Professional writing software like Final Draft is not necessary when you’re just starting out. There are cheaper alternatives.

We used to recommend Celtx, but since going from free to a paid model and “browser only” interface, the reviews have been mixed.

A free, cloud based option is Amazon Storywriter. It seems like a stable, if bare bones solution.

Another freemium app is Writer Duet, with more features that unlock if  you pay a subscription fee. Both Amazon Storywriter and Writer Duet are based on Fountain, a plain text markup language for screenwriting. For more Fountain-based programs, visit here.

With any cloud software, it’s important to back up your work to your home PC. Don’t rely on web apps to save your files forever!

Here’s a list of some paid software.

• Celtx web app subscription – $14.99 monthly
• Celtx Mac app – $19.99 – Mac only
• Fade In – $79.95 – Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux
• Highland – $29.99 – Mac only
• Movie Magic Screenwriter – as low as $129 on various sites
• Final Draft – as low as $169 on various sites