# Contour

> Award-winning story development system for screenwriting and movie outlines. (iPhone/iPad app by Mariner Software, Inc..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/contour/id364872280 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Mariner Software, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/305946857)
- Category: Productivity, Education
- Price: $12.99
- Rating: 3.30/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 39 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 7 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-04-06
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/contour/id364872280/reviews.md

## What is Contour?

Contour, the award-winning story development system that streamlines the process of turning your movie ideas from first glimmer to full outline, is now available for iOS. Wherever you go with your mobile device, your screenwriting ideas can come with you! 

Created by Emmy Award-nominated Jeffrey Alan Schechter, the Contour system teaches you how to use the same character-based structure that nearly all the Hollywood blockbuster movies use. This system is based on simple-to-understand principles and has been field tested resulting in millions of dollars worth of writing assignments and script sales. Start creating solid stories that hold together from Fade In to Fade Out. 


======================
"Jeff has an acute understanding of the kind of story structure that makes for successful movies. By analyzing blockbusters he extrapolates a story construction model that is surprisingly simple and universally applicable. And, best of all, it works."

Tim Hill
Director
Alvin and the Chipmunks

"Screenwriting is an art, and Jeff Schechter conveys both the craft and the soul of the trade. A gifted teacher, he provides methods which will help you both structure and elevate your best ideas."

David Sacks
Executive Director
The Simpsons
======================


Use Contour on its own or export it to your desktop version of Contour when you get back to your Mac. Either way, Contour has you covered. 


Step by Step 
With its intuitive, fill-in-the-blanks approach, Contour shows you exactly what elements need to be in your script, never again leaving you to wonder, "what comes next?" If you are a screenwriter, this is a must-have tool to tighten up your masterpiece. 


The Contour System 
The key to the success of the Contour system is the ability to break down a story to a simple structure. Using Contour, you will: 

• Answer the 4 simple questions that shape most every screenplay in the top 50. 

• Develop the single-sentence logline that lays out your entire script like a roadmap. 

• Identify the 4 archetypes every protagonist moves through from "fade in" to "fade out." 

• Lay out the 12 foundation beats of ACT ONE. 

• Discover a system of breaking down ACT TWO that is so ruthlessly easy you will never get stuck on page 55 again. 

• Craft the 4 final beats of ACT THREE that readers and audiences expect and that define your script as marketable and professional. 

• Flesh out a main character and codify their motivations and behaviors. 

• Quickly recognize archetypes which protagonists journey through in all the top movies. 

• Go from concept to bulletproof outline in less time than ever before. 

• Learn a flexible yet exact plot point and beat structure that works for all genres. 

• Develop a compelling logline. Need Samples? Want to see even more samples of how Contour works? 


Follow Jeffrey Alan Schechter's personal blog as he breaks down current screenplays in Contour. 

http://mystorycanbeatupyourstory.com/blog/

## Key features

- Character-based story structure
- Fill-in-the-blanks script elements
- Develop loglines and archetypes
- Outline acts and beats
- Flesh out character motivations
- Create bulletproof outlines

## Recent user reviews (10 of 39)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/contour/id364872280/reviews.md

### 1/5 — poorly optimized

*2021-08-10, version 1.3*

The app was not optimized for the ipad pro 2018, i would like a refund

### 3/5 — iPad and iPhone don’t sync

*2019-11-09, version 1.3*

If this feature was enabled and while you’re at it, onto the desktop version also without having to do that janky version of backing up, then this would be an amazing five star app. But this really hinders it big time. Just add the iCloud sync feature everyone uses. Easy!

### 5/5 — Best Story App!

*2017-05-18, version 1.3*

I love this app and the desktop version.  I am not a writer who loves plotting but with this software, it's fun. It has helped to stay focused. I suppose it is that structure where you find freedom.

### 4/5 — Any update coming?

*2017-02-23, version 1.2.2*

I love the app but now when I open it it states it will make my iPad run slow because the developer needs to update the app. Made me wonder if it were still actually supported in 2017.

### 2/5 — NOT WORTH THE PRICE!

*2016-08-30, version 1.2.2*

This is a very bare bones app. I was expecting a lot more for the price of $14.99. It is a good help to begin novel plotting, because the questions do make you think about your story and characters in certain ways. But it is essentially just a list of questions and a few examples and space for you to write. The UI is not very intuitive and you'll end up bouncing around the app just to get your ideas out. I purchased this app as a sort of test run for the Contour software for my PC and in my opinion this app is worth $4.99 on a good day. At least I'm glad I didn't spend all of the money on the PC program.

### 4/5 — Useful & good idea

*2015-02-05, version 1.2.2*

Mariner Software has some nice stuff, well thought out. Each directed to one or another aspect of the writing process. You can study published novels & structure using this. Or work your own premises. The templates come up with some questions to answer & those will help you get up to speed if you are new at writing your own. And there are several classic novels fleshed out in structure to give you a sense of how to proceed.

At first, I wasn’t sure this was useful, but it is.
This app gets limited usage from me, but affordable in iOS form factor & is a good place to experiment. Test drive it, if nothing else. You should be able to do that from the developer’s site.

### 5/5 — Saving Grace

*2014-10-05, version 1.2.2*

This app (more specifically the Ideas section) is a Godsend.

### 5/5 — Great writing tool

*2014-05-23, version 1.2.2*

Developers are responsive and clearly care about their customers. 
The app itself as been very helpful in my efforts to organize these stories in my head. The tips and examples have made my compositions much stronger.
I like that you can write notes and answer plot and character questions within the app and then see them automatically complied in the guide, structure report, and beat sheet. 
All and all, a fantastic writing tool.

### 2/5 — Okay... but...

*2014-05-15, version 1.2.1*

This app could easily get 5 stars... but why not? 
Pros: 
1. Good app for ideas and developing screenplays. That's it!  Very silo'd app.  
Cons: 
1. Desperately needs printing options for Ideas, as well as all of the data you put in to the screenplay section, not just the canned reports. 2. File transfer option is pathetic.... iPad apps have come a long way.  Get with the times!

### 3/5 — Holds your work hostage.

*2014-05-08, version 1.2.1*

Dropbox, iCloud, iTunes, OneDrive, or any other readily available and already heavily used export would make this program great. 
Even Final Draft uses Dropbox, c'mon. Stop being so insecure, Mariner. 
The program itself is a good one. Very useful for nailing down a solid story. If you don't mind trying to use Bonjour to export your work to the desktop version of Contour, then this program is worth it.

## Frequently asked questions about Contour

### What does the Contour app do?

Contour is a story development system designed to help users turn movie ideas into full outlines. It teaches a character-based structure used in many Hollywood blockbusters, guiding users through the process of creating solid stories from concept to fade out.

### What are the key features of Contour?

Key features include answering foundational story questions, developing a single-sentence logline, identifying character archetypes, laying out act structures (Act One, Act Two, Act Three), fleshing out main characters, and creating a bulletproof outline. It uses an intuitive, fill-in-the-blanks approach.

### How much does Contour cost?

Based on the provided information, Contour is a paid application. There is no mention of free trials, subscriptions, or in-app purchases, indicating a one-time purchase model.

### What devices is Contour compatible with?

The application is available for iOS devices, meaning it can be used on iPhones and iPads. Users can also export their work to the desktop version of Contour for Mac.

### Who would benefit from using Contour?

Contour is ideal for screenwriters, aspiring filmmakers, and anyone interested in developing compelling story structures for movies. It's designed to help users organize their ideas, overcome writer's block, and create marketable and professional scripts.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.3 — 2017-05-01

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

Updated to iOS10 compatibility, 64 bit code
Updated links and other info
General bug fixes

### 1.2.2 — 2014-05-21

Fixed iOS7 display bug with sharing screen.
Fixed iOS7 display bug with examples and tips screen.

### 1.2.1 — 2014-04-30

iOS 7 updates
Bug fixes

### 1.2.0 — 2011-08-24

Universal app designed for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
Retina display images

### 1.1.0 — 2011-03-21

autosaves files

## Apps similar to Contour

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [StoryLines - Write and Track](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storylines-write-and-track/id6444220966) | 3.2 (5) | Free | Productivity |
| [Stylus Labs Write Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stylus-labs-write-pro/id1498369428) | 4.5 (41) | $8.99 | Productivity |
| [Outliner](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/outliner/id284455726) | 4.8 (85) | $4.99 | Productivity |
| [Story Planner for Writers](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/story-planner-for-writers/id860024390) | 4.7 (1,162) | $8.99 | Productivity |
| [Outliner for iPad](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/outliner-for-ipad/id360659928) | 4.8 (13) | $4.99 | Productivity |
| [Character Prompts](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/character-prompts/id493346374) | 5.0 (4) | $1.99 | Productivity |

## More apps by Mariner Software, Inc.

- [Calc XLS Spreadsheet](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calc-xls-spreadsheet/id364871720)
- [Calc XLS Free Spreadsheet](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calc-xls-free-spreadsheet/id468674805)
- [MacGourmet Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/macgourmet-mobile/id1488005486)

All apps by Mariner Software, Inc.: https://appshunter.io/developer/305946857

---

*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*