Scrivener vs Final Draft: Choosing the Ultimate Screenwriting Software

Screenwriting software can significantly impact your creative process and productivity. This comprehensive guide compares two popular options – Scrivener and Final Draft – to help you choose the best tool for your screenwriting needs.

Final Draft: The Industry Standard

Final Draft has dominated the screenwriting software market since 1990. It’s longevity and widespread use in Hollywood have cemented it’s position as the go-to choice for many professional screenwriters.

Strengths of Final Draft

1. Industry-Standard Formatting

Final Draft excels at producing scripts that adhere to Hollywood’s strict formatting requirements. The software automatically handles elements like scene headings, action lines, dialogue, and transitions, ensuring your script looks professional from the first draft.

2. Collaborative Features

One of Final Draft’s standout capabilities is it’s real-time collaboration tools. Multiple writers can work on the same script simultaneously, making it ideal for TV writers’ rooms or co-written feature films.

This feature facilitates seamless teamwork and efficient script development.

3. Production-Ready Output

Final Draft goes beyond just writing. It includes tools for production scheduling, revision tracking, and script breakdowns.

These features make it valuable throughout the entire filmmaking process, from initial concept to final shoot.

4. Specialized Templates

The software offers a wide range of templates for various formats, including film, television, stage plays, and even comic books. This versatility allows writers to quickly adapt to different mediums without worrying about formatting specifics.

Challenges with Final Draft

1. Steep Learning Curve

Final Draft’s extensive feature set can be overwhelming for new users. It takes time and practice to fully utilize all of it’s capabilities, which may slow down your initial writing process.

2. Cost

As a premium industry-standard tool, Final Draft comes with a higher price tag compared to some choices. This cost may be prohibitive for beginners or independent writers on a tight budget.

3. Limited Non-Script Organization

While Final Draft excels at script formatting and production features, it offers fewer tools for organizing research, character development, and world-building compared to some choices.

Scrivener: The Versatile Writing Tool

Originally designed for novelists, Scrivener has evolved into a powerful option for screenwriters. It’s flexibility and organizational features make it a favorite among writers who value a holistic approach to story development.

Strengths of Scrivener

1. Comprehensive Organization

Scrivener shines in it’s ability to manage all aspects of a writing project. It offers a virtual corkboard for organizing ideas, folders for research materials, and easy navigation between different sections of your script or story outline.

2. Distraction-Free Writing Mode

Scrivener’s composition mode provides a clean, focused writing environment. This feature allows writers to concentrate solely on their words without the distraction of formatting or other interface elements.

3. Flexible Structure

The software allows you to easily reorganize your script, moving scenes or entire acts with simple drag-and-drop functionality. This flexibility is particularly useful during the outlining and revision stages.

4. Research Integration

Scrivener makes it easy to keep all your research materials – including documents, images, and web pages – within the same project file as your script. This integration streamlines the writing process, especially for projects requiring extensive background information.

Challenges with Scrivener

1. Learning Curve for Screenwriting

While Scrivener is user-friendly for general writing, adapting it for screenwriting requires some initial setup and learning. Writers may need to invest time in customizing templates and learning screenplay-specific features.

2. Less Specialized for Production

Scrivener lacks some of the specialized production features found in Final Draft. While it can export scripts in various formats, extra tweaking may be necessary to meet specific industry standards.

3. Limited Real-Time Collaboration

Unlike Final Draft, Scrivener doesn’t offer built-in real-time collaboration features. This limitation can be a drawback for writers who often work in teams.

Choosing Between Scrivener and Final Draft

Your choice between these two software options depends on various factors, including your writing style, career goals, and specific project needs.

Consider Final Draft if:

You’re aiming for a career in Hollywood or traditional TV writing
You often collaborate with other writers in real-time
You need seamless integration with industry-standard production processes
You prefer a tool that handles all formatting automatically

Consider Scrivener if:

You value a more holistic approach to story development
You work on various types of writing projects beyond screenplays
You prefer a flexible organizational system for your ideas and research
You enjoy customizing your writing environment

Tips for Getting Started

Whichever software you choose, here are some tips to help you make the most of your new tool:

1. Explore Tutorials and Resources

Both Scrivener and Final Draft offer extensive tutorials, user guides, and community forums. Take advantage of these resources to quickly familiarize yourself with the software’s features.

2. Customize Your Workspace

Spend time setting up your ideal writing environment within the software. Customize toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, and templates to match your workflow.

3. Start with a Small Project

Before diving into your magnum opus, try writing a short script or scene to get comfortable with the software’s basic functions.

4. Use Templates

Both programs offer pre-made templates for various script formats. Using these can help you focus on writing without worrying about formatting details.

5. Regularly Save and Back Up

Make use of the auto-save features and create regular backups of your work. Consider using cloud storage or version control systems for added security.

Advanced Techniques

As you become more comfortable with your chosen software, consider exploring these advanced techniques:

For Final Draft Users:

1. Revision Tracking

Learn to use Final Draft’s revision features to track changes and manage different versions of your script efficiently.

2. ScriptNotes

Utilize the ScriptNotes feature to add comments, reminders, or feedback directly within your script.

3. Reports and Lists

Explore Final Draft’s ability to generate reports and lists, such as character breakdowns or location lists, which can be invaluable during pre-production.

For Scrivener Users:

1. Custom Metadata

Use Scrivener’s custom metadata feature to track elements like character arcs, themes, or plot points across your script.

2. Compile Settings

Master Scrivener’s compile settings to ensure your exported script meets industry formatting standards.

3. Snapshots

Utilize the Snapshots feature to save different versions of scenes or acts, allowing you to experiment with rewrites without losing original content.

Exercises to Enhance Your Skills

Regardless of which software you choose, these exercises can help you become more proficient:

1. The Timed Write

Set a timer for 30 minutes and write a complete short scene. Focus on getting your ideas down quickly without worrying about perfect formatting.

2. The Restructure Challenge

Take a completed short script and use your software’s organizational tools to completely rearrange it. Move scenes, change the order of events, and see how it affects your story.

3. The Research Integration Exercise

For your next project, use your software’s research management tools to collect and organize background information. Practice seamlessly integrating this research into your script.

4. The Format Sprint

Challenge yourself to take a plain text document and format it into a properly structured screenplay as quickly as possible. This exercise will help you master your software’s formatting tools.

5. The Collaboration Simulation

If you’re using Final Draft, practice it’s collaboration features by writing a short script with a friend. For Scrivener users, try exporting your script and sharing it with a peer for feedback, then incorporating their notes back into your project.

Overcoming Common Hurdles

Final Draft Challenges:

1. Overwhelming Interface

If you find Final Draft’s interface overwhelming, start by focusing on the basic writing features. Gradually explore extra tools as you become more comfortable.

2. Collaboration Hiccups

When collaborating, establish clear guidelines with your writing partners about how you’ll use the software’s features to avoid confusion.

Scrivener Challenges:

1. Exporting for Production

If you’re using Scrivener and need to submit scripts to traditional Hollywood channels, consider using Scrivener for the bulk of your writing and outlining, then transferring to a dedicated screenwriting software for final formatting.

2. Organizing Large Projects

For complex projects, take full advantage of Scrivener’s folder structure and labeling system to keep your work organized.

Adapting Software to Your Workflow

Remember, these tools should enhance your writing process, not hinder it. Here are some tips for adapting your chosen software to your workflow:

1. Customize Your Interface

Both Scrivener and Final Draft allow for interface customization. Arrange your workspace to match your writing style and preferences.

2. Create Templates

Develop custom templates for your recurring project types. This can save time and ensure consistency across your work.

3. Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn and use keyboard shortcuts for common actions to speed up your writing and formatting process.

4. Integrate with Other Tools

Explore how your chosen software can integrate with other tools you use, such as research apps or cloud storage services.

The Importance of Regular Practice

Mastering your screenwriting software requires consistent use. Here are some strategies to incorporate regular practice:

1. Daily Writing Sessions

Set aside time each day to write using your chosen software, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

2. Script Reading and Analysis

Use your software to read and analyze professional scripts. This can help you understand how to effectively use formatting and structure in your own work.

3. Participate in Writing Challenges

Join online writing challenges or contests that need you to produce scripts quickly. This can help you become more efficient with your software.

4. Experiment with Different Genres

Try writing scripts in various genres to explore different formatting requirements and storytelling structures within your software.

Staying Updated

Both Scrivener and Final Draft regularly release updates and new features. Stay informed about these changes to make the most of your chosen tool:

1. Subscribe to Newsletters

2. Join User Communities

Participate in online forums or social media groups dedicated to your chosen software. These communities often share valuable tips and workarounds.

3. Attend Workshops or Webinars

Look for workshops or webinars offered by the software companies or experienced users to learn advanced techniques and stay updated on new features.

Making the Final Decision

Ultimately, the choice between Scrivener and Final Draft depends on your individual needs, writing style, and career goals. Consider these final points:

1. Try Before You Buy

Both software options offer trial versions. Spend time with each to see which feels more intuitive for your writing process.

2. Consider Your Long-Term Goals

If you’re aiming for a career in traditional Hollywood screenwriting, Final Draft’s industry standard status may give you an edge. For more diverse writing projects or independent filmmaking, Scrivener’s flexibility could be more useful.

3. Assess Your Budget

Consider the cost of the software in relation to your current needs and budget. Remember to factor in potential upgrades and support costs.

4. Evaluate Your Technical Comfort

Consider your comfort level with learning new software. If you prefer a more straightforward, specialized tool, Final Draft might be the better choice.

If you enjoy customization and don’t mind a bit of tinkering, Scrivener could be ideal.

Key Takeaways

Final Draft excels in industry-standard formatting and collaboration features, making it ideal for professional screenwriters aiming for Hollywood.
Scrivener offers superior organizational tools and flexibility, making it great for writers who value a holistic approach to story development.
Your choice should align with your writing style, career goals, and project needs.
Whichever software you choose, invest time in learning it’s features to maximize your productivity.
Regular practice and experimentation are key to mastering your chosen screenwriting tool.