3 Next-Level Online Screenplay Writing Tools That Will Change the Way You Write

Online Screenplay Writing Tool #1:
Arc Studio

This screenplay app calls itself “a better way to write” — and we agree! Arc Studio is an online platform that allows writers to work solo, but where it shines is collaboration. (Unlike Final Draft, which claims you can collaborate, but… um, no.) But ArcStudio really allows you to collaborate with your team in real-time and make changes on the fly.

Arc Studio has fantastic features that give any script writer online a way to write, including automatic formatting, cloud storage, drag-n-drop organization, and tools like a digital whiteboard and color-coded beats, which make outlining, character tracking, and structuring acts easier. It was designed for professional screenwriters and filmmakers who want an efficient and user-friendly film writing and collaboration platform. But it’s also a good choice for beginners to write their first script because of the intuitive, distraction-free design.

Arc Studio has a free trial plan that includes a 7-day Pro trial.

Online Screenplay Writing Tool #2:
Writing Ninja

Before you can start writing your screenplay, you need a story! Writing Ninja is an online story development platform that makes it really easy for writers of all experience levels to create professional quality stories for screenplays and novels.

This suite of creative writers’ tools leads you through developing a sellable screenplay, step by step, allowing you to embrace your creativity — without constantly worrying about the technical aspects of screenwriting. It has tons of fun one-of-a-kind Writer’s Tools like Name Generators, Character Age Calculators, and hundreds of Brainstorm Boards that allow you to discover rich worlds inhabited by nuanced characters, create layered dialogue with distinctive voices, and fill your scripts with plot arcs and story twists that will keep readers riveted.

Writing Ninja helps you discover and hone your story before writing so you can complete the best possible version — from your first draft. (It can also help you get out of any Writer’s Block corners you may have written into!) From the first inkling of an idea through your final rewrite, Writing Ninja is the secret weapon you need to take your storytelling to the next level.

Writing Ninja has a free level that gets you started, with Pro upgrade options.

Online Screenplay Writing Tool #3:
Highland 2

Yes… Highland is a downloadable piece of software. But it’s such a seriously easy, fantastic way to write screenplays that we just had to include it in this list! Designed to help screenwriters craft and format their scripts quickly, you don’t have to get hung up on screenplay format, so your writing can just… flow! It has many fab features like a distraction-free interface, sprints & goals, drag-n-drop scenes and sections, inline notes, a Bin to hold snippets for later use, and Revision Mode.

And Highland was the first screenwriting app to feature Gender Analysis, which tracks the gender breakdown of all speaking parts in your script. (Not just the number of times they speak, but how many words!)

Highland has two versions: Basic and Pro, which allows writers to easily write and export their scripts to industry-standard formats like Final Draft, Fountain, and PDF. Highland is available on Mac, Windows, and iOS.

Money $aving TIP: Highland 2 offers a free full version for students enrolled in university writing programs and film schools.