# Final Draft Reviews **Vendor:** Final Draft **Category:** [Screenwriting Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/screenwriting) **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 45 ## About Final Draft For over 25 years Final Draft has been the industry standard and market leader in screenwriting software. Used by 95% of film and television productions, Final Draft is the first choice for both professional and aspiring screenwriters, producers, directors, and industry executives. Final Draft was co-founded in 1990 by Marc Madnick and Ben Cahan, who recognized that Hollywood lacked a word-processor capable of automatically formatting a script to the entertainment industry’s stringent standards. This led to the creation of Final Draft, a fully dedicated screenwriting software application that automatically formats your script to Hollywood’s industry standards. Final Draft quickly became an essential tool for the entertainment industry, and in 2013 the program was awarded the prestigious Primetime Emmy Engineering Award. In recent years Final Draft’s mission has extended beyond providing writers with the best screenwriting software on the market. Final Draft also provides free and exclusive educational resources to writers to help them every step of the way on their screenwriting journey. This includes interviews with professional screenwriters, podcasts, tech tips, and how-to articles. Regular live events keep writers connected with industry and each other, and up-to-date on the latest industry trends. Final Draft continues to unearth the best new talent through the Big Break Screenwriting Contest, which every year awards over $100,000 in cash and prizes, and has launched the careers of countless new screenwriters. Final Draft is fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The Big Break Contest offers Diversity categories that ensure underrepresented writers come to the attention of industry professionals. Final Draft also provides invaluable resources and connections to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, marginalized and differently abled writers, helping them bring their stories to the world. As the needs of these communities grow and change, Final Draft will be there to meet them. In 2016, Final Draft was acquired by Cast & Crew. Based in Burbank, California, and with offices across the U.S. and in Canada, Cast & Crew is a trusted partner to major and independent film and television studios. Cast & Crew provides clients with a robust portfolio of critical services. These include payroll and residuals processing, the industry-leading PSL production accounting software and other digital solutions, as well as financial services such as production incentive consulting, management and financing. Cast & Crew continues to accelerate its investment in technology, supported by majority shareholder EQT, a leading investment firm with portfolio companies in Europe, Asia, and the U.S., which acquired Cast & Crew in early 2019. Under Cast & Crew Final Draft provides a world-class product with world-class service and will continue to listen and respond to the needs of writers everywhere. Final Draft is proud to continue to work with our industry partners to improve the lives and careers of writers, including Hillman Grad, Start with Hollywood, Women of Color Unite, the Geena Davis Institute, Seed & Spark, CAPE Fellowship, The Disruptors, Women in Film & TV and NALIP. Final Draft – It all starts with the script. ## Final Draft Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users love the **ease of use** of Final Draft, appreciating its intuitive tools for seamless scriptwriting and collaboration. (1 reviews) - Users love the **intuitive tools** of Final Draft, enabling easy writing and seamless collaboration on group projects. (1 reviews) - Users appreciate the **intuitive tools** of Final Draft, enabling easy writing and collaboration anytime and anywhere. (1 reviews) - Users value the **fast and secure online collaboration** features of Final Draft, enhancing teamwork on group projects. (1 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users find the **upgrade process clunky** , particularly when skipping a full version, leading to frustrations. (1 reviews) ## Final Draft Reviews ### 1. The Ultimate Scriptwriting Tool with Synced Convenience **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Brian S. | Owner, Marketing and Advertising, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** March 23, 2026 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** I really like the formatting and the library of tools that Final Draft offers. They make my writing so much easier, especially with templates for scripts. The building tools are great, tracking character names, settings, and more. I love that my writing syncs between devices, ensuring I can work seamlessly no matter where I am. The initial setup was also very easy; the software directly guides me to start my script. When I'm writing, everything I need is on one screen and interface, so I stay focused without getting pulled out of the writing zone. I also appreciate that Final Draft is always looking to improve and keep up with writing trends. **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** Well the price tag can sometimes be a blocker for writers just starting out. Updates often come with a charge. Not charging for updates would be better. I don't want to have to repurchase the software whenever there is a new version. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** Final Draft makes script formatting easy with templates and helps track character names and settings. I love its syncing between devices and single-interface tools that keep me focused. ### 2. Effortless Scriptwriting and Seamless Collaboration **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Eric I. | Co-Founder, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 10, 2026 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** Never lose a line of your script with this platform. Its intuitive tools and design make it easy to write wherever and whenever you need. The features are especially helpful for group projects, offering fast and secure online collaboration. **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** The upgrade process can get clunky especially if you skip over a full version. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** One tool to rule them all. Format correctly with out thinking about it. ### 3. The Only Acceptable Software for Screenwriters **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Eric F. | Owner/ Lead Consultant, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 28, 2023 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** Final draft is an easy to use tool for producers and writers alike. As a writer it makes formatting and editing super easy. As a producer it makes breaking down scripts as easy as pushing a button. Its easy to use, easy to implement with pther filmmaking software, and has great customer support. I use it almost daily for every project now, and I couldn't imagine being a writer without it. **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** The one annoying thing is that it comes out with new versions every year, and instead of being able to just access those versions once you've bought the software, you have to buy it again. thats slightly irrating, because the software is $300. Its not that its not worth it, its just that I wish I didnt have to pay for basically the same thing, albeit with a few new wrinkles, every single year even if it is at a discount. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** It allows me to write scriots, and then break out lines for just one specific character which is helpful for auditioning roles. It also allows for line editing and breaking the script down by location, character number, etc. which helps set the shoot schedule and budget. Almost every aspect of production can be handled with this software, and thats why it is the mostly highly sought after writing software in Hollywood. ### 4. Final Draft for Screenwriting **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Chris L. | Screenwriter, actor,poet,writer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 19, 2023 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** Final Draft is the ultimate it may have a price to it but is worth it , every platform even iOS , and use you need to be of some profiency if you started from Trelby and Celtx this will make it easier, formatting is industry standard and has a wealth of features that can see overwhelming at first but becomes second nature very easily , quick implementation , integration with many other formats and files , use every day that frequency helps yo get even better and support is always available **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** The price can be hefty but a great investment **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** Giving me crisp sharp scripts ready to go ### 5. BEST SOFTWARE FOR SCREENWRITING **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Fosca A. | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 08, 2023 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** I really enjoy working with Final Draft. I was so positively impressed with the program: it is user-friendly, comprehensive and makes my translator's life much easier. Adjusting the formatting in PDF or Word format can become a nightmare as well as time consuming and, after all that, the document still does not look professional as it should. All of that is easily solved by using Final Draft! Additionally, the customer service department is excellent and responds promptly to your emails with courtesy and professionalism. Great job! **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** There is really nothing I do not like about Final Draft. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** I was so positively impressed with Final Draft: it is user-friendly, comprehensive and makes my translator's life much easier. Adjusting the formatting in PDF or Word format can become a nightmare as well as time consuming and, after all that, the document still does not look professional as it should. ### 6. Write your script writerly. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** KHALID R. | Founder & Creative Director, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 31, 2023 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** Final Draft is the best application we've tried for screenwriting because of its shrewd devices for designing your work to proficient particulars. It additionally offers spaces to assist you with creating stories, similar to the Story Guide and Beat Board. It permits you to simply start composing when you open it without us agonizing over the configuration. Also different elements like notes taking and working with various drafts of similar contents is incredibly simple. An extremely easy to understand programming. **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** Final Draft appears to be absurdly over-valued for what the vast majority use it for, so when it craps out on them they blow up. The vast majority don't utilize the creation devices, which permit you to produce industry standard reports and all the more critically deal with a secured shooting script in an industry standard way. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** "I'm attempting to take care of story issues in my screenplay, could you at any point help?" At the point when you're kept up with giving figure a shot your account structure, including explicit beats, go to class. Your sort decision directs a critical number of story choices, including where to develop and where you should break show. At the point when you depend on your type, you're greatly improved prepared to follow through on your story's commitment completely. ### 7. Final Draft makes screenwriting easy **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Victoria L. | Freelance Writer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** August 10, 2023 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** It has all the tools you need to write a screenplay. **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** Its on the expensive side. New versions continue to come out and it feels like theres a push to upgrade. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** Final Draft makes it easy to plan out your script, write it, and share it with collaborators. ### 8. The absolute best software and tech support for scriptwriters. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mark S. | Entertainment, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 21, 2023 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** Where do I start? I have 34 scripts sold, 19 made into features, and multiple credits as a producer. Final Draft has become my de facto partner in all my film lives. As a scriptwriter, it’s the only thing I use. I couldn’t imagine writing a script in anything else. No one I know uses anything else because of not only the amazing writing and collaboration tools, but the other features in the software essential to pre-production, production, and post-production. It is the industry standard period. I also teach scriptwriting. As my teaching partner, using it in class frees me up to not have to worry about ill-formatted material, provides a common ground for any discussion about how something should flow on the page, and allows me to explore, inside the program itself, beat boards, film and TV templates, and many other features. It is a great worry-free toolbox for helping students create their scripts be it film, TV or more. And finally, and this may be specific to me but no less important, The OC Screenwriters Association which I founded has Final Draft as a partner. We have been given tremendous cache because of Final Draft. The company gives us instant credibility by association; and makes our events all the more important because of it. I have never truly run across any group or company more willing to go that extra mile to make my life easier. The Enterprise dept, tech support, and everyone else in this company is world class. No matter what I ask, they deliver. It’s like having an entire company of experts who are just a phone call away. And I can confidently tell my students that if they're having any issues with the software or functions, to just call Final Draft and that's done. I started this journey as a writer alone. I’ve now walked this path in many iterations with a powerful set of tools and some truly amazing people at my back. Did Final Draft make a difference in my professional successes? You bet it did. Does it still? Without a doubt. **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** Nothing that I can honestly state. It and the company are about as perfect as I can ask. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** I teach scriptwriting and it is a great tool for my students to use. Makes my life so much easier. Plus, in my role as president of OC Screenwriters, it's an easy solution to event promotion woes. We give away copies to event attendees and people flock to our events because of it. ### 9. Best Screenwriting Platform **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Stacee M. | Executive, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2021 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** The toolbar is easy to use, and it has pre-made templates to choose from depending on the type of story you want to write. You can choose a half-hour sitcom or an hour-long drama, and it will help with all the correct formatting. Each time a new final draft comes out, it's a better rendition than the previous one. **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** I dislike that you have to pay for an upgrade. You should allow people to upgrade the final draft for free for a limited time since we won't be able to use the ones lower after that. We have already paid for the FD and to be charged for an upgrade isn't ideal. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** I used to write in Celtx for my screenwriting, but after using Final Draft, it was a lot more straightforward. It has a lot more to offer than other programs such as Celtx, Word. My formatting is better using Final Draft, and it's a lot easier to have a flow going. Correct formatting is a great benefit you can get from this program. ### 10. The most complete screenwriting tool **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Viktoria P. | Ecommerce onwer., Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 26, 2022 **What do you like best about Final Draft?** I love that it is practical intuitive, and once you configure it, it makes writing way easier. **What do you dislike about Final Draft?** The only downfall is probably the price. However, if you are a professional screenwriter, it's worth it. **What problems is Final Draft solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can create scripts in industry format write fast and intuitively. It is also very easy to create several drafts and go back and forth among them. It's efortless to track changes. ## Final Draft Discussions - [What is Final Draft used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-final-draft-used-for) - 1 comment - [Is it worth upgrading to Final Draft 11?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-it-worth-upgrading-to-final-draft-11) - 1 comment - [Is Final Draft a one time purchase?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-final-draft-a-one-time-purchase) - 1 comment - [What is Final Draft educational?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-final-draft-educational) - 1 comment - [How much does final draft cost?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-does-final-draft-cost) - 1 comment - [View Final Draft pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/final-draft/reviews/final-draft-review-691990?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-05-07+22%3A30%3A25+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=d4f49140-16ac-461e-a8b5-2eae2effe8d6&secure%5Btoken%5D=fdea10a0dc30a8d39619b2f0474d98d3e728ddf9b9c3399856e7ddbfd70efa3c&format=llm_user) ## Final Draft Features **Document Creation** - Template Creation - Story Map - Formatting - PDF Creation **Design** - Graphics - Templates - Themes **Workflow** - Collaborative Creation - Comments and Tasks **Collaboration** - Multi-User Collaboration - Real-Time Communication **Platform** - Web Interface - Mobile apps **File Types** - Export - Import - Web Publishing **Edit & Revise** - Revision History - Suggestion Mode - Document Editor **Agentic AI - Screenwriting** - Autonomous Task Execution - Multi-step Planning - Adaptive Learning - Natural Language Interaction - Proactive Assistance **Integrate & Embed** - Calendar - Website - Applications **Operating System** - PC Operating System - Mac Operating System - Linux Operating System **Generative AI** - AI Text Generation - AI Text Summarization - AI Text-to-Image - AI Text-to-Speech - AI Image-to-Text **Agentic AI - Document Creation** - Proactive Assistance ## Top Final Draft Alternatives - [Scrivener](https://www.g2.com/products/scrivener/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (87 reviews) - [Celtx](https://www.g2.com/products/celtx/reviews) - 4.2/5.0 (78 reviews) - [WriterDuet](https://www.g2.com/products/writerduet/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (29 reviews)