Side by side
Dr.Explain vs Fonto Editor
Both stand on help authoring tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Dr.Explain if you need Windows software for illustrated help files and manuals, especially with context-sensitive help or multiple authors. The free license is time-unlimited but restricts project size and adds image watermarks; paid plans remove those restrictions, with different user counts and license terms.
Visit Dr.ExplainChoose Fonto Editor if your team authors structured XML and needs schema validation, editing, review, and publishing previews alongside an existing content or workflow system. Consider another fit if you need an editor that stores content or supplies its own workflow, since Fonto requires those capabilities to come from an integration.
Visit Fonto EditorThe facts
| Dr.Explain | Fonto Editor | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Not published |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | API, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Maker | Dr.Explain | Not published |
| Website | drexplain.com | fontoxml.com |
| On help authoring tools | #3 of 29 | #7 of 29 |
Dr.Explain: what it does well
- Captures windows and web pages with numbered interface callouts.
- Exports documentation to HTML, CHM, PDF, and DOCX.
- Imports several document formats while preserving structure and formatting.
- Generates Help Context ID map files in three formats.
- Includes in-program AI generation, translation, and proofreading.
What to know first
- The downloadable application requires 64-bit Windows.
- The free license limits project size and watermarks exported images.
- The Home perpetual license prohibits commercial use.
Fonto Editor: what it does well
- Validates edits in real time against the active XML schema.
- Supports DITA, JATS, S1000D, and custom schemas.
- Includes comments, metadata editing, drag-and-drop restructuring, and track changes.
- Provides previews for HTML, PDF, e-books, and other formats.
- Supports version control, translation, and review workflows.
What to know first
- Requires integration with a CMS, workflow system, or repository.
- Pricing is available by request, with annual fees based on users.
Alternatives to Dr.Explain Alternatives to Fonto Editor The whole list