Slugline
Plain-text screenwriting app for Mac, iPhone and iPad
What is Slugline?
Slugline is a screenwriting app for Mac, iPhone and iPad that works from plain text in the open Fountain format and applies screenplay formatting automatically as you type. Slugline 2 for Mac adds a drag-and-drop outline, a timeline of the script's structure and change tracking by comparing two documents. The Mac app is free for the first six pages and then needs a one-time upgrade; the iOS app is a separate purchase.
Slugline has a free plan. Paid plans start at $19.99 one-time for the iPhone and iPad app; $49.99 one-time on Mac. See every plan
Good for
- Screenwriters on Mac, iPhone and iPad who like writing in plain text
- Short-film writers: scripts of up to six pages are free on Mac
- Writers who want to pay once instead of subscribing
Worth knowing
- Apple platforms only: there is no Windows, Linux, Android or web version.
- On Mac, writing past page six and exporting Final Draft files require the $49.99 Unlimited Writing upgrade.
- The iPhone and iPad app is sold separately for $19.99.
- Slugline 2 requires macOS 10.14 or later, and the iOS app requires iOS or iPadOS 14 or later.
Key features
- Automatic formatting
- Screenplay formatting is worked out from the words as they are typed, so there are no element menus to pick from and no need to press Tab.
- Drag-and-drop Outline Navigator
- Anything shown in the outline can be dragged into a new order, and the matching parts of the screenplay move with it.
- Timeline
- Shows the outline elements spaced according to page count, giving an overview of a script's structure and pacing.
- Live Compare
- Tracks changes by comparing the current screenplay with another document. Asterisks mark modified text and can be clicked to inspect the differences.
- Fountain and Final Draft files
- Scripts are saved in Fountain, an open plain-text screenplay format. Slugline 2 also opens and exports Final Draft files, including dual dialogue and notes.
- Sync between Mac and iOS
- Slugline 2 for Mac and Slugline for iPhone and iPad share screenplays through iCloud or Dropbox.
Slugline pricing
- Starts at
- $19.99 one-time for the iPhone and iPad app; $49.99 one-time on Mac
- Free plan
- Slugline 2 for Mac is a free download that works without watermarks or limitations until a screenplay passes page six. Longer scripts and Final Draft export need the paid upgrade.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Slugline 2 for Mac | $0 | Free download from the Mac App Store, with no watermarks or limitations until a screenplay passes page six. |
| Slugline for iPhone & iPad | $19.99one-time purchase on the App Store | Separate app for iOS and iPadOS that shares files with the Mac version over iCloud or Dropbox and also works on its own. |
| Unlimited Writing Upgrade | $49.99one-time in-app purchase on Mac | Unlocks screenplays longer than six pages and Final Draft (FDX) export in Slugline 2 for Mac. |
Read from slugline.co on Oct 9, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Slugline before you buy.
Works with
Slugline alternatives
- Slugline vs Highland Pro
Free trial · from $4.99/mo
- Slugline vs Beat
Free plan · from $11.99 one-time
- Slugline vs Final Draft
Free trial · from $99.99/yr
- Slugline vs Fade In
Free trial · from $79.95 one-time
- Slugline vs WriterDuet
Free plan · from $7.49/mo
Common questions
Is Slugline free?
Slugline has a free plan. Slugline 2 for Mac is a free download that works without watermarks or limitations until a screenplay passes page six. Longer scripts and Final Draft export need the paid upgrade. Paid plans start at $19.99 one-time for the iPhone and iPad app; $49.99 one-time on Mac.
How much does Slugline cost?
Slugline lists 3 plans. Slugline 2 for Mac: $0. Slugline for iPhone & iPad: $19.99 one-time purchase on the App Store. Unlimited Writing Upgrade: $49.99 one-time in-app purchase on Mac. Prices were read from slugline.co on Oct 9, 2026.
What platforms does Slugline work on?
Slugline is available on macOS and iOS.
Does Slugline have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Slugline is listed for macOS and iOS.
Does Slugline have a Windows app?
No Windows app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Slugline is listed for macOS and iOS.
Is Slugline open source?
Slugline is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 9, 2026.
What does Slugline integrate with?
Slugline's listing names iCloud, Dropbox, Final Draft and Fountain. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Slugline?
Slugline is made by Act Focused Media LLC.
What are the alternatives to Slugline?
The closest alternatives to Slugline in our directory are Highland Pro, Beat, Final Draft, Fade In and WriterDuet. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Slugline.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 9, 2026.