Can Final Draft import a file written in a Fountain-based screenwriting program?

If the program outputs as .FDX, yes. However, since it's not genuine Final Draft XML, it may not format or behave as expected.

If the program outputs as plain text (.TXT), yes; import the file into Final Draft as a script.

If the program does not output as plain text, copy and paste the Fountain text into a plain text editor and save it as a text (.txt) file.

If the script needs reformatting after it's been brought into Final Draft, click HERE for more information.

Final Draft cannot open or import .fountain or .spmd files.

You can write in TextEdit (Mac), Notepad (Windows), or other word processors the same way you would in a Fountain-based program, save the document as a text file, import it into Final Draft and it will be formatted correctly.

1. Open a new blank document in any text editor.
   1. Capslock on.
   2. Type: INT. OFFICE - DAY
   3. Enter / Return.
   4. Capslock off.
   5. Type: Bob enters and sits down.
   6. Enter / Return.
   7. Capslock on.
   8. Type: BOB
   9. Enter / Return.
   10. Capslock off.
   11. Type: Hi, I'm Bob and this is my dialogue.
   12. Enter / Return. 
   13. Type:(beat)
   14. Type: I just took a beat.
   15. Capslock on.
   16. Type: CUT TO:
   17. Enter / Return.
   18. Type: EXT. PARK - NIGHT
   19. Capslock off.
   20. Type: Sue walks her dog.
   21. Capslock on.
   22. Type: SUE
   23. Capslock off.
   24. Type: Hey, everyone, I'm out walking my dog.
   25. Enter / Return twice.
   26. Type: Sue sits down on a bench.
2. Save this as a text file (in TextEdit, go to Format > Make Plain Text and then File > Save; in Notepad, text is the default save-as format).
3. Open Final Draft;
4. Go to File > Open and navigate to where you've saved the text file.
5. (Windows only: at the bottom of the Open window, from the Files of Type dropdown choose Plain Text Documents);
6. Open the file and when you're prompted to choose Script or Text, choose Script.

Final Draft will import the material and format it as a screenplay. Your text editor has just done what Fountain-based screenwriting programs do but without your needing to memorize arbitrary markdown codes. You've used only your Capslock key and your Enter / Return key.

WRITTEN IN NOTEPAD:

OPENED IN FINAL DRAFT:

4005

https://fd.support/3ChRDZa