π Our Verdict
Final Draft is heralded as the industry standard for screenwriting software, extensively used by professionals in the film and television industry. It excels in script formatting, allowing writers to focus on crafting compelling narratives without worrying about technical details. With its robust set of features specifically designed for scriptwriting, Final Draft simplifies the transition from script to screen.
β Pros & β Cons
Pros:
- π¬ Industry Standard: Widely accepted by most studios and production companies, ensuring compatibility and professionalism.
- π Advanced Script Formatting: Automatically formats scripts to industry standards, saving time and effort.
- π Collaboration Tools: Offers real-time collaboration features, making it easy to work with co-writers and editors.
- π Story Mapping: Provides high-level views of your scriptβs structure, helping with pacing and development.
Cons:
- π΅ Price: More expensive compared to many other writing apps, which might be a barrier for new screenwriters.
- π₯ Platform Dependence: Heavily tailored for macOS and Windows, with limited support for other platforms.
- π Complex Features: Can be overwhelming for beginners due to its professional focus and feature depth.
π About Final Draft
Final Draft is specifically tailored for the needs of screenwriters, offering tools that streamline the process of writing screenplays. It includes features like automatic pagination, character tracking, and a built-in library of templates that adhere to industry formatting guidelines.
ποΈ How It Works
- Get a Trial or Purchase and Installation: Buy Final Draft from the official website and install it on your computer.
- Set Up Your Script: Choose from various templates or start with a blank page.
- Write and Format: Utilize intuitive formatting tools to write your screenplay.
- Review and Revise: Use editing and annotation tools to refine dialogues and descriptions.
- Collaborate: Share your script with collaborators directly within the software.
- Export: Export your script in professional formats ready for submission.
π² Pricing Overview
Here are the detailed pricing options for Final Draft:
Final Draft 13 Personal:
- Regular Price: $249.99
- Sale Price: $199.99 (20% off)
Upgrade to Final Draft 13:
- Price for upgrading from older versions: $99.99
Educational Edition:
- Regular Price: $129.99
- Sale Price: $99.99 (over 20% off for students and educators)
Volume Licensing:
- Pricing varies for organizations, schools, and enterprises, with specific packages tailored to the needs of production companies, educational institutions, and nonprofits.
For more detailed information on each plan and to see the options available, you can visit the Final Draft Pricing Page.
π₯ Competition
FeatureFinal DraftScrivenerFocusDedicated screenwritingFlexible writing for various formatsIndustry RecognitionStandard in film and TVPopular among novelists and researchersFormattingAutomatic screenplay formattingCustomizable formatting optionsToolsBuilt for script editing and layoutGeared towards managing complex projectsPriceHigher, one-time purchaseLower, one-time purchase with free updates
π£οΈ Testimonials
βFinal Draft has been indispensable in my screenwriting career. Its intuitive interface and industry-standard output make it my go-to software.β β John Doe, Screenwriter.
βAs a film director, I rely on Final Draft for its precise formatting and ease of use during the scriptwriting phase.β β Jane Smith, Director.
π Conclusion
Final Draft remains the top choice for professional screenwriters seeking comprehensive tools tailored to the nuances of screenplay formatting and production. While its price may be higher, the value it provides through advanced features justifies the investment for serious professionals.
Final Draft: From Concept to Credits