Free tools

Screenplay PDF to FDX Converter

Recover screenplay elements from a text-based PDF and download a Final Draft XML file.

Conversion runs in this browser, and the original PDF is stored when you choose it. Scanned image pages need OCR before conversion.

Your recovered screenplay will appear here.

Convert a screenplay PDF into Final Draft XML

This converter reads the selectable text and line positions in a screenplay PDF, rebuilds scene headings, action, character cues, parentheticals, dialogue, and transitions, then creates a downloadable .fdx file. Conversion runs locally in your browser; the original PDF is also stored by Zen Writer.

How to convert PDF to FDX

  1. Choose a PDF exported from screenplay software or another text-based source.
  2. Review the recovered screenplay and correct any unusual formatting.
  3. Select Download FDX, then open the file in Final Draft or another FDX-compatible app.

Frequently asked questions

Why does a scanned PDF not convert?

A scan contains page images instead of selectable text. Run OCR in your PDF app first, save a searchable PDF, and try again.

Will the FDX match the PDF page for page?

The screenplay elements are rebuilt and will reflow using the receiving app's formatting rules. Review page breaks before production use.

Only need editable plain text?

Use the dedicated PDF to Fountain converter.