Final Draft vs Zoho Writer

Final Draft7.7Visit Zoho Writer7.5Visit

Higher score Final Draft #3 in Text App 7.7/10 From $8.33/mo (annual) · 5-day trial ✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Final Draft

vs

Zoho Writer #4 in Text App 7.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Zoho Writer

• Final Draft fits best

  Screenwriters needing production-ready tools

• Zoho Writer fits best

  Teams needing free editing and workflow automation

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Side by side

Feature	Final Draft 7.7/10 Visit ↗	Zoho Writer 7.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.7	7.5
Ranking	#3 in Text App	#4 in Text App
Best for	Screenwriters needing production-ready tools	Teams needing free editing and workflow automation
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension
Integrations	5 integrations	20 integrations
Features Final Draft 2/4 · Zoho Writer 0/4
Markdown support	Not published	Not published
Real-time collaboration	✓ (best)	Not published
Offline access	Not published	Not published
Version history	✓ (best)	Not published
Specs
Platforms	Not published	Not published
Our review
Pros	Automatically formats and paginates scripts, with PDF and other exports Combines outlining, revisions, comments, and real-time collaboration Adds production reports, scheduling, budgeting, and breakdown tools	Free access includes Writer features for individuals and organizations Combines co-authoring, track changes, comments, and offline editing Automates merges, fillable forms, and e-signature workflows
Cons	The desktop application is a USD 249.99 one-time purchase The one-time desktop purchase does not include Final Draft Cloud Its screenplay focus may not suit broader writing needs	Document automation credits are capped in both editions Paid Edition is available for businesses through Zoho WorkDrive DOCX imports are limited to 50 MB
Our verdict	Final Draft is screenwriting software for professional and aspiring screenwriters, filmmakers, producers, playwrights, and production teams. Its workflow spans script formatting and story planning through revisions and production… Read the review →	Zoho Writer is a cloud-based word processor for individuals, authors, business professionals, and teams. It covers document creation, formatting, layout, DOCX editing, real-time co-authoring, comments, and track changes, with accept/reject… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Final Draft — where it wins

  • Automatically formats and paginates scripts, with PDF and other exports
  • Combines outlining, revisions, comments, and real-time collaboration
  • Adds production reports, scheduling, budgeting, and breakdown tools

  Where it doesn't

  • The desktop application is a USD 249.99 one-time purchase
  • The one-time desktop purchase does not include Final Draft Cloud
  • Its screenplay focus may not suit broader writing needs

• Zoho Writer — where it wins

  • Free access includes Writer features for individuals and organizations
  • Combines co-authoring, track changes, comments, and offline editing
  • Automates merges, fillable forms, and e-signature workflows

  Where it doesn't

  • Document automation credits are capped in both editions
  • Paid Edition is available for businesses through Zoho WorkDrive
  • DOCX imports are limited to 50 MB

• Final Draft7.7/10 · From $8.33/mo (annual) · 5-day trial

  A specialist screenwriting suite with formatting, collaboration, and production tools.

  Visit Final DraftFull verdict →
• Zoho Writer7.5/10 · Free plan

  A free, full-featured word processor with broad workflow tools and platform support.

  Visit Zoho WriterFull verdict →