Final Draft 13.5.0 Mac download

Final Draft runs on any Mac with macOS 10.15 or later. It works on Intel-based machines, and there is no separate Apple Silicon build — the current version is compatible with Intel architecture. An active internet connection is needed during the initial sign-in process, but after that you can work offline.

What Final Draft Does

It is a screenwriting application for film, television, and stage scripts. The latest build integrates with Scrivener for project management, and you can pair it with the iOS companion app Final Draft Go for mobile work. The interface is in English, and the package is straightforward to use, with minimal setup required beyond the one-time sign-in.

Installation Overview

To install, mount the disk image, run the Gatekeeper-friendly script (a short Terminal command bypasses the default security check), drag the app into your Applications folder, and launch it. No extra steps beyond that.

Sign In Before Writing

After you install Final Draft, take a few minutes to get the basics right before you start writing.

1. Sign in with your account during the first launch. The app needs an internet connection for this step. Once it completes, you can work offline.
2. Open the preferences panel and set your default script type — film, television, or stage. This saves you from manually adjusting template settings on every new file.
3. Create a project folder on your Mac before you write a single line. Keep your script files, research notes, and revision drafts in one place. Final Draft does not enforce a file structure, so you want one you can find later.
4. Map out your save routine. The app autosaves by default, but I set mine to save every five minutes and keep two backup copies. You can adjust this in the preferences.
5. Connect Final Draft Go on your iPhone or iPad if you own one. The iOS companion app lets you review or jot down dialogue on the go. Changes sync through cloud storage.

These steps take about ten minutes. They will keep you from hunting for files or redoing lost work later.

How Final Draft Stacks Up Against Similar Apps

There are a few screenwriting apps on the Mac. Here is how Final Draft compares with three of them.

Final Draft vs. Scrivener

Scrivener is a project management tool with a built-in script editor. It handles research, outlines, and long-form writing well. The latest Final Draft integrates with Scrivener, so you can move a draft between the two. The difference is formatting. Scrivener does not enforce industry-standard script formatting as strictly as Final Draft. If you need to submit a script to a studio or contest, Final Draft is the cleaner choice. If you want to organize notes and drafts in one binder, Scrivener is better for that part.

Final Draft vs. Fade In

Fade In is a direct competitor. It costs less and runs on most platforms including Linux. Its formatting engine is solid, and it reads and writes Final Draft files without conversion errors. The catch is that Final Draft has been the industry default for decades. Production coordinators, script supervisors, and editors expect Final Draft files. Fade In works just as well for writing, but if you share scripts with a team that uses Final Draft, staying on Final Draft avoids format bumps.

Final Draft vs. Highland 2

Highland 2 is a minimalist screenwriting app for distraction-free writing. It uses Fountain markup, which is plain text with minimal formatting. You can export to Final Draft format afterward. Highland 2 is great for first drafts when you do not want to be distracted by margins and page numbers. But it lacks the full formatting control, template library, and collaboration features of Final Draft. For a finished script, you will end up moving your work into Final Draft anyway.

Offline Use After First Launch

Can I use Final Draft without an internet connection?
Yes, after the one-time sign-in on first launch. After that, the app works offline. You only need the internet again if you reinstall or reset your account.

Does it run on Apple Silicon Macs?
The current version is built for Intel architecture. It runs on Apple Silicon Macs through Rosetta 2. Cast & Crew has not released a native Apple Silicon build yet.

Can I open scripts from other screenwriting apps?
Final Draft imports from several formats, including plain text and Rich Text Format. It also reads scripts saved in Fountain or Celtx formats. If you have a PDF, you cannot convert it back to an editable script — you will need to retype it.

Do I need to install additional fonts or plugins?
No. The app comes with everything it needs. The default font is Courier New, which is standard for industry scripts. No extra downloads are required.

How do I send a script to someone who does not own Final Draft?
Export the script as a PDF. PDFs preserve the formatting and can be read on any computer or phone. Final Draft also exports to Rich Text Format if the recipient needs to edit it in a word processor.

A Quick Workflow: From Blank Page to a Finished Scene

Here is how I use Final Draft to write a two-page scene from start to finish.

1. Launch Final Draft and select "New Script" from the start screen. Choose the film template. The app sets margins, font, and page count automatically.
2. Type the scene heading on line one. Start with "INT." or "EXT." and the location, then the time of day. Final Draft formats the heading as soon as you hit Return.
3. Press Return twice and type a character name in all caps. The app aligns it to the center of the page. After the name, press Return to start dialogue. The app indents dialogue lines to the correct width.
4. Add a parenthetical note for the character's action. Type the note in parentheses, then press Return to go back to dialogue. Final Draft keeps the formatting consistent.
5. When the scene ends, press Tab to enter a transition like "CUT TO:" or "FADE OUT." The app places it flush right.
6. Save the file. Use the standard Final Draft format (.fdx) so you can share it with other writers or open it later.

That is it. No manual margin tweaks, no font changes, no guesswork. The app handles the formatting so you can focus on the story.