Export PDF, FDX, and Fountain

Export produces a file from the script as it stands on the current draft line — or from any save point you pick. PDF and Fountain are on every plan; Final Draft (.fdx) export comes with Writer and above.

1. 1

   Open the Import / Export menu

   Choose Import / Export in the toolbar. The formats are listed under Export; typing "export" into the command palette reaches the same list.

2. 2

   Choose the format

   PDF for anyone who reads scripts. Final Draft when a production office asks for an .fdx — scene numbers and revision marks carry across. Fountain for a plain-text copy that any screenwriting tool can open. Choosing a format starts the export straight away.

3. 3

   Export the version you mean

   Export writes the draft line you are on, as it stands, unless you pick a save point or milestone in the dialog — last week's table-read draft, say — in which case it writes that version and leaves your draft where it is.

4. 4

   Know what the file carries

   A PDF opens with the title page — title, author, contact, and draft date from the project's title page — and, during a colored revision, carries the revision marks and color; see Turn on revision mode. A speech that runs onto the next page ends with (MORE), and resumes with the speaker's name and (CONT'D). Final Draft carries the text, its structure, scene numbers, and revision marks. Fountain carries the text and its structure.

   When the same character speaks again after action, the PDF adds (CONT'D) to the cue. Fountain and Final Draft exports include it too, and importing that file keeps it as part of the cue. To leave these out, turn off Automatic character continueds in Document settings; the choice is saved for the project. Page-break (MORE) and (CONT'D) are added either way.

5. 5

   Download

   The file downloads with the script's title in its name. A PDF shows its progress while it renders, and you can cancel it from there.