What's Markdown?
Markdown is a plain-text formatting syntax aiming to make writing easier. It was written originally by John Gruber for non-programmers as it's very easy-to-use and master in a few mins.
Nowadays, Markdown is used all over the internet, and you most likely encountered it without realising that, as markdown text is converted to HTML.
As example we are using Ghost blogging platform (Self-hosted), which uses markdown in it's amazingly simple yet a powerful editor.
Markdown can be written in any text editor, however, markdown editors come with markdown-supported features as creating tables, view, exporting, and extended plugins that extend the basic markdown with rich usable features.
I am an extensive open-source program users, so soon as I got my MacBook I sought open-source alternatives for basically everything, and markdown editors was no exception. So, here comes this list.
If you are interested about open-source tools for writers and editors, we have created a new list here:
Markdown Editors for macOS
1- Mark Text
Mark Text is a powerful markdown editor that comes with long list of useful features. It's the perfect open-source markdown editor alternative for developers and writers.
Features
- Works for Windows, Linux as well
- Table support
- Diagram support
- Formula support
- Code blocks
- Multiple themes
- Inline formats
- Search support
- Folder/ file manager
- Layout preview manager
- Image manager
- Image uploader
- Themes support
2- Abricotine
Abricotine is a comprehensive feature-rich markdown editor. It's created by Thomas Brouard back in 2015. I would recommend this editor for writers.
Features
- Table support
- Preview
- Video Preview
- Checklists
- LateX support
- Code and Syntax highlighting
- Spellchecker
- Table of content
- Multi-platform (Linux, Windows and macOS)
- Full-screen mode
- Distraction-free mode
3- Laverna
Laverna is markdown editor for writers and developers, more or less for technical writers and developers who like to write tutorials.
It's available for desktops and for the web as self-hosted version.
Features:
- Focus/ Distraction-free mode
- Sync support for online storage services like DropBox.
- Supports Windows, Linux and macOS
- Encryption-ready
- Tasks and todo lists
- Keybindings customization
- Syntax and code highlighting
- Offline support
- Web/ self-hosted version
4- MacDown
MacDown is a simple elegant markdown editor, it's developed by Chen Luo. Unlike other editors in this list, MacDown does not provide Windows or Linux editions as it's primary built for macOS.
Features
- Live view
- Syntax highlighting
- Auto-complete option
5 - Moeditor
Moeditor is a minimal markdown editor. Though, it's not feature-rich like others in this list, but it's a powerful alternative for developers.
Features
- UML diagrams
- Syntax editor
- Switch between Read, Write and preview mode
- Focus mode
- Custom fonts and styles
- Code highlighting
- Export to HTML and PDF
- Available for Windows, Linux and macOS
6- Left
Left is a minimal markdown editor, created by a developer that sailing the world in a boat. It's simple and easy-to-use. it's quick, responsive and useful when writing quick markdown notes.
Features
- Document statistics
- Themes support
- Document layout
- File browser
- Typora
Typora is a free markdown editor for macOS, Windows and Linux. I have used it on macOS several times. It's not an open-source program, but it's free during the beta.
Features
- Live preview
- Table support
- Diagram support
- Distraction-free mode
- Checklists
- Math formulas support
- Inline styles
- Outline panel
- File browser and organizer
- Import and export support
- Document statistics like words count, characters count, lines count and more.
- Theme support
- RTL Language support
Conclusion
We have listed here our top recommendations markdown editors for macOS, hoping it'll be useful for macOS users among our readers. If you have any open-source or free alternative, please send it to us, and we will add it gladly.