This converter changes a screenplay from one file format to another in your browser. Open a Final Draft (.fdx) file to save it as a PDF, open a script PDF to turn it back into an editable .fdx or Fountain file, or convert Fountain to PDF. The file is read on your computer and is not uploaded.
How to convert a screenplay
- Open your .fdx, .pdf, .fountain or .txt file.
- Check the formatted preview and the page count.
- Choose whether to add a title page.
- Save as PDF, Final Draft (.fdx), Fountain or plain text.
Which conversions work
| From | To | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Final Draft (.fdx) | PDF, Fountain, text | Each paragraph keeps its element type: scene heading, action, character, dialogue and so on |
| Final Draft (.fdx), Fountain, text | Works on PDFs exported from screenwriting software, which have selectable text; elements are recognized from their indents | |
| Fountain | PDF, Final Draft (.fdx), text | The Fountain rules decide each element |
| Plain text | PDF, Final Draft (.fdx), Fountain | Use INT./EXT. headings and capitalized character names |
Converting a PDF back to Final Draft
A PDF stores positioned text, not screenplay elements, so a PDF to FDX converter has to work out which line is a scene heading and which is dialogue. This one reads each line's position on the page, the same way the Scenaloom importer does: character cues sit near the center, dialogue in its column, transitions on the right. Scene numbers, (MORE) and (CONT'D) are recognized and removed, because the software adds them again.
Why convert at all
- You received a PDF and need to make changes in screenwriting software.
- A contest, school or production asked for a PDF, and you write in Fountain or Final Draft.
- You're moving your scripts to new software and want editable files, not printouts.
Open your scripts in Scenaloom
Scenaloom imports .fdx, Fountain and PDF scripts directly and exports them again as PDF, .fdx, Fountain, Word and text, so your work stays portable. Start free, or read about Fountain and choosing screenwriting software.
Questions
How do I convert FDX to PDF without Final Draft?
Open the .fdx file here and choose Save as PDF. The converter lays out the script in standard format and opens your browser's print dialog, where you save it as a PDF.
Can I convert a PDF screenplay to Final Draft?
Yes, if the PDF has selectable text, as PDFs exported from screenwriting software do. Open it here, check the preview, and save as Final Draft (.fdx).
Is my script uploaded?
No. The file is read inside your browser, including PDFs, and nothing is sent to a server.
Why do some lines come out as the wrong element?
PDFs with unusual margins or fonts can confuse the element detection. Check the preview; if a few lines are off, save as Fountain, fix them in any text editor, and convert again.
Is there a file size limit?
Files up to 10 MB and PDFs up to 300 pages, which covers any screenplay.