Have you been scouring the web in search of an easy-to-use, free online Markdown editor? There are plenty of good options, but also many inferior ones as well. The problem is, you don’t know which is which until you spend the time to find out.
Need a tool that lets you write in Markdown or gives you the ability to convert a document into Markdown? Here is a list of the best Markdown editors for doing both.
Ulysses III is the text editor that might spell the end for all other text editors. It costs $45, but if you spend a very good amount of time every day just typing in one program, you. Best Markdown Editors for Mac OS Indeed, Markdown syntax makes working with a text easier and the structure more visual. This format is perfect to use in web editing and its simple syntax is appealing.
Here is the list of the best Markdown editors for Mac. It’s rare enough to see an open source app built specifically for Mac but, rare doesn’t mean nothing. The Best Markdown Editors for the Mac and macOS February 2, 2017 by Alexander Fox Leave a Comment In most text editors, you style your text with formatting tools. OS X Best markdown text editor for OSX and iOS? It is available on iOS (iPhone and IPad) and Mac OS via Apple Store. It supports markdown, but has a ton of other professional features worth consideration. Converting the images to picture tags is probably best handled by the static site generator. IMO the best Markdown editor.
The Best Free Markdown Editors for Writing
These free online Markdown editors let you either paste in your text from another location or write it directly in the editors.
1. StackEdit
What makes StackEdit such a standout editor is that it’s ideal for those just learning how to write in Markdown5 Sites and Apps for Quickly Learning Markdown5 Sites and Apps for Quickly Learning MarkdownMarkdown is the default writing format for many. Get used to it with some tools that help you learn, and then use, Markdown.Read More.
As you type your text on the left side of the editor, you can apply the formatting with a toolbar similar to what you would see in Microsoft Word. You can use simple buttons for font formatting, lists, blockquotes, and links. The Markdown side of the editor on the right changes it to the correct syntax automatically.
Notable features for StackEdit include:
- Folder organization, focused writing, and reader mode along with word, line, byte, character, and paragraph counts.
- Importing of Markdown and HTML files as well as exporting to Markdown, HTML, PDF, and Pandoc. Note that small fees may apply for certain types of file exports.
- Syncing with Google Drive, Dropbox, and GitHub along with linking to WordPress, Blogger, and Zendesk for publishing.
- Accessible file history and properties, templates, and a handy Markdown cheat sheet.
For a free online Markdown editor with a great set of features, give StackEdit a try.
2. Dillinger
Dillinger is another really nice Markdown editing option. This tool is perfect for those already familiar with writing in Markdown because there isn’t a toolbar; just a full editor.
Type your text on the left and see it display in rich text on the right. You can switch to an HTML view instead of rich text with a click of a button. The editor also lets you work in a distraction-free, full browser screen mode.
Notable features for Dillinger include:
- Document and session saving.
- Linking, saving, and importing from services like Dropbox, Bitbucket, GitHub, Google Drive, OneDrive, and more.
- Previews and exports in HTML, styled HTML, Markdown, and PDF.
- Auto-save, word and character count, and scroll sync for the editor.
If you’re familiar with Markdown and want a clean, free online editor, Dillinger is a winner.
3. Editor.md
Another Markdown editor, similar to StackEdit, is Editor.md. This open source tool also gives you an easy-to-use toolbar, with even more formatting options that are helpful for Markdown beginnersLearning Markdown: Write For The Web, FasterLearning Markdown: Write For The Web, FasterMarkdown is the best way to write in plain text but still create complex documents. Unlike HTML or LaTex, for example, Markdown is simple to learn.Read More.
You can format everything from fonts to headers to lists. You can also quickly insert links, images, code blocks, tables, emojis, and special characters. Use the online editor or download the application if you prefer. When using it online, you’ll simply copy and paste the rich text version you produce into your desired location.
Notable features for Editor.md include:
- A list of helpful keyboard shortcuts by hitting the Help
- HTML previews with a click.
- Full screen, focused writing without distractions.
- A search tool and a go-to line option.
For a simple Markdown editor that offers a more robust toolbar, check out Editor.md for free.
The Best Free Markdown Editors for Converting
With these free Markdown tools, you can paste in your rich text or upload your document. Then in a snap, convert it to Markdown.
Markdown Editor Os X
4. Draft
With Draft, you can easily convert documents written in rich text to Markdown that include headers, lists, links, and other items.
Import a document from locations like Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, Box, or your computer. Drag and drop or browse to import your file. Then, just wait a few minutes and your converted Markdown document will display.
Notable features for Draft include:
- Share your document with a link that lets others help you edit it.
- Create folders to organize your documents.
- Publish to sites like WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, LinkedIn, and others.
- Adjust settings for font style, size, and color along with background color.
You can create an account with Draft for free and receive email notifications for when your documents have been converted and are ready for you. For a good Markdown tool with extra features, head to the site and try out Draft.
5. Paste to Markdown
Paste to Markdown is one of the simplest sites for converting documents to Markdown. You won’t find any extras or fancy features with this tool. But it’s quick, easy, and works.
Convert your document with Paste to Markdown:
- Copy the text from your document or another website.
- Paste the text directly onto the main page of Paste to Markdown.
- You’ll see your document in Markdown and can then copy it and paste it where you need to.
That’s it! You don’t have to click any buttons, hit any keys, or move your mouse. Once you paste the text onto the page it’s converted for you to copy and go. It doesn’t get any easier than Paste to Markdown.
6. Word to Markdown Converter
One final online Markdown tool to try is Word to Markdown Converter. As the name implies, the site currently only works with Microsoft Word documents. However, it does it well.
Convert your document with Word to Markdown Converter:
- Use the Browse button to locate your document or drag and drop it into the bottom section.
- When the new tab opens, you will see both your original and new Markdown text.
- Then, copy the Markdown text and paste it where you need it.
The simplicity of Word to Markdown Converter is like that of Paste to Markdown. There are no bonus features or actions you need to take other than grabbing your document. The only difference is that this free online tool only works with Word. So, if Word is your writing applicationHow Microsoft Word Can Be Your Favorite Markdown EditorHow Microsoft Word Can Be Your Favorite Markdown EditorIf you aren't using Markdown already, then you're missing out -- and with this nifty Word add-on, you can get the best of both worlds!Read More of choice; this is your tool.
Markdown Made Easy With the Right Editor
Whether you write in it regularly or are just learning Markdown, these free online tools deliver. And if you’re interested in finding out more about what Markdown is and why you should learn itWhat Is Markdown? 4 Reasons Why You Should Learn It NowWhat Is Markdown? 4 Reasons Why You Should Learn It NowTired of HTML and WYSIWYG editors? Then Markdown is the answer for you no matter who you are.Read More, we’ve got you covered there too.
Explore more about: Markdown, Text Editor.
The best markdown editor is Typora!!! It got me by surprise when I didn't find Typora in your list.
Though Markdown is basically has a simpler syntax than HTML, it’s much easier to write a Markdown document using an editor that was built specifically for writing Markdown than regular text editor you usually use to write plain texts.
Just like Windows and Mac, Linux also has many options in terms of Markdown editor and you can choose the one that suit you most.
Most Markdown editors come with the same characteristics. They mostly offers a focus mode to enable you focus on a specific paragraph during writing. Some Markdown editors also come with a two-panel interface, one for writing your text and one for previewing your current work.
Though Linux is well-known for its abundant free apps, it doesn’t mean that all Linux apps are free (of charge) to use. There are also several paid Markdown editor apps in case you want it. The list below will show you the best Markdown editor apps for Linux, starting from free to paid ones.
1. Remarkable
On the first list we have Remarkable. By default, you will see two panels on your working window. The left panel is used to write your text while the right one will show you the live preview of the document you are writing. But, if you more comfortable writing in a single panel, you can disable the right panel so you can focus on your document. If it’s not enough, you can also switch to the full screen mode to keep you away from distraction.
You can also insert some elements to your documents with ease like image, link to Timestamp as there is a menu to do this. Remarkable itself isn’t built specifically for Linux. The Windows version of this app is also available. Mac? No, sorry!
2. Typora
If you are a fan of apps with simple interface, chances are you will fall in love with Typora easily. After launching this app you will see nothing on your screen but a simple working window with a gray background. Its simple interface helps you to focus on your documents. The presence of focus mode makes you even be more focused.
Same as Remarkable, Typora isn’t also built specifically for Linux. The Windows and Mac version of this is also available. You can use this app for free since it’s currently still in beta phase. There is a menu to enable you exporting your Markdown document into other formats like HTML, PDF, Doc, RTF and lots more.
3. Haroopad
Same as two Markdown editors above, Haroopad isn’t available exclusively for Linux. Instead, Windows and Mac users can also use this app. Haroopad is free, easy-to-use Markdown editor which comes with a two-panel interface. It doesn’t offer too much menu but standard menus of a Markdown editor are available. The Haroopad team is currently working on more features to enable you to directly publish your blog posts directly from this app.
4. Caret
Caret has one thing in common to three editors above. This app is a multi-platform app. Apart from Linux, Caret is also available in Mac and Windows. The only different, you have to pay for $25 to use it. But, if you just want to try it, demo version is available. Caret has many features you will love to. It has 4 modes from dark mode, focus mode, typewriter mode to preview mode. Other features include auto-completion, syntax assistance and dialects support.
5. Mark My Words
Mark My Words is a simple Markdown editor for Linux that is available for free. You can also take advantage of this app to ease your job in writing Markdown documents. Though it has a very simple interface, you can do lots of things with this app. Including exporting your Markdown documents into other formats like HTML and PDF. Inserting images into your document is also easy using Mark My Words.
6. ReText
ReText is a simple Markdown editor written in Python. If you want to give this app a try you need to ensure you have Python 3.5 (or higher) installed on your computer. ReText is built specifically for Linux. At least at the time of writing no other platform is supported. ReText comes with a tabbed interface to allow you creating multiple Markdown documents at the same time.
ReText comes with a dual panel by default. There is an option that allows you switching to a single panel if you more comfortable working with a single panel instead of two. This Markdown has a fewer feature. No code syntax highlighting is available.
7. GitBook Editor
If you are looking for a Markdown editor that can be used for working collaboratively then GitBook Editor can be one of the options. The free version of this app allows you to work with up to 5 persons in a team. GitBook Editor also comes with a double-panel interface to let you instantly preview the look of your formatted Markdown document. There are several formatting tools at the top bar of this editor which you can use to add some formatting over your document. GitBook Editor is another multi-platform Markdown editor. Apart from Linux, this editor is also available for Windows and Mac.
8. Abricotine
As you can see on the welcome page of its official site, Abricotine is an open source Markdown editor built for desktop. And Linux is one of the desktop platforms that is supported by this editor, other than Windows and Mac. Abricotine comes with a single panel instead of two so you can truly focus on the document you are writing. This Markdown editor has a very simple interface. Though has not much features but Abricotine is great enough for handling Markdown documents.
9. ghostwriter
Ghostwriter is a good choice for creative writers who work with Linux (and Windows). The whole features of this Markdown editor are not too different to other editors which mostly come with a focus mode. But, there is a unique feature that not all similar apps have. The feature is Hemingway Mode.
With Hemingway Mode enabled, you can force yourself to keep writing no matter what. Doesn’t care if you have some typos. You can perform the editing process later and keep typing. The Hemingway Mode will disable backspace and delete keys. Ghostwriter is a fully free Markdown editor and released as an open source software.
10. LightMd Editor
As the name suggests, LightMd Editor is a lightweight Markdown editor. This is probably the lightest Markdown editor in this list. As the consequences, you won’t get a number of crucial features. You can’t even preview the Markdown documents you have written since this editor has no live preview feature.
Fortunately, there are a number of formatting tools available at the left side of the working window so you don’t have to remember every single syntax of Markdown to format certain parts of the document you are working. The tabbed interface allows you to handle multiple documents at the same time.
11. EME
Another multi-platform editor with a Linux support. EME — which stands for Elegant Markdown Editor — comes with a, yeah, elegant enough interface. The editor adopts the minimalist design with sleek enough to look, making you comfort to work with it. This editor comes with a dual-panel interface and can be switched into a single panel. Not has much features but worth enough to try.
12. PileMd
Last but not least. PileMd is another cross-platform Markdown editor app which you can use for free. Linux is one of the platforms that is supported by this editor. This editor comes with a single panel mode with additional useful sidebar to ease you finding the existing Markdown documents in your machine. This Markdown editor has Undo/Redo histories, Completion of lists and also Opening links in editors. PileMd is based on philosophy of task management tools. So you can manage your notes you want.