricks We Learned From an Insider
[© Photo credits: Unsplash]
Video scripted apps
Hey man, thanks for the list!! Can u suggest me a screen writing app with voice recording… It’s better if I narrate my script than to write it!!
Celtx is really amazing. I’ll have to explore WriterDuet. I need to see what’s in there for me.
Wow, the apple dominance is… Interesting.
I need to get an iPhone now.
Final Draft sucks!
Just got Contour — what a great app thanks for the suggestion.
You’re welcome, Tristan!
Do you know of any screenwriting apps that can import Microsoft Word screenplays? If you know of any please share.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing these apps, I’ve been using Final Draft laptop version but found myself wanting to work on my script on my morning commute but dont want to get my laptop out on the train, there is no space. Thanks.
Thanks, Marvin!
Nice list.
Thanks, Emma!
Where can I find your phone number to speak to one of your readers?
We don’t have one but you can book a consultancy call here.
WriterDuet is the best screenwriting program for desktop or writing on the go imo.
It’s a great program, yes 🙂
hi sir
do you translate screenplays?
it is an action romance and is written in hindi
Sorry, no, we don’t translate scripts.
Thanks a bunch for sharing this.
Thanks, Cali!
Do you mind if I send you my script to review. I know time is money but I don’t have any money to pay you.
Sorry, we don’t offer free script reviews.
Do you have any feedback on Trelby, the free opensource scriptwriting program?
Trelby is featured in this post on the best free screenwriting software.
I like this thank u. for me its a toss up between fade in and writer duet.
They’re both good options, thanks, Katrina!
did u try all these apps?
Yes.
That is a really good list thank you for sharing Script reader Pro!
You’re welcome, Thurston!
You’ve saved me a lot of research on finding the best screenwriting app for me so thank you very much. God bless.
Thanks for the shout out, Sharni!
Can you use Celtx app just like the proper program or how is it different?
If you go to their site it explains the difference.
Wow! Just what I was looking for, thank you for putting this list together SRP
You’re welcome, Ant!
Thanks for sharing! Think I’m goign with Fade In.
Good move, Iris.
I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but it is a personal choice. Why should we listen to you?
It’s not mandatory 🙂
WriterDuet and FadeIn are def the best screenwriting apps out there right now. That could change but for now you should pic one of those two.
Good choices, yes.
Today anyone has an Android phone but we can’t all afford Apple phones. Please include more Android.
Great list. Going to check out Fade In and Contour.
Thanks, Nick.
Just what I was looking for.
You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a nice day.
Thanks, Sammy!
I’m not sure exactly why MovieMagic app is not on here??
Hi to every one, do you know how to get Celtx to import WD file?
I love movies, I love writing movies, I love watching movies. Thank you for posting this Scriptreader!
You’re welcome, Victoria – happy writing!
I’m struggling to see why Writer Duet is at the bottom of this list? It’s obviously the best app for screenwriting on this list.
It’s alphabetical.
I use Fade In at home and when I’m out writing on the go. Good choice if you’re having trouble making up your mind.
Yes, it’s a great program.
Thank you for this list. I usually take notes on Evernote but don’t actually write on the script but will download one of these now.
I am 16 and writing my first script. Just wanted to say what a lovely resource this website is. It’s really helping me.
Maddison xoxo
Thanks for the shoutout, Maddison!
Last summer I bought TwelvePoint and installed on my iPhone and iPad and it is something completely different from the usual “industry recommended” apps…
You really can feel the app has been designed for a phone, and you don’t have to learn any additional formatting language.
I imported some old scenarios I had in .docx and and that’s it, I am using it practically everyday. From time to time I export the scenario in text format to share it with my friends.
Now, I am getting used to write screenplay on the train, on my way to the office… 🙂 I reccomend it!
I believe this is the official website: http://www.twelvept.com
P.s.
There is also a Mac version, I haven’t tried yet though.
Let me start by saying that I don’t write screenplays, but translate ’em. So I don’t need corkboards and similar… No brainstorming.
All I need is something that edits REAL WELL and that formats according to the industrial standard.
Okay, of the above, I have Storyist, FD and Fade In (for my iPad minis and iPhone).
They are all subpar when it comes to editing power. On all of them, the editing is based on keen eye commanding chubby finger to drag teensy mini-handle before hitting backspace.
Ridiculous! Editing is connective. Hint: when you highlight to delete, why do you end the selection where you do? Could it be that you want the value (word, punctuation mark, symbol, number) just beyond the tippy-tippy end of the highlighting?
Well, why not CALL that value to the cursor instead of moving thingamabobs? Yes, don’t delete… connect, ’cause that’s what you’re really doing anyway!
There is one app that has connective editing and it’s called Notebooks. Naturally it handles “fountain” files (which are really txt)… but it lets you see the fountain files formatted as screenplays.
Editing power? On a hand-held (iPad Mini, no external keyboards, meaning no stationary chairs and tables, it takes me:
1 tap to cancel a word (also semi-automatic style – tap-tap-tap).
On all the above apps, single word deletion takes three touches and there’s no consecutive action)
1 tap to cancel a paragraph. (also consecutive action). Need to zap out a parenthetical? “Tap” – done
1 tap to cancel from anywhere in a paragr. to the end of the selfsame paragr.
1 tap to cancel to the next period, or comma, or question mark
2 taps to cancel to the first instance of any other punctuation mark / symbol
“X” amount of taps… but really frigging fast to cancel to any word.
For my work, TRANSLATION, using any of the above apps reviewed in this article would slow me down terribly.
So I suggest Notebooks, using fountain, and then Fade In (Desktop)
The Fade In iOS app doesn’t show scene numbers so for me anyway – fugghedaboudit!
Let me start by saying that I don’t write screenplays, but translate ’em. So I don’t need corkboards and similar… N brainstorming.
All I need is something that edits REAL WELL and that formats according to the industrial standard.
Okay, of the above, I have Storyist, FD and Fade In (for my iPad minis and iPhone).
They are all subpar when it comes to editing power. On all of them, the editing is based on keen eye commanding chubby finger to drag teensy mini-handle before hitting backspace.
Ridiculous! Editing is connective. Hint: when you highlight to delete, why do you end the selection where you do? Could it be that you want the value (word, punctuation mark, symbol, number) just beyond the tippy-tippy end of the highlighting?
Well, why not CALL that value to the cursor instead of moving thingamabobs? Yes, don’t delete… connect, ’cause that’s what you’re really doing anyway!
There is one app that has connective editing and it’s called Notebooks. Naturally it handles “fountain” files (which are really txt)… but it lets you see the fountain files formatted as screenplays.
Editing power? On a hand-held (iPad Mini, no external keyboards, meaning no stationary chairs and tables, it takes me:
1 tap to cancel a word (also semi-automatic style – tap-tap-tap).
On all the above apps, single word deletion takes three touches and there’s no consecutive action)
1 tap to cancel a paragraph. (also consecutive action). Need to zap out a parenthetical? “Tap” – done
1 tap to cancel from anywhere in a paragr. to the end of the selfsame paragr.
1 tap to cancel to the next period, or comma, or question mark
2 taps to cancel to the first instance of any other punctuation mark / symbol
“X” amount of taps… but really frigging fast to cancel to any word.
For my work, TRANSLATION, using any of the above apps reviewed in this article would slow me down terribly.
So I suggest Notebooks, using fountain, and then Fade In (Desktop)
The Fade In iOS app doesn’t show scene numbers so for me anyway – fugghedaboudit!
Great list thank you!
Thanks, Mike.
Thank you for the list, very interesting, some of them were pretty new to me. On my side I use TwelvePoint, on the iPhone. I have just imported my old script in it, added some more scenes for a theater play and sent it to my friends. Everything done through the phone. So far I can’t complain…
Thanks for the heads up Mary – we’ll add it to the list.
I love this list very useful, thank you for sharing!
I tried some of them, but now I am writing most of my scripts on TwelvePoint (I found it on the App Store) on my iPad. Since I write mostly when I am travelling it makes more sense.
I need a good Script writing App
Hey thanks u so much for this. Save me a lot of time so thank u.
No problem, Corinne.
Awesome post!
Thanks for that, Carly.
Interesting screenwriting apps. I will check them out thank u
You’re welcome, John!
I am looking for an app to write a play. I have heard Celtx is great for me but can’t find it in the microsoft store? i have a surface pro 3. Any thoughts on which apps work well in the windows environment and can be bought on line??
When I was asked to help with the 2nd act rewrites on Foxcatcher I found myself in a dilemma. I was researching, and living in, a very remote location. A studio friend recommended SRP…….
Suffice to say, all went extremely well and the majority of MY submissions were included in final draft. Excellent app.