Writing a script is rarely a case of sitting down and knocking out 120 pages in one go, it takes time, patience and innumerable re-writes before it’s ready, therefore always having it with you for editing or adding ideas makes a lot of sense.  Of course, carrying a pen and pencil can be a pain, let alone an entire manuscript – but we always have our phone!

Whether you’re a budding screenwriter or an old hand, these iPhone apps could prove invaluable.

Screenplay

Thanks to a recent update, the first iPhone script writing app that was, could now be considered the best way to write and edit a script on the move.  Key to this is the simple interface and easy navigation to different scenes, plus the addition of Final Draft compatibility.  If the option to import Celtx scripts is added in a future update – as not all script writers are happy to buy Final Draft – Screenplay will be close to perfection.

ScriptWrite

At first glance, ScriptWrite is a simple alternative to Screenplay, however there are several difference, with the main one being a potential dealbreaker at this stage – it doesn’t allow imports from other script software.  This is apparently set to be addressed in a future version, but right now you’ll have to make do with working on your phone and adding the new material manually.  On the plus side, the formatting options are plentiful and exporting is done via email.

StoryPages

Although it can be used for any type of animated story, StoryPages works well for storyboarding a completed script.  It’s good to see Celtx compatibility in there, along with an easy transfer system which works by saving your board as a PNG file into your iPhone’s photo gallery.

Storyboard Composer

Previously known as Hitchcock, this is the app to have if StoryPages seems a little too basic.  The price may be high, but it reflects just what can be done inside this amazing piece of software.  You can use pictures taken with your phone, add audio, notate with shot composition and even play back the finished product.  This is one of those apps which really shows off how versatile the iPhone is.

Save the Cat!

Save the Cat! is an impressive piece of story structuring software available for your computer, and this is the app to compliment it.  However, if you don’t use the desktop version – and never intend too – then the limited exporting options may frustrate.  For those who want to start Saving the Cat, the $20-off coupon will be welcome and offset the rather steep initial cost.

IdeaPad

The big buttons, large fonts and simple navigation make this a brilliant ideas app.  There may be few functions other than the storing of ideas, but we love that simplicity!

Evernote

If the simplicity or the initial cost of IdeaPad puts you off, then you can’t go far wrong with choosing Evernote instead.  Syncing with the desktop version is effortless and the ability to add a voice note instead of text is handy.  Script writer or not, Evernote should be considered an essential application.