JotterPad Review

Overview

JotterPad is not a screenwriting tool in the traditional sense. It is a mobile-first writing application that happens to support Fountain markup, which means you can write screenplays in it -- but screenwriting is one of many formats it handles, alongside Markdown, plain text, and prose. With over 2 million users, it has proven itself as a reliable, well-designed writing environment, particularly on Android where quality writing apps have historically been scarce.

The app was built by Two App Studio, a Singapore-based developer, and it shows a level of craft and attention to the mobile writing experience that many larger companies fail to achieve. The typography is excellent, the interface is clean, and the Fountain rendering is accurate. But if you are comparing JotterPad to dedicated screenwriting software like Final Draft or Arc Studio Pro, you will find its screenplay-specific features quite limited.

JotterPad is best understood as a Swiss Army knife for writers. If you write prose, blog posts, and the occasional screenplay, all from your phone or tablet, JotterPad is a great choice. If screenwriting is your primary focus, you will likely want something more specialized.

Key Features

Fountain Screenplay Support

JotterPad renders Fountain markup into properly formatted screenplays. You write in plain text using Fountain syntax, and JotterPad handles the formatting. This is a clean approach that works well for writers who are comfortable with markup languages, though it requires learning Fountain syntax rather than using the point-and-click element selection that most dedicated screenwriting tools offer.

Markdown and Multi-Format Writing

Beyond screenplays, JotterPad handles Markdown beautifully, making it a versatile tool for bloggers, novelists, and technical writers. The ability to switch between Markdown and Fountain in the same app is genuinely convenient for writers who work across formats.

Cloud Sync

JotterPad integrates with Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, letting you sync your work across devices seamlessly. This is particularly useful for mobile-first writers who start drafts on their phone and finish on a desktop.

WordPress Publishing

A unique feature: JotterPad can publish directly to WordPress, which is handy for writer-bloggers. This has nothing to do with screenwriting but speaks to the app's versatility as a general writing tool.

Pricing Breakdown

Free Tier: Basic writing features, limited formatting options.

Creative Subscription: $6.99/month or $29.99/year. Unlocks Fountain support, advanced formatting, cloud sync to all providers, and premium themes.

The free tier is functional for plain text writing but you will need the paid subscription to access screenplay formatting via Fountain. At $29.99/year, it is reasonably priced for what you get, though dedicated screenwriting tools like WriterDuet offer free tiers that include more screenplay-specific features.

Pros and Cons

Who Is JotterPad For?

JotterPad is ideal for mobile-first writers who work across multiple formats. If you write blog posts, prose, and screenplays, and you want one app that handles all of them well on your phone or tablet, JotterPad is an excellent choice. It is particularly strong on Android, where quality writing apps are less common than on iOS.

It is not the right tool if screenwriting is your primary activity. Writers who need industry-standard formatting tools, real-time collaboration, or production features will be better served by dedicated screenwriting software.

Editorial Verdict

JotterPad is a beautifully designed mobile writing app that happens to support screenplays through Fountain markup. It excels as a versatile, multi-format writing environment but falls short of dedicated screenwriting tools in terms of screenplay-specific features. For mobile-first writers who dabble in screenwriting, it is a solid choice. For serious screenwriters, look elsewhere.

Alternatives to JotterPad

Frequently Asked Questions