dr.aft

Overview

In the world of screenwriting, format is king. A single misplaced tab or incorrect margin can mark a script as amateur. Enter dr.aft, an AI-powered screenwriting editor designed to be the ultimate co-pilot for writers. Billed as “Cursor for screenwriters,” it brings the intelligent, context-aware assistance of a code editor to the art of scriptwriting.

Launched on Product Hunt on December 2, 2025, dr.aft natively understands the plain-text Fountain syntax, ensuring your formatting is never broken while generating production-ready pages. The tool enforces industry-standard screenplay structure through automated validation running 47 compliance tests covering element positioning, pagination rules, and Fountain semantics. It’s the kind of seamless, AI-native tool that streamlines the scriptwriting process from initial concept to polished draft.

Key Features

dr.aft is built around a core set of features designed to enhance the writing process without getting in the way. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Native Fountain Support: The editor is built from the ground up to understand and respect the .fountain format. This plain-text syntax is beloved by writers for its simplicity, compatibility with version control systems, and long-term archivability. dr.aft’s kernel-level Fountain validation intercepts all input operations to enforce structural rules, automatically generating correctly formatted sluglines (e.g., INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY), dialogue blocks, and action elements without manual formatting.
• Inline AI Generation: Instead of opening a separate window or chatbot, dr.aft provides AI-powered suggestions for dialogue and action lines directly within your script through both inline suggestions and an integrated bottom chatbox. This keeps you in the creative flow, offering ideas right where you need them. The context-aware AI analyzes preceding scenes and character dynamics to generate tone-matched dialogue suggestions, plot developments, and scene enhancements that align with existing narrative elements.
• Custom Style Steering: Guide the AI to match your unique voice or the specific tone of your project. This powerful feature ensures that the generated content feels like a natural extension of your own writing, not a generic suggestion. The system references recent pages for continuity, allowing writers to request contextual expansions that logically extend established scenarios.
• BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) Support: dr.aft allows you to use your own API key from AI providers for privacy control and cost management. This gives you full control over your usage, costs, and data privacy, a critical feature for professional writers concerned with intellectual property security and avoiding cloud provider lock-in.
• Hierarchical Project Organization: The tool enables episode/draft/scene management within unified workspaces, allowing instant navigation between structural components like acts or sequences. The system tracks multiple script versions with draft comparison capabilities while maintaining strict version control. This architecture supports complex television series structures with episode-level branching and scene-specific revision histories.
• Distraction-Free Composition Mode: Implements focus-optimized UI principles by dynamically hiding non-essential interface elements during active writing sessions. Customizable layout presets minimize visual clutter while retaining immediate access to critical tools like format validators. The environment enforces flow state preservation through configurable typewriter scrolling, session timers, and selective notification suppression.
• Cross-Platform Export System: Generates industry-compliant PDFs with precise pagination mirroring Final Draft output, alongside version-controlled Fountain files that preserve all markup semantics. Export profiles include production-standard watermarking, revision tracking, and scene-numbering options. All outputs undergo automatic format verification against professional screenplay benchmarks (47 compliance tests) before finalization.
• Flexible Pricing: The product offers both free options and paid plans, with launch discounts available for early adopters.

How It Works

The genius of dr.aft lies in its simplicity and integration. The workflow is designed to feel intuitive and supportive, not intrusive.

Writers begin by typing directly into the clean, distraction-free editor using the standard Fountain syntax for scenes, characters, and dialogue. The embedded Fountain validation automatically handles formatting—recognizing scene headings (sluglines), character names, dialogue, parentheticals, transitions, and action lines according to industry standards.

As you write, the AI constantly analyzes the context of your script—understanding the plot points, character voices, and established tone by referencing the preceding narrative. When you need a creative spark, you can prompt the AI through inline suggestions or the integrated chatbox, which will generate relevant dialogue or action lines that seamlessly fit into the existing structure and maintain character consistency.

The suggestions appear inline, ready to be accepted, edited, or ignored, keeping you firmly in the director’s chair. The hierarchical view enables non-linear navigation across episodes, drafts, and scenes without disrupting flow. Real-time format validation provides instant visual feedback on industry compliance during composition, preventing formatting corruption before it occurs.

Use Cases

While its primary function is clear, dr.aft is a versatile tool that can assist at various stages of the screenwriting process:

Feature Film Development:

• Draft complete feature-length screenplays from first scene to final fade out using dr.aft as primary editor
• Refine and format scripts through multiple revision cycles while maintaining production-ready structure
• Overcome writer’s block by requesting AI-generated scene extensions that maintain established tone and character voices

Television Writing:

• Structure and flesh out episodic content with episode-level hierarchical organization
• Maintain consistency in character voices and narrative tone across series with context-aware AI suggestions
• Navigate complex multi-episode structures with scene reordering while preserving proper formatting continuity

Script Revision \& Polish:

• Import existing scripts (paste from text files) and use Fountain-aware environment to quickly shape them into industry-standard format
• Generate contextual scene expansions like comedic interruptions or dramatic beat additions that align with existing narrative
• Add production elements like scene numbering, revision tracking, and watermarking through export profiles

Independent Filmmaking:

• Create production-ready scripts without expensive software licenses
• Export clean PDFs for distribution to production departments like scheduling and budgeting
• Collaborate with writing partners on series development using version-controlled Fountain files

Script Doctoring \& Consulting:

• Use AI suggestions to overcome problematic scenes during quick revisions
• Validate format compliance through automated checks before client delivery
• Generate multiple scene alternatives for A/B testing with producers

Pros \& Cons

No tool is perfect for everyone. Here’s a balanced look at where dr.aft shines and where it might fall short.

Advantages

• Impeccable Formatting: Its strict adherence to screenwriting formatting through kernel-level Fountain validation and 47-point compliance testing is a massive advantage for professional use, ensuring every page is production-ready without manual adjustments.
• Distraction-Free Interface: The minimalist design helps writers focus on the most important thing: the story. Focus-optimized UI dynamically hides non-essential elements, with configurable typewriter scrolling and selective notification suppression to preserve flow state.
• Seamless AI Integration: The inline generation and integrated chatbox feel like natural parts of the writing process, not bolted-on features. Context-aware suggestions reference preceding narrative for continuity rather than generating disconnected fragments.
• Format Preservation Guarantee: Unlike general-purpose AI writing tools that often corrupt screenplay formatting during generation, dr.aft maintains screenplay-specific syntax integrity during all operations through deep Fountain integration and constrained suggestion templates.
• Privacy \& Cost Control: BYOK support provides model flexibility and cost advantages for high-volume users through direct cloud provider integration, while maintaining intellectual property security.
• Production-Ready Exports: Format-preserving PDF exports with precise pagination matching Final Draft standards ensure seamless handoff to production ecosystems.

Disadvantages

• Niche Audience: This tool is built exclusively for screenwriters who use or are willing to learn the Fountain syntax. It’s not intended for novelists, playwrights (unless theatrical scripts are formatted similarly), or other forms of writing beyond screenplays.
• Requires BYOK Setup: The “Bring Your Own Key” model, while great for control and privacy, adds a technical step to the setup process that may be a hurdle for less tech-savvy users unfamiliar with API concepts and provider dashboards.
• Early-Stage Platform: As a recently launched tool (December 2025), users may encounter occasional bugs or rough edges that more established platforms have already resolved through years of user feedback.
• Limited Collaboration Features: Advanced production integrations and real-time collaboration capabilities appear limited compared with long-established screenwriting suites like Final Draft or WriterDuet.
• Fountain-Only Compatibility: Primarily focused on Fountain format; users working in other industry formats (Final Draft .fdx, Celtx, or proprietary formats) may find limited compatibility without conversion workflows.

How Does It Compare?

dr.aft vs. Final Draft

Final Draft is the industry-standard screenwriting software used by major studios and professional screenwriters worldwide.

Core Philosophy:

• dr.aft: AI-native editor designed with AI assistance as core component; format-first with seamless AI integration
• Final Draft: Formatting-first legacy tool with AI features added as secondary layer in recent versions

Format Support:

• dr.aft: Exclusively Fountain (.fountain) with plain-text portability and version control compatibility
• Final Draft: Proprietary .fdx format with extensive production features (MOREs, CONTINUEDs, revision marks, locked pages, colored pages)

AI Capabilities:

• dr.aft: Context-aware inline suggestions referencing narrative continuity; integrated chatbox for conversational edits; custom style steering
• Final Draft: Beat Board AI for story structure; AI script generation through templates; less context-aware integration

Production Features:

• dr.aft: Industry-compliant PDFs with watermarking, revision tracking, scene numbering; focuses on creative drafting phase
• Final Draft: Comprehensive production suite including scheduling, budgeting integration, collaboration tools, industry-standard pagination

Pricing:

• dr.aft: Free tier available with paid plans; BYOK model for API costs
• Final Draft: \$249.99 one-time purchase or subscription model

When to Choose dr.aft: For Fountain-based workflows, AI-assisted creative drafting, privacy-conscious writers using BYOK, and when lightweight, focus-optimized interface is priority over comprehensive production features.
When to Choose Final Draft: For industry-standard collaboration, comprehensive production integration, established studio workflows, and when proprietary format compatibility with major production ecosystems is required.

dr.aft vs. Arc Studio Pro

Arc Studio Pro is a modern, cloud-based screenwriting software offering real-time collaboration and AI-powered writing assistance.

Platform:

• dr.aft: Desktop-focused editor (appears to be standalone application) with Fountain emphasis
• Arc Studio Pro: Cloud-based web platform with cross-device synchronization

Collaboration:

• dr.aft: Version-controlled Fountain files; hierarchical project organization; limited real-time collaboration
• Arc Studio Pro: Real-time collaborative editing with Google Docs-like commenting and simultaneous multi-user editing

AI Features:

• dr.aft: Inline suggestions, custom style steering, context-aware generation, integrated chatbox
• Arc Studio Pro: AI brainstorming, auto-complete, character and location databases, AI-powered beat sheets

Format:

• dr.aft: Fountain-native with PDF export
• Arc Studio Pro: Multiple format support including Final Draft (.fdx), PDF, Fountain export

Pricing:

• dr.aft: Free tier with paid plans
• Arc Studio Pro: Free tier for basic features; Pro at \$59/year or \$6.99/month

When to Choose dr.aft: For Fountain purists, BYOK privacy control, distraction-free solo writing, and when AI integration depth is priority over real-time collaboration.
When to Choose Arc Studio Pro: For remote collaboration teams, cloud-based workflows, multi-format compatibility, and when integrated project management features are essential.

dr.aft vs. Highland 2

Highland 2 is a Fountain-native screenwriting application by John August (screenwriter of Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), one of Fountain format’s creators.

Fountain Philosophy:

• Both: Native Fountain support with deep format understanding
• Highland 2: Created by Fountain format co-creator; authoritative implementation
• dr.aft: AI-native Fountain editor prioritizing AI assistance over comprehensive feature set

AI Capabilities:

• dr.aft: Core differentiator—context-aware inline AI suggestions, custom style steering, integrated chatbox for conversational edits
• Highland 2: No native AI features; focuses on pure Fountain editing, revision tracking, and production tools

Feature Set:

• dr.aft: Streamlined for AI-assisted creative drafting; distraction-free composition; hierarchical organization
• Highland 2: Comprehensive Fountain tools including gender analysis, revision tracking, production reports, customizable themes

Target User:

• dr.aft: Writers seeking AI co-pilot for creative flow and overcoming blocks
• Highland 2: Fountain purists valuing authoritative implementation and production-focused toolset

When to Choose dr.aft: When AI-assisted creative writing is priority, for overcoming writer’s block, and when BYOK privacy control matters.
When to Choose Highland 2: For authoritative Fountain implementation from format creator, comprehensive production reports, and when AI assistance is not desired or needed.

dr.aft vs. Fade In

Fade In is a professional screenwriting application offering Final Draft compatibility at a lower price point.

Format Support:

• dr.aft: Fountain-exclusive with PDF export
• Fade In: Multi-format support (Final Draft .fdx, Fountain, PDF, and others) with extensive import/export

AI Features:

• dr.aft: AI-native with inline suggestions, context-aware generation, custom style steering
• Fade In: No native AI features; focuses on traditional screenwriting tools

Production Features:

• dr.aft: Focuses on creative drafting phase with basic production exports
• Fade In: Comprehensive production tools including revision tracking, scene numbering, production reports, multi-user collaboration

Pricing:

• dr.aft: Free tier with paid plans; BYOK API costs
• Fade In: \$79.95 one-time purchase (significantly cheaper than Final Draft)

When to Choose dr.aft: For AI-assisted creative workflows, Fountain-native environment, and when BYOK privacy is priority.
When to Choose Fade In: For budget-conscious professionals needing Final Draft compatibility, comprehensive production features without AI, and multi-format flexibility.

dr.aft vs. WriterDuet

WriterDuet is a cloud-based screenwriting software emphasizing real-time collaboration and multi-platform access.

Collaboration:

• dr.aft: Version-controlled Fountain files; limited real-time collaboration features
• WriterDuet: Industry-leading real-time collaboration with simultaneous multi-user editing, commenting, and revision tracking

AI Features:

• dr.aft: Context-aware inline AI with custom style steering and integrated chatbox
• WriterDuet: Limited AI features; focuses on collaboration and traditional screenwriting tools

Platform Access:

• dr.aft: Desktop application (appears standalone)
• WriterDuet: Cloud-based with web, desktop (Windows/Mac), and mobile apps

Format:

• dr.aft: Fountain-native
• WriterDuet: Multiple format support including Final Draft (.fdx), PDF, Fountain, Celtx

When to Choose dr.aft: For AI-assisted solo writing, Fountain workflows, BYOK privacy, and distraction-free creative focus.
When to Choose WriterDuet: For collaborative writing teams, remote partnerships, cloud-based workflows, and multi-platform access needs.

Final Thoughts

dr.aft is a sharp, focused, and impressively designed tool for the modern screenwriter seeking AI-powered creative assistance within a Fountain-native environment. It understands that for a creative AI partner to be truly useful, it must respect the craft’s rigid technical constraints while providing seamless, context-aware suggestions.

The December 2, 2025 Product Hunt launch positions dr.aft uniquely in the screenwriting software market: it’s neither a legacy formatting tool with bolted-on AI nor a general-purpose writing assistant—it’s an AI-native editor purpose-built for screenwriters. The kernel-level Fountain validation running 47 compliance tests ensures production-ready formatting, while inline AI suggestions and integrated chatbox maintain creative flow without disruptive context-switching.

By combining a distraction-free environment with powerful, context-aware AI that never breaks your format through constrained suggestion templates and continuous background validation, it carves out a unique and valuable space in the market. The BYOK support addresses privacy concerns for professional writers protecting intellectual property, while hierarchical project organization supports complex television series development.

However, prospective users should consider: the Fountain-exclusive focus limits compatibility with Final Draft-centric production ecosystems; BYOK setup requires technical comfort with API concepts; early-stage platform status may include bugs; and limited collaboration features compared to established alternatives.

If you’re a screenwriter who loves the simplicity and portability of Fountain and wants an AI co-pilot that works with you instead of for you—respecting your voice through custom style steering while providing context-aware suggestions—dr.aft is absolutely worth a look. The tool particularly excels for:

• Solo screenwriters prioritizing creative flow and AI-assisted drafting
• Television writers managing complex multi-episode structures with hierarchical organization
• Privacy-conscious professionals requiring BYOK for intellectual property security
• Independent filmmakers needing production-ready scripts without expensive licenses
• Writers overcoming creative blocks through context-aware AI suggestions

For collaborative teams, studios requiring Final Draft compatibility, or writers needing comprehensive production features, traditional options like Final Draft, Arc Studio Pro, or WriterDuet may better serve those specific needs. But for Fountain enthusiasts seeking an AI-native creative partner that maintains formatting integrity, dr.aft represents a compelling new direction for screenwriting software.