Write Markdown in your browser with a live formatted preview.
Free; optional sync to Google Drive, Dropbox or GitHub. Documents stored in the browser.
Writing & clarity
MarkText
Free optionOpen sourceLocal
Write and edit Markdown documents with a desktop preview.
What you can use it for
Write and edit Markdown documents with a desktop preview.
- Covers the core everyday task of iA Writer, Ulysses, Bear: Clean Markdown editor.
- 62.7k GitHub stars; last commit 2026-10-15.
Workflow coverage and comparison notes
Seamless real-time preview Markdown writing and math/diagram editing instead of purchasing a Typora single-user licence. Additional comparison: Draft and organise individual Markdown documents locally with a live preview. Not iA Writer style/syntax analysis, Ulysses library management, publishing integrations or managed device sync. Desktop file-based workflow; keep your own backups.
Before you switch
Electron-based desktop application. Development activity has slowed compared to earlier years; large documents can experience input latency.
Alternatives to these paid apps
Each comparison covers the workflow described above, rather than every paid feature.
More for the same workflow
See alternatives →
ZettlrWrite and organise Markdown documents, research notes and longer manuscripts.
Free open-source desktop editor · local files · no document quota
ObsidianWrite linked Markdown notes and organise a personal knowledge base locally.
Free without limits. No sign-up required. (obsidian.md/pricing); Sync/Publish are optional paid add-ons.