We stand with Ukraine to help keep people safe. Join us
All Apps
Best AppsReviewsComparisonsHow-To
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

Highland for Mac

Powerful, straightforward screenwriting app.

Free
In English
Version 2.9.14
4.9
Based on 4 user rates

Highland overview

Highland is a powerful, straightforward screenwriting app. With Highland, crafting a perfectly-formatted screenplay is as simple as writing an email. Just type. Highland will make it look good.

Created by acclaimed screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Frankenweenie), Highland works its magic on plain text, allowing you to focus on the writing. "The old apps force you to do all the formatting. They feel like relics of a different time -- bloated and slow to get updated. We made Highland lean, fast and future-proof."

Features:
  • Fast and focused. Concentrate on words, not formatting.
  • Navigator lets you see the structure of your document.
  • Innovative "Bin" feature lets you hold on to scraps of text.
  • Writing Sprints help you get stuff written.
  • Melt screenplay PDFs, making them editable again.

What’s new in version 2.9.14

  • Minor bug fixes and compatibility updates

Highland for Mac

Free
In English
Version 2.9.14

What users say about Highland

Try our new feature and write a detailed review about Highland

Write your thoughts in our old-fashioned comment

MacUpdate Comment Policy. We strongly recommend leaving comments, however comments with abusive words, bullying, personal attacks of any type will be moderated.
4.9

(7 Reviews of Highland)

  • Comments

  • User Ratings

Funjoy
Funjoy
Aug 3 2019
2.6.1
4.5
Aug 3 2019
4.5
Version: 2.6.1
Great app, regularly updated and supported. But if you already own and use Scrivener or Ulysses and are used to those apps' workflows, Highland might not offer much in addition. (I own all three.)
Derekcurrie
Derekcurrie
May 20 2018
2.0.5
0.0
May 20 2018
0.0
Version: 2.0.5
The free version is a basic monotype font screenplay text editor. It doesn't have an access to the macOS text editing features. Apparently, the app began its life in the Windows world. Therefore, the text editing GUI has a minor learning curve. Some nice features specific to screenplays are accessible. Exports to PDF format are watermarked as "Made in Highland". Also note that it phones home to Google Analytics. :-(

The Pro version costs $50 at the Mac App Store. Since there is no public documentation as to what the 'Pro' version offers, here's a synopsis:

1) Access to Templates, which are...
• Fountain Templates:
- - Stage Play Screenplay
- - Multi-Cam Screenplay
- - Graphic Novel
• Markdown Templates:
- - MLA Report
- - Novel
- - Guidebook
- - Manuscript
- - Treatment
- - Article
- - Journal
- - Bulletin
• Unformatted Template:
- - Plain Text
2) 10 Editor Themes ("Dark and light color palettes perfect for any mood")
3) Watermark-free PDF
4) Priority Support Access

I recommend testing if you get used to the and enjoy the free version before paying for the Pro upgrade. If you have another scripting / creative writing app, you may prefer it to Highland. That's my experience so far. But it's certainly useful.
Drfrank
Drfrank
May 15 2018
1.9.4
5.0
May 15 2018
5.0
Version: 1.9.4
I purchased the original Highland app thinking I might write a screenplay, but I never did. Highland 2 is a much more versatile writing app that you will find yourself using daily. Start by checking out their video ==> https://vimeo.com/254361080
Lord-Lightning
Lord-Lightning
May 26 2015
1.8.7
5.0
May 26 2015
5.0
Version: 1.8.7
I use Highland, Fade In and Scrivener. That is all you need to write a novel, a screenplay, a PhD, a poem and just about anything you can think of - even a birthday card. These are the three classic apps now for writers. You can have absolute confidence in them all if you write for a living or live for writing.
Snaporaz
Snaporaz
Apr 5 2014
1.6.0
0.0
Apr 5 2014
0.0
Version: 1.6.0
the app store wants $39.99 not $29.99 as stated here.
Funjoy
Funjoy
Aug 3 2019
4.5
Aug 3 2019
4.5
Version: null
Drfrank
Drfrank
May 15 2018
5.0
May 15 2018
5.0
Version: null
Lord-Lightning
Lord-Lightning
May 26 2015
5.0
May 26 2015
5.0
Version: null
Lev
Lev
Dec 12 2013
5.0
Dec 12 2013
5.0
Version: null