13 Best Apps for Screenwriters in 2024

Writer’s block is a struggle. You’re staring at the blank white screen and that blinking cursor is starting to mock you. No matter if you’re an emerging screenwriter or a big shot Hollywood writer, we’ve all been there. When you’re working on that big project, you want every tool in your arsenal to keep you motivated and organized so you can do what you have to do: write. Here are the best apps for screenwriters in 2024, ranked.

With all the features of those other screenwriting softwares, Arc Studio Pro offers even more with real-time collaboration, automatic revision-tracking with cloud backup, and an impressive outlining plot board with dynamic elements that can link to the elements in the script. Plus, its sleek modern design aesthetic gets rid of all the clutter and allows you to focus on writing. It’s truly the future for screenwriting software.

There are many, many options for apps to write your screenplay in, but what about all the editing that comes next? Scriptation is Emmy® award winning app for marking up scripts, used by thousands of Hollywood productions worldwide, and the best part is you can get it free in the App Store.

Scriptation allows you to read and make notes on your script with a wide range of customizable annotation tools. It’s also the best way to receive notes on your draft from your screenwriting friends, allowing you to view multiple sets of readers’ notes on the same PDF. Pretty cool!

Professional screenwriters use the production app to share notes, highlight lines, bookmark scenes, and separate annotations conveniently into layers.

Also, it’s a a great way to read professional scripts. Currently, you can download and read all of the 2021 Oscar Nominated screenplays right in Scriptation. There’s even a Reader Mode for reading scripts on your mobile device.

As one App Store reviewer advised emerging filmmakers: “I guarantee this app becomes standard on set.” So be prepared to use it on your next big production.

Try out Scriptation’s free script annotation app and see for yourself.

Everyone knows Final Draft. It’s the #1-selling screenwriting software in the world. But did you know you can edit your .FDX files right from your iPhone or iPad? You can also work between your desktop and mobile via cloud syncing. All the features of Final Draft, available right on your mobile device.

Okay, so this is kind of a bonus because it’s not technically an app, but it is a web-based app and very mobile friendly. The screenwriting software allows you to either import a previous script, or write directly in the app. If you’re not into production, then just stick to writing. Share your work in real-time with those that do care about the production side of things, or just share the project with other writers to get some feedback.

Storyist is a rich text editor that lets you work on your manuscripts and screenplays, wherever inspiration strikes. The app has built-in manuscript and screenplay templates, an index card tool, the ability to collaborate with others, review version history, and sync with your favorite cloud storage service.

ScriptBuilder is an app for writers who have an idea for a script, but maybe not much else. The app helps flesh out ideas by asking specific questions to help you get to the meat and potatoes of your story. These questions are designed to better structure your story’s three act structure, facilitate new ideas for upcoming scenes, and give you the stepping stones to keep building up your story.

ScriptBuilder also has the Character Builder and Scene Builder tools (for an additional in-app purchase), which asks similar questions to help you get to know your characters better and move your scenes forward.

Don’t stop typing. If you do, all your work will disappear and be gone forever. This is Danger Notes – the insane writing tool that aims to help fight writer’s block and get words on the page. By creating pressure for you to keep writing, you’re forced to get into the flow of writing, whether you like it or not.

Celtx has long been praised as the free screenwriting tool for aspiring screenwriters. This app allows you to write scripts on your mobile app, complete with automatic formatting for screenplays, stageplays, A/V, and comic books. With a Celtx account, you can autosync all your scripts so they can be backed up to your online studio.

Weekend Read promises that “you’ll never squint-and-pinch to read a script again.” This app optimizes scripts for mobile reading by giving the reader a choice of fonts, sizes, and Dark Mode for night reading.

Contour is an app for writers that streamlines the process of turning your movie ideas from the first spark of an idea to a full outline right from your phone.

Created by Emmy Award-nominated screenwriter, Contour asks you simple questions to help shape your story’s overall structure. Think of it like a digital beat sheet that is shaped through a conversation with Contour. By following this template, the beats of our screenplay are laid out seamlessly and soon you have a roadmap to writing your actual script.

Typewriter. Ring-binder. Scrapbook. Scrivener combines a myriad of writing tools to take you from the brainstorming stage to the drafting stage to the writing stage.

Created for manuscripts, Scrivener allows you to compose in small sections and grow your story, idea by idea. This method allows you to outline your story in pieces and organize them by simply dragging and dropping. Scrivener also has a cork board for index card notes, binders to organize reference materials, and many customizable text styles.

Index Card is exactly what you might think it is… a corkboard app that helps you capture and organize your ideas. But it’s more than that. With the ability to format text, add images, and Storyboard Mode, Index Card expands upon the traditional index card tool and brings it into the digital age.