8 tools compared
Best MacDown Alternatives in 2026
MacDown (MacDown is an open source Markdown editor for OS X, released under the MIT License) isn't the right fit for everyone. Below are 8 real alternatives, including free options, pulled straight from our MacDown profile — iA Writer starts at $29.99/mo if budget is the main driver.
| # | Tool | Pricing | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Typora | Open source | |
| 2 | Haroopad | Open source | — |
| 3 | iA Writer | $29.99/mo | |
| 4 | Markdown by DaringFireball | — | |
| 5 | Remarkable | — | — |
| 6 | Dillinger | Open source | |
| 7 | Rentry.co | — | |
| 8 | HedgeDoc | Open source |
1. Typora
Typora is a minimal Markdown reading and writing app that offers a real-time Live Preview of Markdown syntax, allowing users to see formatted output as they type. It is well-suited for academic and technical users who need Math Support through LaTeX and MathJax, alongside automatic Table of Contents generation and an Integrated File Tree for project navigation. The app features a clean, distraction-free Minimalistic Interface and Customizable Themes, with Cross-Platform Compatibility spanning Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Full Typora profile →2. Haroopad
Haroopad is a markdown-enabled document processor suited for users who need to create web-friendly documents with a clean user interface and real-time preview mode. It appeals to technical writers and developers by offering extended syntax support for diagrams, math expressions, and code highlighting. Additionally, its extensible architecture supports plugins and customization, while export options include HTML, PDF, and EPUB formats.
Full Haroopad profile →3. iA Writer
iA Writer is a Writing Tools application designed for users who want a minimalistic interface and a clutter-free environment for content creation. It stands out with features like Focus Mode to dim everything except the current sentence or paragraph, Markdown support, and syntax highlighting to differentiate parts of speech. The software is available for $29.99 with a one-off payment, and it includes a free trial and open source tags.
Full iA Writer profile →4. Markdown by DaringFireball
Markdown by DaringFireball is a text-to-HTML conversion tool and syntax created by John Gruber for web writers. It is well-suited for both technical and non-technical users who need an intuitive, plain text formatting system that offers high readability even without rendering. Key features include portability across operating systems, version control compatibility with Git, and wide integrations with platforms like GitHub, Bitbucket, and Jekyll.
Full Markdown by DaringFireball profile →5. Remarkable
Remarkable is a fully featured markdown editor built for users on Linux and Windows who want a clean and simple user interface. It stands out with a live preview feature that lets you view formatted output in real-time, plus extensive markdown support for tables, lists, code highlighting, and LaTeX mathematical expressions.
Full Remarkable profile →6. Dillinger
Dillinger is an open-source tool well-suited for users who need a web-based Markdown editor with real-time side-by-side rendering and cloud storage integrations like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and GitHub. Its user-friendly interface accommodates both beginners and experienced users, while export options let you save documents as Markdown, HTML, and PDF.
Full Dillinger profile →7. Rentry.co
Rentry.co is a Markdown pastebin and publishing service designed for users who need a fast, web-based tool for creating and editing documents with custom URLs, live previews, and collaborative editing. Because it requires no signup and features an intuitive user interface, it appeals to individuals and organizations looking for quick information sharing without privacy barriers or budget constraints.
Full Rentry.co profile →8. HedgeDoc
HedgeDoc is a tool built for users who need real-time collaboration, Markdown support, and the ability to create bites, graphs, and presentations. It stands out by offering open-source software with self-hosting options for data control, plus features like image embedding, task lists, and easy sharing via links without requiring logins.
Full HedgeDoc profile →