• Platform:    Windows 98 / 2000 / NT 4 / Me / XP, Macintosh, Mac OS X
• Media: CD-ROM
• Item Quantity: 1

Designed for Windows XP and carbonised for Mac OS X, Final Draft worked fine on the Windows 98 system we tested it on. A new touch freelancers will appreciate is the ability to save in Adobe PDF format, so scripts can be sent to folks who don't own the software. New cosmetics include a more colourful toolbar, darker font that matches between Mac and Windows systems and looks better in print, and bigger windows for the ScriptNotes feature. System enhancements include a smart drag and drop, which automatically adds formatting elements when you move bits of your script. Our favourite new addition is "Ask the Expert"--a blackboard that writers can visit to refresh themselves on basics like characterisation and story arc.

A couple of minor gripes: you must "authorise" your system to use Final Draft 6.0 without the CD-ROM, which means if you write on both a desktop and a laptop, you'll have to use your disc for one of the computers. Also, the much touted "script templates" are nearly impossible to find (go to "file", click "new"--we just saved you 15 minutes) and they are not copies of actual scripts--they're two to three page parodies of TV shows, done in what we assume is the specific format for the show. --Anne Erickson, Amazon.com

Manufacturer's Description
Final Draft is a self-contained word processor specifically designed for writing screenplays used in movies, TV, and theatrical plays. Final Draft scriptwriting software formats screenplays and teleplays to industry standards, tracking pagination and organizing the storage of character names, scene headings, and transitions. In addition, it is completely cross-platform-compatible so scripts created on either Windows or Macintosh Final Draft look exactly the same on either platform.

Features new to version 6.0 include an improved interface that is carbonized for Mac OS X and designed for Windows XP. Users can now save scripts as an Adobe Acrobat PDF-format file so files can easily be shared with anyone whether or not they own Final Draft. Script templates have been added to Final Draft, giving you dozens of templates for TV's top shows. Also included are improved script templates for new TV shows, improved U.S. and British stage-play templates, and improved screenplay templates. A format assistant checks your script for inconsistencies such as missing dialogue elements, extra spaces, blank elements, and other common formatting errors.

With the Ask the Expert feature, you'll never be alone when you're stuck. Syd Field is just a click away to help solve your writing woes, tackling the subjects of character, plot, or structure. This interactive problem solver will become an invaluable tool you'll visit to again and again. The ability to register scripts directly with the Writers Guild of America is also available from within the software. The WGA now recognizes Final Draft files for online registration. Send your scripts directly from Final Draft to the WGA offices electronically.