Dandelion Break Another Software Company Reneges On Its Word…

[AgentPete]

I don’t think we have too many people here who use FINAL DRAFT screenwriting software, but you never know. People who bought Final Draft version 10 on a perpetual license might expect it to work for… well - in perpetuity, right?

No. For Final Draft, “perpetuity” apparently means eight years.

Final Draft just announced they would discontinue activation and deactivation capabilities for FD Version 10 on June 30, 2025. This change means:

• Users can't reinstall the software on new computers;
• Software can't be reactivated after operating system updates;
• Technical support ends February 1, 2025;
• Existing installs will continue working until the computer or operating system is updated.

Or… you can buy it again!

More here.

 

[Pamela Jo]

I'm wondering if I'm not going to get a similar fiddle from my photo editing program.

 

[Sarit]

Oh I have FD but version 11....I guess those days will be numbered too...

 

[JohnBertel]

If you bought version 10 can you not upgrade to a never version without purchasing a new license?

 

[AgentPete]

If you bought version 10 can you not upgrade to a never version without purchasing a new license?

I don’t know if they offer an upgrade path – it would make a lot of sense to do so.

However, eight years is a long time in software, they may take the view that anything that old isn’t really their responsibility now.

This all goes back to what they originally meant by “perpetual”. I think most reasonable people would conclude that this really does mean forever. It doesn’t mean that they have an obligation to keep version 10 updated forever, but it certainly does mean (imho) that they should not block you from installing and using V10 on a new machine.

 

[Sarit]

FWIW the software is very buggy and does not support many other languages, which is annoying when writing in 2-3 languages...there are certainly cheaper better screenwriting softwares out there. It's just become the 'industry standard' for some reason. I only have it cause I won it on some residency a few years back...

 

[AgentPete]

That's interesting, I’m not really familiar with FD. What are the better alternatives, in case anyone is shopping for screenwriting software?

 

[Sarit]

Well, there are cloud based programs such as Celtx and writer duet and also another called Fade In. But if I was thrown out of FD, I really wouldn't lose any sleep over it and subscribe to John August's (big screenwriter and host of Scriptnotes podcast with Craig Mazen) software called Highland for about 50 bucks. Though I think it's only for Macs.

 

[Pamela Jo]

I have used Celtix, and found very easy and intuitive.