Beat vs Fade In
Beat
beat-app.fi
Fade In
fadeinpro.comSide by side
| Figure | Beat | Fade In |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | €12.99/mo | $8.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 5 |
| Spec score · Screenwriting Software | 8.8 (#5) | 8.8 (#6) |
| Spec score · Script Writing Software | 8.8 (#5) | 8.8 (#6) |
| Spec score · Writing Apps | 8.2 (#54) | 8.9 (#17) |
| Export formats | standard | extensive |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Mobile apps | Yes | No |
| Offline mode | Yes | Yes |
| Publishing tools | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Users can report bugs through the maker's bug-report page and contact the developer by email or Discord. | Fade In directs users to a searchable Knowledge Base and provides a contact form for questions. |
| Version history | Yes | Yes |
| Writing tools | Beat automatically recognizes screenplay elements, supports autocomplete, and can track revisions and highlight changes in exported PDFs. | The desktop application includes screenplay formatting, outlining, organizing, navigation, autocomplete, image support, and tools for rewrites and revisions. |
Plans
Fade In
- Fade In Professional Screenwriting Software$79.95 a month
- Fade In Access Monthly$9.95 a month
- Fade In Student$59.95, paid once
- Fade In Professional Screenwriting Software$79.95, paid once
- Fade In Access Annual$99.95 a year
In their own words
Beat
Beat is a screenwriting app for structuring stories and writing in a distraction-free interface. It saves scripts as plain-text Fountain files, which the maker describes as portable and compatible with other editors. Beat imports Final Draft, Highland, Fade In, and Celtx files, then exports to Final Draft and PDF. Outline view and scene cards let writers add sections and synopses and rearrange scenes by dragging. The app recognizes screenplay elements, offers autocomplete, tracks revisions, and highlights changes in exported PDFs. The macOS version supports JavaScript plugins, including official options from a Plugin Library. Beat stores documents on the device, works offline, and says it collects no data. Files can be synchronized between iOS and macOS through iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive, although the maker cautions against opening one file on both devices. Beat is free on macOS; the iOS companion costs €12.99 a month with lifetime ownership after purchase.
Fade In
Fade In is screenwriting software for motion pictures, television, video games, stage, radio and other scripts. Its desktop application includes screenplay formatting, outlining, organization, navigation, autocomplete, image support, and tools for rewrites and revisions. It imports and exports Final Draft.fdx files and supports.docx,.rtf, Fountain, Scrivener, Celtx and StudioBinder formats. Production tools generate breakdowns and reports for scenes, cast and locations, with HTML or CSV export. Scripts use the XML-based Open Screenplay Format, intended to improve accessibility and compatibility. The desktop license is a one-time purchase and permits installation on the purchaser’s own Windows, Mac and Linux computers; updates are included at no charge. Optional Fade In Access adds cloud storage, backup, version history, online editing, collaboration, sharing and publishing through a browser on computers and mobile devices. The free desktop demo includes the full feature set but prompts for registration after 10 pages, watermarks printed scripts and excludes online real-time collaboration. Fade In Access does not paginate exactly like the desktop app, and page numbers are not displayed while editing in Access. Listed plans include Fade In Professional Screenwriting Software at $79.95 a month, Fade In Access Monthly at $9.95 a month, Fade In Student at $59.95, paid once, and Fade In Access Annual at $99.95 a year.