Final Draft for Windows

Final Draft 9 for Windows updates the respected screenwriting software with a Ribbon-style layout and other enhancements. With more than a hundred templates for writing scripts for screen and stage and an array of pro-quality tools that have been tested and proven in many actual productions, Final Draft is far more than a tricked-out word processor. It's not cheap, but it justifies its cost.

Pros

Go pro: Final Draft 9 is the industry standard and top seller in screenwriting software, with many professional testimonials and awards. Numerous support resources and tools include international dictionaries and spell-checkers.

Functional layout: An updated Ribbon-style toolbar and layout syncs Final Draft's looks with Word and other Windows tools. If you preferred the Classic look, it's still available.

Focus on features: Final Draft's screenwriting-specific features include Story Development, Formatting, Production, Text to Speech, Dual Dialog, and Reports on cast, characters, dialog, and other script elements. Pro extras include watermarking and color page revisions.

Discounts: Students and teachers can get discount pricing on Final Draft 9. Upgrades from previous versions get discounts, too.

Cons

Expensive: At $199, Final Draft 9 is expensive, though certainly not overpriced. Still, it's a big chunk of change for aspiring screenwriters hoping to take advantage of Final Draft's script-focused capabilities.

Free trial and spam: Submitting your name and email to download Final Draft 9's free trial also signs you up for email tutorials and offers that require unsubscribing to stop.

Bottom Line

We've used many word processors specifically designed for screenwriters and dramatists, but none approach Final Draft 9 in features or sophistication.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of Final Draft 9.0.