Screenwriter’s definitely have options to write their masterpieces on Apple’s devices.

If you own an iPhone, iPod Touch or the magical iPad, you can take your screenplays everywhere.

I recently got a chance to sit down with Celtx for iPhone and it’s definitely among the top apps for writers.

Is Celtx the best?

I recently reviewed Scripts Pro for iPhone which was a huge step up from the other offerings.  I had already written a few shorts using the app including Crosstown, a project you’ll hear more about in the coming weeks.

The app itself introduced a variety of features I had been wishing for since I activated my life changing phone. (Yes, I do think THAT highly of my iPhone.)

It had an Smart Type feature, a tab function and many more useful additions.

Celtx has each and every one of those features and does them all BETTER.

The first thing I noticed was the simpler interface and the easier shortcuts.

I found navigating through my ‘test’ screenplay extremely easy and natural.  Switching between different elements is almost identical to my desktop software.  (Almost.)

Essentially, screenwriting software should never get in the way.  It seems with each screenwriting app that’s released, I keep getting happier and happier.

Which is never a bad thing.

I’m going to hold off on my final judgement until I get a chance to see the upcoming Final Draft app but right now, Celtx is definitely the best.

The negative?  It’s also the most expensive.

Both Screenplay and ScriptWrite sell for $4.99.  If you’re only looking to spend around 5 bucks you’re better off going with Scripts Pro for $5.99.

Note: Scripts Pro also has a free version so you can try it out.

Celtx will set you back $9.99 but is definitely a solid choice especially if you already own Celtx on your desktop.  I still use Final Draft 6.5 but the sync feature would definitely be useful if I used Celtx.

At the end of the day, I rate this app highest because it does the most things right and that’s all you can really ask for.  Even the “expensive” price tag is pennies compared to the full versions of the leading software out there.

The best compliment I can give this app is that I’m definitely thinking about giving the desktop version a shot.

Well done.

Finally a high quality screenwriting app for my iPhone has arrived.

Scripts Pro

This is the third screenwriting app I’ve tried.  The first was Screenplay by Black Mana which I thought was decent considering it was the first.  Next I tried ScriptWrite and couldn’t really get a handle on it.

When I compared the two it was clear that both had some good ideas but mobile screenwriters out there were missing a golden app that put it all together.

Until Scripts Pro came along and got it right!

It is by far the best screenwriting solution on the iPhone.  It supports multiple formats for both importing and exporting as well as a clean and easy to use interface.  But I’ve seen these features before.  It was the TAB button that sold me on Scripts Pro…

Screenwriters finally have a TAB option in an iPhone APP!

Anyone who has every written a screenplay knows the significance of the TAB function.  It allows you to easily switch between different elements of the screenplay.  Literally every major program out there utilizes this system.  (Movie Magic, Final Draft, Celtx etc…)

Finally seeing it in an screenwriting app is fantastic news because it’s hard enough to type quickly on an iPhone.  It really isn’t meant to allow you to write full screenplays but it does allow you to get down your ideas wherever you are. 

It helps to have an app that makes it as easy as possible to do so.

Note: Nothing says you CAN’T write a full script with an iPhone.  I just prefer a full size keyboard when inspiration really hits.

Smart Type!

Ah Smart Type…  So useful… So easy.  Thank you for making it a part of my iPhone and making it easy to use.  Like I said, typing isn’t simple on small touch screen devices so every short cut helps.  The addition of smart type makes a world of difference to keep you writing uninterupted.

Scripts Pro also makes it easier to manage your scripts.  You can reorder scenes and edit them with ease.  Even capitalizing words is easier with Scripts Pro.

Basically, what I’m trying to say is the Scripts Pro app is awesome.

Mobile screenwriting is a great way to stay connected to your screenplays and this app is the best way to do it.  Whether you are writing a quick scene or working on your next potential blockbuster, this app has everything you need.

We’ve all been waiting to see the mysterious Final Draft app but honestly, I’m good for the time being. 

The developers have promised frequent updates and I’m pretty excited to see them improve an already stellar app.

It’s a 30 minute commute to work.  Scripts Pro is an instant hall of famer.

It’s well worth the 5.99 price tag.

PS: By hall of famer I mean it has a place on my home screen.

My iPhone basically tripled my productivity on a daily basis.  I can write blogs, check site stats, dominate social media sites but most importantly, I can write screenplays. (Click here for more on Portable Writing)

The first screenwriting program I found on the APP Store was Screenplay by Black Mana Studios.  It’s a pretty great app. It’s easy to use and supports a lot of the features I expect in a screenwriting program.

My only complaint is how every scene is treated almost as a separate script.  The app lacks an option to review your entire script at once.  You have to keep switching screens to load up the next scene.  There’s just something strange about writing one scene at a time.  There are some advantages to the system as you don’t have to scroll FOREVER to reach a specific scene.  It’s a terrific way to navigate your script.  All I want is the option to read it all at once.   (Read my full thoughts on the app here)

Along came ScriptWrite and they understood that concept.  Your entire script on one screen.  It is also a disadvantage as scrolling through a giant script is annoying.  It would be great if they had a scene selection system like Black Mana’s app.

Anyone who has ever typed out a screenplay uses a tab system to switch between elements.  Switching is as simple as pressing ENTER or TAB.  This program allows you to  select an element from a list of icons.

It’s certainly not a bad system and it’s very similar to Black Mana’s app.  I just prefer interface in Screenplay.  ScriptWrite does get big points for being cheaper and I think it will definitely improve.  I’ll be watching for updates.

It’s great to have some competition for screenwriting supremacy on the iPhone.  Black Mana’s app is superior in my opinion except for one tiny complaint about how individual scenes are treated.  This is something they can fix.  ScriptWrite’s system may work for some writers out there but not for me.  Some people will probably like it better.  It’s a close call but for now, I’ll be sticking with Screenplay.  Especially since it was recently announced that they have partnered with Final Draft!

Read the announcement here

Screenplay by Black Mana.

If you have an iPhone and are obsessed or even moderately interested in screenwriting, I highly recommend it.