Final Draft is the word processor most film and television productions assume you already own, with industry-standard formatting, revision colors, and change tracking between drafts. It handles scene numbering, dual dialogue, and the pagination quirks that matter when a script has to line up with a shooting schedule. Writers who hand pages to producers usually need it for compatibility more than for features, and locked pages keep a shooting script from renumbering once production starts.
Who it is for
Screenwriters and TV writers delivering drafts to producers and production offices.
Key features
- Industry-standard screenplay formatting
- Revision mode with colored pages
- Scene navigator and index cards
- Beat board outlining
- Collaboration with tracked changes
Where it falls short
It is a full-price purchase with no free tier, each major version upgrade costs extra, and the interface has barely changed in a decade.
Pricing
One-time license around $250; upgrades to new major versions are paid, and there is no free tier.
Prices move; the tier structure is the part that stays true. Check current pricing on Final Draft.
Alternatives to Final Draft
Frequently asked
How much does Final Draft cost?
Final Draft is paid software. One-time license around $250; upgrades to new major versions are paid, and there is no free tier.
What is Final Draft best for?
Screenwriters and TV writers delivering drafts to producers and production offices.
What are the best alternatives to Final Draft?
The closest substitutes we list are Scrivener and Ulysses. They sit in a similar price bracket but make a different trade-off, so read the weaknesses section of each review before switching.
Which platforms does Final Draft run on?
Final Draft is available on macOS, Windows and iOS.