Starting with Writer

When you sign in to Final Draft Cloud for the first time, you’ll be prompted to:

• Create a new project
• Create a new file
• Upload a file
• Go to your Vault

After your first session, you’ll automatically land in your Vault, where all of your projects and files are stored.

To start writing:

1. Click the Create button in the upper-left corner
2. Select New file from template

You’ll see several genre options, including:

• Screenplay
• Series (Television)
• Stage
• Prose
• Graphic Novel
• Digital Content

For this tutorial, choose Screenplay → Screenplay for Beginners.

The Screenplay for Beginners template is ideal if you’re new to Final Draft.

It provides:

• Standard screenplay formatting
• Sample structure
• Examples of how elements function

If you’re just getting started, take a few minutes to read through the template before beginning your script.

When the template opens, you’ll see a Save As option.

Here’s how to save your file:

1. Change the title of your screenplay
2. Choose where to save it
3. Click Save

If you haven’t created any projects yet, your script will automatically save to your Vault.

To confirm it’s saved:

• Click the menu in the upper-left corner
• Return to the Vault
• You’ll see your file syncing and appearing in your list

You can re-open it at any time by double-clicking the file. It will sync again to ensure you’re viewing the most recent version.

Most screenplays begin with a Scene Heading, but Writer gives you multiple ways to choose elements.

You can:

• Place your cursor on a line and press Enter to open the Elements menu
• Use the floating toolbar to select an element
• Use the top menu bar, where the current element is highlighted in green

The template begins in Scene Heading by default.

As you begin typing a Scene Heading, SmartType appears to help auto-complete common terms or anything you’ve previously entered.

Once you press Enter, Writer automatically moves you to the next element.

After a Scene Heading, the element typically switches to Action, allowing you to describe what’s happening in the scene.

Your screenplay includes a built-in Title Page.

To edit it:

1. Click the down arrow at the top of the document
2. Enter:
   • Your script title
   • Your name
   • Contact information

This page appears first when printing or exporting to PDF.

Changes are saved automatically, and you can update your title page anytime. It always lives at the top of your screenplay.

From the main menu, you can:

• Save your script
• Export as a PDF
• Rename your file
• Share it

There are also additional customization options for:

• Page layout
• Element behavior
• Editing tools

For deeper customization, explore Advanced Writing Features or visit the Knowledge Base in Support.

Once you’ve created and saved your file, chosen your elements, and reviewed the template, you’re ready to begin your first screenplay in Final Draft Cloud.

Now that you’ve gotten started with Final Draft Cloud, continue learning with the next topics: