When I was sixteen years old I decided that a computer was much more important than a car — I knew that I wanted to make movies, so I was determined to get the tools necessary to do so. These included certain digital video editing software and screenwriting software — both which were a pretty penny.

As the industry standard at the time, I pursued an Apple Computer with iMovie and Final Cut Pro for the editing of my films, but it was Final Draft that I focused on purchasing from as screenwriter’s point of view because it was were all my projects were to start.

I believe it was Syd Field’s The Screenwriter’s Workbook and later his instructional DVD, Syd Field’s Screenwriting Workshop, that lead me to Final Draft in the first place, but many screenwriting software and even freeware has surfaced in recent years.

For those of you out there interested in purchasing or signing up for screenwriting software, consider this your overview of what’s available.

Final Draft ($249) – This is my choice screenwriting software. It allows you to keep your mind off the structure and technical aspects of screenwriting and focus on your story. Check out the link above for an extensive breakdown of the features included with version 8 of Final Draft.

Final Draft Download ($249) – Great for those who simply can’t wait to start writing in screenplay format. Purchase and download the software right to your computer so you can get going — wish this was available back when I purchased Final Draft.

Final Draft AV ($149) – Never worked with this version myself, but it seems to be the affordable alternative to the full Final Draft software. The difference is AV doesn’t allow formatting for screenplay creation, but rather focused on enabling its users to write in music video, commercial, and other forms of media format.

Movie Magic Screenwriter ($229) – A slighly more affordable screenwriting software to Final Draft. I’m not too sure about this one, though I’ve heard a pretty equal balance between screenwriters who use Movie Magic and those that use Final Draft. Check out the link above for a full list of details and system requirements.

Power Structure ($129) – A story outlining software designed to make development easier and organized. Consider this program if you have a hard time organizing your thoughts into a viable story. This isn’t quite my style as I enjoy writing out this portion of the screenwriting and storytelling process by hand, but it seems excellent for those interested in keeping everything organized on their computer.

Movie Outline 3.0 ($179) – Another story outlining software. Check the link for more details and information.

Scripped (Free) – A free screenwriting resource that enables its members to write in screenplay format online.

ScriptBuddy (Free and Pro package available) – Another screenwriting resource available to screenwriters interested in writing online. They also provide a nice screenplay formatting guide which I reviewed here on ScriptXRay a while back.

That should be a good start — explore each screenwriting software to discover which is best for your needs. If you use or know of any other screenwriting software programs other screenwriters should know about, let everyone reading know by posting a link to it in the comments section below.