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Arc Studio vs. Final Draft

Which screenwriting software is the right choice for you?

You’re ready to start writing a script, whether it be a feature, short film, or TV pilot, but which screenwriting software should you use?

Two popular choices are Arc Studio and Final Draft™. How do they compare, and which has the features that best suit your needs? Below you’ll find a direct comparison so you can make an informed decision. (Final Draft is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Arc Studio is not affiliated with or endorsed by Final Draft. Comparison as of February 2026.)

Arc Studio is a modern, cloud-based screenwriting app designed with an intuitive interface to minimize distraction and powerful tools to support you throughout the writing process.

Because it is cloud-based, Arc Studio is built for seamless collaboration, automatically backs up your work, and syncs across multiple devices.

It features industry standard formatting and an ever-growing suite of production tools.

You never need to upgrade because the app is constantly updated with new features, like a built-in notes app and an intuitive outlining tool.

Final Draft is a traditional, word processor-style screenwriting program originally developed in the 1990s, and as such has widespread use in Hollywood.

It features industry standard formatting, production tools, and a wide variety of templates for scripts and other writing projects.

With Final Draft you pay a one-time fee for the current version of the app. If you want to upgrade in the future it is necessary to buy the new version.

While you can write an industry-formatted script in either Arc Studio or Final Draft,
the apps have different approaches.

With Arc Studio, all your drafts are in one place — with instant version comparison.

Arc Studio saves every version, making it easy to see what changed and bring back anything you cut.
Your script syncs across all your devices, and collaborators can join directly in the document.

With Final Draft, every draft of your script is stored as a different file.

Many Final Draft users manage revisions by saving new versions of their script (e.g., “Script_v5,” “Script_v6”)
This approach offers explicit control, but it typically requires manual organization.

Which is the right choice for you?

Arc Studio is a modern software that automatically saves and backs up your work, syncs to multiple devices, and is built for collaboration.
A built-in notes app for story and character development, intuitive outlining features, and easy comparison of your script drafts.
Automatic access to new features without having to upgrade.
Final Draft is a legacy screenwriting software with widespread adoption.
A traditional, word processor-style writing software.
Templates for writing things other than screenplays, like graphic novels and stage plays.

Features

Industry-standard script formatting
Built-in Notes App
Outlining Tools
Collaboration
Limited
Season Outlines
Script Backup
With file hosting service
Device Syncing
Upgrades Included
Desktop App
Browser Access
iOS App
PDF Exports
Draft Management

Ready to get started?

Arc Studio is the new standard in screenwriting software: stay focused, craft better stories, and collaborate with ease.