Joe Orange's Writing App

By author Joe Orange • A writing app for writers, by a writer

A Note from the Creator

As a writer, I wanted a tool that got out of the way. This app was designed to provide a distraction-free space while still including the key functions I've found genuinely helpful over twenty years of writing.

You won't find feature-bloat here—just a clean writing space, easy formatting, and a simple way to jot down notes. It's built to let you jump straight into your story, whether you're working on a novel or a screenplay.

I hope you find it helpful. The app is completely free and open-source. If you'd like to show your support, you can visit my website or check out my speculative fiction, which blends sci-fi with a touch of horror.

Support & Connect:

🌐 Visit JoeOrange.com

📚 Check out Joe's Books on Amazon

✉️ Feedback & Questions:

Joe Orange's Writing App - Help Guide

Two Modes: Screenwriter & Text Editor

This app has two distinct modes. Switch between them using the Switch to... button in the toolbar.

Screenwriting Mode: Formatted for professional screenplays. Press the Tab key to cycle through element types (Scene Heading, Action, Character, etc.).
Text Editor Mode: A simple, clean environment for writing novels, articles, or notes. All screenplay-specific formatting is disabled.

Core Features

File Management: Use the toolbar buttons to create a New document, Load a file from your computer, or Export your work.
Exporting:
- Export JSON: The best way to save. This preserves all text formatting, sticky notes, and your custom settings.
- Export as .fountain/.txt: Saves a plain text version of your document, compatible with other software. Formatting and notes are NOT saved.
- Export PDF: Creates a professionally formatted PDF of your script or document for printing or sharing.
Sticky Notes (📝): Add a note anywhere on the page for your own reference.
PRO TIP: First, select some text with your mouse, then click the note button. The new note will be anchored to your selection!

Navigation & Tools

Scenes / Chapters Button: In Screenwriting Mode, this opens a panel to quickly navigate between all your scene headings. In Text Editor Mode, it navigates between chapters. To create a chapter, simply start a line with a hashtag (e.g., # Chapter One).
Manage Button: (Screenwriting Mode only) View and remove character names or scene headings from the autocomplete suggestion list.
Find/Replace: A powerful tool to search for words or phrases and replace them throughout your entire document.

Customization (⚙️ Settings)

Click the gear icon in the toolbar to open the Settings panel. Here you can:

Apply retro display presets (like MS-DOS or Green CRT).
Change the background and paper colors.
Adjust the text size, margins, and overall page width.
Toggle Scene and Page Numbering on-screen and for PDF exports.
Enter a distraction-free Fullscreen mode.

Scene Navigation

Settings

Manage Script Elements

Characters