10 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.)

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Our top 10 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: Apple / 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: Apple / Android

Download WriterDuet screenwriting app >>

3. Final Draft.

The Final Draft app currently comes in two forms (both of which are currently only available to Apple users.) The first is a paid portable version of the software, in which you can write and share scripts across multiple platforms using iCloud or Dropbox.

The second is a free script reading app on which you can read scripts, but not write or edit them. As the full Final Draft app is pretty cheap you’re probably better off just going for that one so you can write on the move on your iPad or iPhone.

Price: Free / $9.99

Compatibility: Apple

Download Final Draft Mobile app >>

4. 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: Apple

Download Slugline screenwriting app >>

5. 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: $14.99

Compatibility: Apple

Download Storyist screenwriting app >>

6. (beat).

This is a new free, open-source screenwriting app for macOS. It’s simple, elegant and minimalistic, pretty close to Slugline, but has automatic scene numbering and uses Fountain files.

Beat was originally created by a Finnish screenwriter and was designed to let writers concentrate on writing. It’s aim is to provide more free creative software for creators and enable them to create even more.

Price: Free

Compatibility: Apple

Download (beat) screenwriting app >>

7. 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: Apple

Download Index Card script writing app >>

8. 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: $39.95

Compatibility: Apple / Android

Download Contour screenwriting app >>

9. Celtx.

As we noted in our review of the five best screenwriting software available, 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: Apple / Android

Download Celtx screenwriting app >>

10. 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

Compatibility: Apple

Download Weekend Read script writing app >>

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Top 10 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…

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