Screenplay Editor vs Fade In
Last updated: February 2026
Fade In is the best value in desktop screenwriting software. It does what Final Draft does at a fraction of the price. But it's still a desktop app with local files. Screenplay Editor is cloud-native, collaborative, and free.
Fade In Pro positions itself as a professional alternative to Final Draft, and it delivers. Cross-platform, well-built, regularly updated. At $79.95, it's a fair price for a full-featured desktop screenwriting app. It's what a lot of working screenwriters recommend when someone asks "what should I use besides Final Draft?"
Screenplay Editor comes from a different angle entirely. It's not a desktop app. It's a Google Docs add-on. You don't install software, you don't manage files locally, and you don't pay anything. Different tools for different workflows.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Screenplay Editor | Fade In |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $79.95 one-time |
| Platform | Web (Google Docs) | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| Real-time Collaboration | ✓ Built into Google Docs | No |
| File Format | Google Docs | .fadein / .fdx / .fountain |
| PDF Export | ✓ | ✓ |
| .fdx Export | ✓ | ✓ Native |
| Auto-format | ✓ One-click | ✓ As you type |
| Character Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| Works Offline | Limited (Google Docs offline) | ✓ Fully offline |
| Learning Curve | None — click buttons | Moderate — full software |
When to Choose Fade In
Fade In is a strong tool. Here's when it's the right pick.
- You want a full-featured desktop screenwriting application
- You're on Linux — Fade In is one of the few professional options there
- You want a cheaper alternative to Final Draft with similar capabilities
- You work offline regularly and need a reliable standalone app
- You need to import/export multiple file formats (.fdx, .fountain, .celtx)
When to Choose Screenplay Editor
Screenplay Editor makes sense when your priorities are different.
- You want free — $0, not $80
- You want cloud-native — scripts in Google Drive, accessible from any device
- You collaborate with a co-writer in real time
- You're already writing in Google Docs and don't want to switch tools
- You're a student or beginner and want to start writing without any investment
Start writing for free
No purchase. No download. Open Google Docs and go.
Install Screenplay Editor — Free