Using ScriptNotes for Feedback and Revisions

ScriptNotes in Final Draft Cloud let you leave comments in your script without permanently changing the text. Think of them as digital notes in the margins — perfect for edits, suggestions, or collaboration.

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What Are ScriptNotes?

If you’ve used Final Draft 12 or Final Draft 13 before, you may already be familiar with ScriptNotes. If not, they function like writing a note in the margins of a printed script.

Use ScriptNotes when:

  • You’re considering cutting or revising a line
  • You want feedback before making a permanent change
  • You’re collaborating with a director, producer, or writing partner

Instead of deleting or rewriting text immediately, you can leave a note for yourself or others.

Add a ScriptNote to Your Own Script

To leave a ScriptNote:

  1. Place your cursor on the line you want to comment on
  2. Click the ScriptNote button
  3. Type your note
  4. Click the green button to post

Once posted, the note:

  • Shows your name as the author
  • Displays the date and time it was added
  • Appears as a small icon in the margin
  • Does not appear when exporting or printing a PDF

You can click the icon anytime to reopen and review the note.

Label Notes for Specific Collaborators

You can label ScriptNotes for specific people so they know the note is directed at them.

To label a note:

  1. Click Add New in the label field
  2. Type the role or name (for example, “Director” or “Producer”)
  3. Press Enter
  4. Post the note

When someone opens the script, they’ll immediately see which notes are addressed to them.

This makes collaboration more organized when multiple people are reviewing the script.

Reply to ScriptNotes

ScriptNotes support threaded replies.

To reply:

  1. Open the existing ScriptNote
  2. Type your response
  3. Post the reply

Each reply is attributed to the author and timestamped. This allows for clear back-and-forth discussion without altering the script text.

Edit or Delete Your ScriptNotes

If you created a ScriptNote, you can:

  • Edit your reply
  • Update the message
  • Delete the note entirely

Only the document owner (or the person who created the note) can remove it.

This makes it easy to clean up notes once revisions are complete.

Using ScriptNotes on Shared Files

ScriptNotes are especially useful when working on a file shared with you.

To access shared files:

  1. Go to your Vault
  2. Click Shared With Me
  3. Open the file

If you have Reviewer permission, you:

  • Cannot edit the script text directly
  • Can leave ScriptNotes to suggest changes

This allows collaborators to give feedback without altering the original document.

Collaborating with Permissions

When reviewing a shared script:

  • If you’re a Reviewer, you cannot modify text
  • You must use ScriptNotes to suggest edits
  • The original document owner can review, respond, or remove notes

This ensures the script stays protected while allowing meaningful collaboration.

When to Use ScriptNotes

Use ScriptNotes when you want to:

  • Suggest cutting or revising dialogue
  • Ask for a collaborator’s opinion
  • Leave reminders for yourself
  • Discuss specific lines without editing the draft

They are ideal for revision rounds, feedback sessions, and creative discussions.

You’re Ready to Collaborate

ScriptNotes give you flexibility: edit thoughtfully, collaborate clearly, and keep your original draft intact until you’re ready to revise.

If you’d like to explore more tools inside Final Draft Cloud, continue to: