Things to consider…

A few advanced features to look out for

1 Can you sync the software with other versions? Some apps have both macOS and iOS versions and allow you to synchronise documents and projects between them using Dropbox, iCloud or the developer’s own server. That can be very useful if you regularly swap between devices.

2 Does it have Markdown support?

If you prefer to use Markdown to format text documents, make sure the tool you choose has good support for it. That support should include the ability to preview Markdown formatting quickly and easily, as you write. 3 Which file formats can the app export to? Most apps on test have their own file formats and so, when you save a document, you’ll only be able to open it again in the same app. It’s important to check, therefore, that the app you choose can export in the format you need.

4 How do you prefer to work?

If you prefer white text on a dark background with no distractions on screen, one of the minimalist apps like iA Writer or Byword is a good bet. If you want all the documents in a project in one place, choose Scrivener or Ulysses. 5 Thinking of writing a radio, TV or movie script? While there are dedicated tools for scripts, you can write them in any writing app. However, Scrivener is particularly helpful for this kind of work because it includes templates for popular script formats, including those used by the BBC.