Introduction
Final Draft is a popular screenwriting software used by professional and aspiring writers alike. It offers a range of features specifically designed for writing scripts, making it easier to format your work correctly and focus on your story. This guide will walk you through the basics of using Final Draft to write your script.
Getting Started
- Download and Install Final Draft: You can download the software from the official Final Draft website. It's available for both Mac and Windows.
- Create a New Script: Once you've launched Final Draft, click "New" to start a fresh script.
- Choose a Template: Final Draft offers various templates for different script formats (e.g., screenplay, teleplay, stage play). Select the one that best suits your project.
Writing Your Script
Formatting Basics
- Scene Heading: Begin each scene with a scene heading that includes the location (INT./EXT.) and the time of day (DAY/NIGHT).
- Character Names: Center the character's name in all caps before their dialogue.
- Dialogue: Indent dialogue and use double quotation marks.
- Action Lines: Use action lines to describe what is happening on screen. These should be in present tense.
- Parentheticals: Use parentheses to provide information about the character's delivery or action, e.g., (whispering), (smiling).
Using the Toolbar
Final Draft's toolbar provides quick access to essential features:
- Insert: Adds elements like scene headings, characters, and dialogue.
- Format: Changes text styles and formatting (e.g., bold, italics).
- Tools: Includes features like spell check and word count.
- View: Allows you to switch between different script views.
Additional Tips
- Use the "Tab" key: It automatically formats your text and creates the correct spacing.
- Take advantage of the "Slug Line" command: It quickly inserts scene headings.
- Use the "Character List" feature: Keep track of your characters and their names.
- Experiment with the "Notes" feature: Add notes and comments to your script.
- Save often! Final Draft autosaves, but it's always good to make manual saves regularly.
Conclusion
Final Draft offers a powerful and user-friendly environment for writing scripts. By mastering its features and understanding the basics of script formatting, you can effectively bring your story to life on the page. Remember to practice, explore the software's capabilities, and don't be afraid to get creative!