Highland 2

Highland 2

app

4+, 2025, Productivity, Entertainment

WISE
91%

WISE Score

3.6

App Store

A professional screenwriting app for aspiring storytellers who want to write like the pros—minus the Hollywood drama.

Where to Find

App Store
App Store
Google Play
Google Play
Screenwise Verdict

Highland 2 is the rare productivity app that actually respects its users. No dark patterns, no manipulation, no ads—just a beautifully designed tool that gets out of your way and lets you write.

This isn't for every kid. It requires focus, typing skills, and an actual interest in storytelling. But for the 13-year-old who's been plotting a sci-fi screenplay in their head, or the high schooler working on a film project, this is gold. It teaches real craft skills and industry standards without dumbing anything down.

The $50/year Pro subscription is steep for a teen, but the 30-day trial is generous, and even if the subscription lapses, you can still access your work. That's refreshingly honest in an app ecosystem full of lock-in tactics.

Bottom line: If your kid is serious about writing—not just journaling, but actual screenplays or structured stories—this is one of the best tools available. Just make sure they're genuinely interested before dropping the cash.

Age Fit

Best for kids 12+ who have a genuine interest in screenwriting or creative writing projects. Younger kids (10-11) with strong writing skills and a specific story idea could use it with some guidance. Adults and serious teen writers will get the most value.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

A distraction-free creative writing tool with zero manipulative design, no social pressure, and a calm interface that encourages focused work. Created by screenwriter John August with genuine respect for the craft. The tone is professional and supportive without being preachy.

Imaginative
92

Built specifically to unlock creative expression—screenwriting, novels, stage plays. Features like The Shelf for saving snippets, Grammar Highlight for exploring language, and the Navigator for tracking story structure actively support the creative process. Fountain and Markdown support means kids learn industry-standard formatting while focusing on storytelling.

Safe
95

No ads, no in-app purchases beyond the optional Pro subscription, no social features, no user-generated content. Rated 4+ on App Store. Zero manipulation tactics—if your subscription lapses, you can still open, print, and export documents. Privacy-focused with a clear policy. This is as clean as productivity apps get.

Enriching
90

Teaches real screenwriting skills, industry-standard formatting, and story structure. Gender Analysis and Character Highlighting tools encourage thoughtful writing. Writing Sprints build discipline. This isn't edutainment—it's a professional tool that builds genuine craft skills. Kids using this are learning the same software working screenwriters use.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Created by actual screenwriter John August (Big Fish, Charlie's Angels), so it's built by someone who gets the craft
  • Teaches industry-standard Fountain formatting—the same system working screenwriters use
  • Zero distractions: no ads, no social features, no notifications. Just you and your story
  • Features like Gender Analysis and Character Highlighting encourage thoughtful, inclusive storytelling
  • Works across Mac, iPad, and iPhone—write on the couch, edit at the desk
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What to Watch For

  • Requires genuine interest in writing—this isn't a game or casual app
  • Best for kids who already enjoy creative writing or have a specific screenplay project in mind
  • Mac/iOS only—no Windows or Android support
  • The free trial is generous (30 days), but Pro features cost $49.99/year

Conversation Starters

  • "What kind of story do you want to tell? A movie? A TV show? A play?"
  • "Who are your main characters, and what do they want more than anything?"
  • "Have you thought about what makes your story different from other movies or shows you've seen?"
  • "Do you want to try using the Gender Analysis tool to see how balanced your characters are?"

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