Fade In vs Final Draft

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.

Final Draft is screenwriting software that automatically formats scripts and supports planning, drafting and production workflows. Beat Board, Outline Editor and Structure Lines help writers brainstorm, outline and navigate drafts. SmartType completes common character names and locations, and writers can store multiple dialogue versions. The software includes templates, customizable workflows, autosave, sprint timers and writing statistics. Production tools cover revision, location tracking, casting, scheduling, budgeting, production tagging and reporting. Real-time collaboration works on scripts and the Beat Board; Final Draft Cloud adds asynchronous collaboration, Vault storage, project folders, ScriptNotes, sharing and optional desktop-to-cloud syncing. Final Draft is available for macOS, Windows, web and iOS, but the numbered desktop versions do not run on iPad or iPhone; Final Draft Go is separate. Desktop requirements are macOS 12 Monterey or later, or Windows 10 or later with an Intel or AMD processor; Chromebook is not supported. Suite plans include Final Draft 13 and Cloud: $99.99 a year or $16.99 a month, each with a 5-day trial.