Celtx vs Fade In

Celtx9.1Visit Fade In8.4Visit

Higher score Celtx #2 in Screenwriting Software 9.1/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Celtx

vs

Fade In #4 in Screenwriting Software 8.4/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Fade In

• Celtx fits best

  Writers moving from scripts into production

• Fade In fits best

  Serious writers wanting a strong one-time purchase

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Side by side

Feature	Celtx 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Fade In 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	8.4
Ranking	#2 in Screenwriting Software	#4 in Screenwriting Software
Best for	Writers moving from scripts into production	Serious writers wanting a strong one-time purchase
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	$11.24/mo	$79.95 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	7 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Desktop
Platforms	Web, macOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Features Celtx 1/4 · Fade In 1/4
Real-time collaboration	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Offline mode	✓	✓
Revision tracking	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Production breakdown tools	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Export formats	standard	extensive
Our review
Pros	Automatic formatting for screenplay, stageplay, and multi-column scripts Real-time collaboration with comments, permissions, and approvals Production tools for breakdowns, schedules, budgets, and call sheets	$79.95 one-time license with free updates Extensive import and export formats, including FDX and DOCX Outlining, revisions, breakdowns, reports, and collaboration tools
Cons	The Free plan is limited to one project Advanced production features require paid or specific plans Offline editing availability differs between web and Android descriptions	Fade In Access is separate from the desktop application Mobile access is browser-based rather than through mobile apps No free plan is offered
Our verdict	Celtx is cloud-based software for screenwriters, stage writers, filmmakers, studios, educators, and media production teams. It covers automatic screenplay, stageplay, and multi-column script formatting, while also extending into story… Read the review →	Fade In is screenwriting software for producing screenplays, teleplays, stage plays, radio scripts, and other scripted formats. Its desktop application supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, while Fade In Access provides browser-based editing… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Celtx — where it wins

  • Automatic formatting for screenplay, stageplay, and multi-column scripts
  • Real-time collaboration with comments, permissions, and approvals
  • Production tools for breakdowns, schedules, budgets, and call sheets

  Where it doesn't

  • The Free plan is limited to one project
  • Advanced production features require paid or specific plans
  • Offline editing availability differs between web and Android descriptions

• Fade In — where it wins

  • $79.95 one-time license with free updates
  • Extensive import and export formats, including FDX and DOCX
  • Outlining, revisions, breakdowns, reports, and collaboration tools

  Where it doesn't

  • Fade In Access is separate from the desktop application
  • Mobile access is browser-based rather than through mobile apps
  • No free plan is offered

• Celtx9.1/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

  A strong fit for writers who need production planning beyond screenplay formatting.

  Visit CeltxFull verdict →
• Fade In8.4/10 · Paid

  A deep screenwriting tool with broad production features and a $79.95 one-time desktop license.

  Visit Fade InFull verdict →