# Contour — user reviews > 39 indexed App Store user reviews of Contour by Mariner Software, Inc., rated 3.30/5 from 11 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/contour/id364872280/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/contour/id364872280.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 4 · 4★ 2 · 3★ 1 · 2★ 1 · 1★ 3 ## Newest reviews (14 of 39) ### 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! ### 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. ### 3/5 — Good... Could be GREAT! *2013-05-23, version 1.2.0* There's probably not a huge demand for this software, so it's little wonder the developer has been so slow to update it. This is a very good tool for all writers to develop stories ideas. It takes you through a template style process, and by the end you will have a very solid grasp of your story all the way from beginning to end. Along the way it prompts you with contextual cues that really help stimulate your creativity, and help you plot and pace your story. Contrary to other reviews I've seen here, Contour DOES SAVE YOUR WORK automatically. However, sharing functionality is limited. It allows you to EMAIL reports to yourself, and transfer files via BONJOUR - which I seriously doubt many people have heard of - let alone know how to use. I personally would like to be able to have files synced between Contour on iPad and Contour on iPhone, and store them in the cloud. I would like to be able to PRINT the reports. The ability to translate the data into rearrange able index cards or an outline like Scrivener or Storyist - and the ability to export data to those apps would make Contour a MUST HAVE. I finished a project with Contour. And while I appreciate the contextual cues, the TIPS are the real meat of the program. Mariner got a bit lazy in the second act templates particularly with the Act Two "YES / NO show your character..." Repeated over and over. That REALLY isn't helpful. It would be more effective to put the TIPS information in those fields instead, the way ACT 1 and ACT 3 are laid out. Finally REPORTS. The beat sheet is really redundant. The guide is well intended, but it really didn't help me make sense of the act flows because it pulled from plot points that didn't really fit with Contour's preselected prompts. For instance "you know what your trouble is?" Didn't really match up with what I had written making it all seem pretty nonsensical. Overall, Contour Is a helpful tool for fleshing out story ideas. But the lack of sharing and export functionality make it painful to get the most benefit from. I hope Mariner will give Contour some more love so it will become a GREAT and INVALUABLE tool! ### 3/5 — Contour good for analyzing your script *2013-02-15, version 1.2.0* Does anybody know if the contour app different then the contour for your computer? Does it have more fractures?. Thank you. ### 3/5 — No iCloud = weak app *2013-01-10, version 1.2.0* It's a really cool app with antiquated features. Why no seamless syncing in the cloud? That's standard stuff these days. ### 2/5 — Well over a year since update *2012-12-12, version 1.2.0* It looks like the devs have forgotten this brilliant idea for an app. Unfortunately I have do agree with the flaws mentioned by others. I'd look elsewhere or wait until we at least receive drop box or cloud integration. ### 4/5 — Great app, use it a lot *2012-08-02, version 1.2.0* I love this app, works very well in conjuction with two or three cross platform IOS apps to provide a well round screenplay production bag. Unlike the other app's though, Contours main down fall is the lack of easily connectivity between devices using the same app. Once dropbox connectivity is added, this app will immediately hit a 5 star status in my book. ### 2/5 — Serious Issues *2012-06-16, version 1.2.0* I spent two hours filling out the info screen, only to realize that there was no back button or way of saving my info. This is one of my more expensive app purchases. I'm frustrated that I wasted money on something unusable. ### 4/5 — Great, but syncing needs improving. *2012-04-09, version 1.2.0* I just bought a book called "My Story Can Beat Up Your Story" and getting to the end of the book I found out there was this App, so I was able to put work everything I learned very quickly, I also bought the Mac app, but syncing between my laptop, iPad and iPhone is a lot of work. We desperately need iCloud or Dropbox support or both. I'm hoping for an update soon. ### 3/5 — Arrrgh! *2012-04-02, version 1.2.0* iCloud/iDisk/Dropbox integration PLEASE!!! Uploading via http is so 2010, and completely impossible if transferring documents directly between iDevices. ### 3/5 — Supplements the REAL screenwriting apps *2012-03-02, version 1.2.0* Five minutes into using this app, I think to myself, "Wow, this really helps me to think about and organize my screenplays in better ways," and then I realize: It's not a screenwriting app. It's merely a screenwriting AID. It helps to wrangle in your ideas and structure them into time-tested formats for good character development, and plot points. It's like the add-on you always wanted in your screenwriting app, and it's a really good add-on... But that's all this is, an add-on. I'll definitely keep it as a reminder of how to do things right, but I'll need another program to actually do those things. ### 4/5 — If you get an inspiration on the fly this is a great app! *2011-09-09, version 1.2.0* You never know when you'll be hit with an idea for the next big blockbuster, and you need to write it down fast before the ideas take flight. Contour is an excellent app to do this. It is much improved over the last version, and it really gives you all of the tools to write a well-structured screenplay. When a screenplay gets turned down by an agent or a production company, it's largely because the story just falls apart and it starts to meander. Contour gets you to the point of writing something that is solid and doesn't fall down in the second and third act. The only thing I would like to see and this is extremely minor, is in the second act; there needs to be something to indicate that the stakes are being raised so that you are reminded to increase the dramatic tension and the conflict all the way to the end. Kudos to Mariner for being the innovators. ### 2/5 — Just a List of Questions *2011-04-04, version 1.1.0* This app is mediocre at best. It's just a list of questions, that could just as easily be an outline in Pages. The only good thing about it is that the structure it proposes is interesting. The guy behind the formula apparently has a book. That would be a much better source of information this this flimsy app. $.99 is a more appropriate price for this app. As it is I do not recommend it. ### 3/5 — Needs Dropbox support *2011-01-03, version 1.0.1* I'm working on a story with two other people and we wanted to share the file on Dropbox or any cloud storage, but I'm SOL because I'm using an iPad and this app has no Dropbox support.  ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 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 ### 1/5 — Does Not Sync with Contour on Your Computer *2014-04-13, version 1.2.0* Lethal limitation. No automatic syncing between contour on the phone and contour on the desktop. So if you’ve started work on the desktop, you can’t upload it, then hit the road all day, then tweak it, then have it progress at the desktop again. It only goes from the mobile device. It’s a real limitation of the mobile experience where many mobile apps with programs in this price range can sync. ### 1/5 — Unpolished *2011-12-10, version 1.2.0* Tried to start a project and immediately hit a flaw in the interface where there is no button to back up from the info screen. Even if you leave the app and come back it remains stuck there. Eventually the iOS app resets but you really have no control over it, and once you start filling out the info screen again you are in the same boat. Currently not usable due to this weird interface flaw. ### 1/5 — Needs dropbox or other cloud sync option *2011-06-28, version 1.1.0* Awesome being able to use this valuable screenwriting tool across Mac, iPad, iPhone ... Except you can't. 1 star goes to 5 with cloud sync option. ### 1/5 — Crap *2011-01-23, version 1.0.1* I am just livid. I got halfway through the project and it crashed, not even saving the project. I can't believe I paid $4.99. I thought because it was released back in May that Mariner Software would have helped their customers by fixing a bug this ridiculous but I was sadly mistaken. I just lost everything. Time is money and as far as I'm concerned you owe me money. I want a full refund. I am just livid. ### 1/5 — Terrible! *2010-07-24, version 0* Random crashes on iPhone 4. Loss of all data. No save, even when I close the program myself. Many hours of information lost. Would very much like a refund, and an apology. ### 1/5 — Very buggy!!!!! Do not buy until it's updated *2010-04-26, version 0* This program is nice but it is VERY buggy! The app closes randomly for no reason while in use and doesn't save information. I've had to input the info several times and then close it myself before it crashes. That's the only way it seems to work at the moment. Annoying! I've reported the bugs twice and haven't heard anything back. For $4.99 it should work a lot better than this!!!! Do not buy until they update. ### 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. ### 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! ### 2/5 — U will get burned. *2013-04-02, version 1.2.0* Like a fool I thought I was immune to the loss of hard earned creative data. Nope. Woke up to find a number of plot points mysteriously missing. Just like everyone else, I too clamor for a way to backup Contour. Otherwise, you better have a photographic memory. U have been warned. I suggest until you have the option of saving to Dropbox or drive, no matter how worthy a program what's the point when it disappears in the net-o-sphere. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 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. ### 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. ### 5/5 — A-Maz-ing! *2012-06-08, version 1.2.0* I love this app! Like seriously, I've been looking for something to tell me exactly what I needed to write. The syd field app was a waste cause it's everything you can get for free. This is cheaper and better! ### 5/5 — PLEASE DON'T DO WHAT I DID!!! *2012-02-05, version 1.2.0* Yes this a great app for typing thoughts while being on the go. However, you better "copy and paste" your efforts after your done because you never know when your phone is going to crash. With that being said, I didn't think I would ever have a problem with my almighty iPhone!!!!! Sorry, anyway I did, and after my phone was fixed, I discovered the the names of, 3:00 in the morning ideas for, research completed, and basically major hours of effort for 15 SCREENPLAYS ARE GONE! Surpising I'm not as upset as I could be, because these where my ideas and they're all in my head. So to my fellow consumer,..when your finish typing your ideas out, copy and paste it in the "Notes" of your phone, that way if something happens it'll still be somewhere safe. I'm not going to fault the app, even though my work is gone, I still say the app has helped me tremendously! Just protect yourself and have it saved in otherplaces just in case,....your almighty iPhone gets sick! ### 5/5 — A must-have for screenwriters *2011-01-19, version 1.0.1* If you've already mastered Save The Cat and you're ready for the next step, Contour is it. Just as insightful, but with more details and layers, it's quite an impressive app. And while I love Save The Cat, their iPhone app is significantly scaled down from the desktop version. But with the Contour app you get everything the desktop version has to offer. ### 5/5 — Fantastic screenplay help! *2010-07-08, version 0* Great outlines and advice. Plot points really save your life here, you can look at examples of other scripts comparing their plot points to yours giving you a great an easy way to outline and structure your script. ### 5/5 — love it! *2010-05-02, version 0* It's great having Contour for iPhone - now, when I'm on the road I don't have to wait until I get to my Mac to put a story idea into Contour - I can write from wherever I am - and, the main reason why I love this app is because all I need to do to get it to my Mac is to email it to myself and then just import the file! Bingo! I don't have to miss a beat! Just like the application itself which is simple and direct - getting the info to my Mac is just as easy. Mariner - you've done it again! ### 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. ### 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. --- *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.*