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== Overview ==
== Overview ==
The '''Final Draft Integration''' feature in ACT 3 AI allows you to bring industry‑standard Final Draft (.fdx) files into your project for editing, shot planning, and AI enhancement—and then export your polished screenplay back into .fdx format for collaboration or professional use.
The '''[[Final_Draft|Final Draft Integration]]''' in [[ACT3AI|ACT 3 AI]] allows you to seamlessly import and export scripts in the industry-standard Final Draft (FDX) format.
It’s designed for professional screenwriters, directors, and production teams who work within the Final Draft ecosystem but want to leverage [[AI_Wizard|AI-powered]] writing, [[Digital_Actors|casting]], and [[Build_Video|video generation]] inside ACT 3 AI.


== Importing .fdx Files ==
With this integration, you can:
# Click **Import Script** from the main navigation or the Editor start screen.
* Import existing Final Draft scripts directly into the [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]].
# Drag‑and‑drop your .fdx file or select it via the file picker. 
* Maintain formatting, [[Characters|character]] names, and [[Acts|story structure]].
# ACT 3 AI parses scene headings, character names, dialogue, action lines, transitions, and dual dialogue blocks.
* Export your ACT 3 AI project as a fully compliant FDX file for production use.
# Review the parsed elements in the preview dialog—mis‑mapped lines are highlighted in red for quick correction. 
# Confirm to load the structured script into the Editor, where it links automatically to storyboards, timeline slots, and AI‑prompt generation.


== Exporting to .fdx ==
== Key Capabilities ==
# In the Editor, open the script version you wish to export.   
* '''Full Format Retention:''' Preserves scene headings, dialogue, parentheticals, and [[Story_Beats|beats]].   
# Choose **File → Export Script** or click the Export icon.   
* '''Two-Way Workflow:''' Import from Final Draft to ACT 3 AI, make edits with AI tools, and export back to FDX.   
# Select **Final Draft (.fdx)** from the format dropdown.   
* '''Character Mapping:''' Automatically syncs [[Characters|characters]] to [[Digital_Actors|digital actor]] profiles.   
# (Optional) Enable metadata embedding—project title, author name, version number—and toggle a “DRAFT” watermark.   
* '''Act & Scene Organization:''' Keeps [[Acts|acts]] and [[Scenes|scenes]] intact for accurate shooting scripts.   
# Click **Download** to save the .fdx file locally or **Send to** to share via integrated cloud or email services.
* '''Annotation Transfer:''' Imports and exports notes, and [[Collaboration|collaborator]] comments.


== Key Features ==
== Importing a Final Draft File ==
* '''Full‑Fidelity Conversion:''' Preserves all Final Draft elements—scene numbering, dual dialogue, parentheticals, transitions, and formatting nuances.   
# Open [[Import_Script|Import Script]] from the dashboard or [[Editor|Editor]] menu.   
* '''Metadata Embedding:''' Includes a customizable title page, author credits, and version history within the .fdx file.   
# Select your **.fdx** file.   
* '''Error‑Resilient Parsing:''' Highlights unrecognized or malformed lines for manual editing before import, ensuring clean data.   
# Map imported characters to existing [[Characters|characters]] or create new ones.   
* '''Version Control:''' Each import or export action creates a new version entry in the project history for easy comparison and rollback.   
# Review and confirm [[Acts|act]] and [[Scenes|scene]] alignment.   
* '''Automated Linking:''' Imported scripts immediately link to the Cast, Characters, Storyboard, and Render Queue for end‑to‑end workflow continuity.
# Start editing your script in ACT 3 AI’s [[Script_Editor|script editor]].


== Troubleshooting & Tips ==
== Exporting to Final Draft ==
* Ensure your Final Draft file is saved in .fdx format; legacy .fdw files are not supported.   
# Open your project in the [[Editor|Editor]].
* For best results, avoid importing scanned PDFs; use native .fdx exports from Final Draft.   
# Go to **File → Export → Script**.   
* If import errors occur, re‑save the file in Final Draft and try again to clear any legacy formatting artifacts.   
# Select **Final Draft (.fdx)** as the format.   
* Use the metadata options to embed revision tags—helpful when collaborating with external writers.
# Choose export options (include [[Story_Beats|beats]], , [[Shot_Prompting|shot prompts]]). 
# Download the file or send it directly to your linked Final Draft workspace.
 
== Best Practices ==
* Before export, lock scenes in [[Timeline|Timeline]] to prevent accidental edits. 
* Keep [[Characters|character names]] consistent and uppercase to ensure smooth mapping.   
* Use [[Story_Beats|beats]] and [[Acts|act headings]] for clearer story structure in Final Draft. 
* When collaborating, share FDX files through a version control system to track changes.
 
== Troubleshooting ==
* '''Formatting issues''' → Ensure your ACT 3 AI script follows standard screenplay structure before export. 
* '''Missing beats''' → Enable “Include Beats” during FDX export. 
* '''Character mapping errors''' → Re-map during import or adjust names in [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]].
 
== Credits & Storage ==
* Importing and exporting FDX files is free. 
* Optional AI formatting cleanup may use a small number of [[Credit_System|credits]].


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Import Script]]   
* [[Import_Script|Import Script]]   
* [[Export Script]]   
* [[Export_Script|Export Script]]   
* [[Editor]]   
* [[Script_Editor|Script Editor]]   
* [[Version History]]   
* [[AI_Wizard|AI Wizard]]   
 
* [[Characters]] / [[Digital_Actors|Digital Actors]] 
[[Category:ACT 3 AI Features]]
* [[Timeline|Timeline]] / [[Storyboard_Panels|Storyboard & Panels]] 
* [[Build_Video|Build Video]] 
* [[Credit_System|Credit System]] / [[Billing_Model|Billing Model]]


[[Contact_us|Contact Us]] if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.
[https://act3ai.com/contact Contact Us] if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.

Latest revision as of 08:32, 21 August 2025

Overview

The Final Draft Integration in ACT 3 AI allows you to seamlessly import and export scripts in the industry-standard Final Draft (FDX) format. It’s designed for professional screenwriters, directors, and production teams who work within the Final Draft ecosystem but want to leverage AI-powered writing, casting, and video generation inside ACT 3 AI.

With this integration, you can:

  • Import existing Final Draft scripts directly into the Script Editor.
  • Maintain formatting, character names, and story structure.
  • Export your ACT 3 AI project as a fully compliant FDX file for production use.

Key Capabilities

  • Full Format Retention: Preserves scene headings, dialogue, parentheticals, and beats.
  • Two-Way Workflow: Import from Final Draft to ACT 3 AI, make edits with AI tools, and export back to FDX.
  • Character Mapping: Automatically syncs characters to digital actor profiles.
  • Act & Scene Organization: Keeps acts and scenes intact for accurate shooting scripts.
  • Annotation Transfer: Imports and exports notes, and collaborator comments.

Importing a Final Draft File

  1. Open Import Script from the dashboard or Editor menu.
  2. Select your **.fdx** file.
  3. Map imported characters to existing characters or create new ones.
  4. Review and confirm act and scene alignment.
  5. Start editing your script in ACT 3 AI’s script editor.

Exporting to Final Draft

  1. Open your project in the Editor.
  2. Go to **File → Export → Script**.
  3. Select **Final Draft (.fdx)** as the format.
  4. Choose export options (include beats, , shot prompts).
  5. Download the file or send it directly to your linked Final Draft workspace.

Best Practices

  • Before export, lock scenes in Timeline to prevent accidental edits.
  • Keep character names consistent and uppercase to ensure smooth mapping.
  • Use beats and act headings for clearer story structure in Final Draft.
  • When collaborating, share FDX files through a version control system to track changes.

Troubleshooting

  • Formatting issues → Ensure your ACT 3 AI script follows standard screenplay structure before export.
  • Missing beats → Enable “Include Beats” during FDX export.
  • Character mapping errors → Re-map during import or adjust names in Script Editor.

Credits & Storage

  • Importing and exporting FDX files is free.
  • Optional AI formatting cleanup may use a small number of credits.

See Also

Contact Us if you have any problems using our product, or if you have questions.

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