What is the AV file format?
.av files are documents created by Final Draft AV, a now-discontinued software product by Final Draft, Inc. (now part of Cast & Crew) designed for writing audio-visual scripts used in corporate videos, training films, and commercials.
Unlike conventional screenplays, the .av format uses a two-column layout: the left column describes video visuals and shot descriptions, while the right column carries the corresponding audio - narration, dialogue, or sound cues. This structure mirrors the classic split-page AV script used in broadcast and corporate production.
The format is proprietary to Final Draft AV and is likely XML-based or a hybrid binary/XML structure, consistent with the broader Final Draft file family. It is not interchangeable with the standard .FDX format used by Final Draft 8 and later for conventional screenplays. A .fcf (Final Draft Conversion File) served as the designated bridge for exporting .av content into the main Final Draft application.
Final Draft AV 2.5 was the last standalone release, discontinued around 2012. Limited .av import capability was absorbed into Final Draft 10 and later via .fcf conversion. No currently supported software opens .av files natively; legacy installations of Final Draft AV remain the only reliable option. Files typically range from 10 KB to 2 MB depending on script length and embedded metadata.
Security & safety
RISK: LOWScript document format with no executable content. Safe to open if sourced legitimately. The .av extension is generic enough that some malware scanners may flag it - verify source before opening unknown .av files.
Format details
in a nutshell- Generic audio/video file placeholder - Some older systems used .av as a generic container for audio/video data; unrelated to Final Draft.
- Anime Video (AV) - Rare usage as a generic video container in some Asian software; not widely distributed.
Programs that open AV files
Windows2 apps
Final Draft
Paid Final Draft 10+ may open AV files via File → Import; if not, first export from Final Draft AV as .fcf, then import FCF into Final Draft. 
Final Draft AV 2.5 (legacy)
Paid Original application; discontinued ~2012. May still run on Windows 10 with compatibility mode. No longer sold. Technical details
deep spec| Format type | Proprietary XML-based or hybrid binary screenplay document |
| Script layout | Two-column: video/visuals description on the left, audio/narration on the right |
| Encoding | XML or proprietary binary (internal structure not publicly documented) |
| Container | Proprietary Final Draft AV project container |
| Typical file size | 10 KB - 2 MB |
| Platform | Windows |
| Developer | Final Draft, Inc. (now part of Cast & Crew) |
| Export bridge | .fcf (Final Draft Conversion File) enables import into Final Draft 10+ |
| Use cases | Corporate video scripts, training films, broadcast commercials |
| MIME type | application/x-finaldraft |
| Released | ~2000 (Final Draft AV 2.x era) |
| Latest version | Final Draft AV 2.5 (last known standalone version; ~2012) |
| Specification | www.finaldraft.com |
AV conversions
Community Q&A
asked by usersNo questions yet - be the first to ask about AV files.
