# MarkEdit for Mac

> TextEdit, if it spoke Markdown.

A free, open-source Markdown editor that opens instantly, stays lightweight and behaves like a proper Mac app.

## Facts

- Price: Free and open source
- Developer: MarkEdit
- Category: Writing & Notes
- Website: https://markedit.app/
- Homebrew cask: markedit
- Source code: https://github.com/MarkEdit-app/MarkEdit
- License: MIT
- GitHub stars: 5.9k
- Last commit: 2026-10-18
- Facts checked: 2026-10-19
- MacWorthy page: https://macworthy.com/apps/markedit/

## Install

Homebrew:

```sh
brew install --cask markedit
```

## Questions

### Is MarkEdit free?

Yes. MarkEdit is free and open source under the MIT license. The source code is on GitHub at MarkEdit-app/MarkEdit.

### Where can I download MarkEdit for Mac?

Download MarkEdit from the developer's website (markedit.app) and GitHub. MacWorthy links only to official sources.

### Can I install MarkEdit from the Terminal?

Yes. With Homebrew, run `brew install --cask markedit`.

### What are good alternatives to MarkEdit?

Other writing & notes apps for Mac worth a look are Markdown Preview (open source), iA Writer (one-time purchase), Ulysses (subscription) and Bear (free + pro).

## Alternatives in Writing & Notes

- [Markdown Preview](https://macworthy.com/apps/markdown-preview/): Read .md files as formatted documents. (Open source)
- [iA Writer](https://macworthy.com/apps/ia-writer/): Focused Markdown writing, nothing more. (One-time purchase)
- [Ulysses](https://macworthy.com/apps/ulysses/): A complete writing environment for long work. (Subscription)
- [Bear](https://macworthy.com/apps/bear/): Beautiful notes, linked and tagged. (Free + Pro)
- [NotePlan](https://macworthy.com/apps/noteplan/): Tasks, calendar and notes in plain Markdown. (Subscription)
- [Cirrus](https://macworthy.com/apps/cirrus/): A Markdown note that pops up over whatever you are doing. (Free + Pro)
- [Inkstone](https://macworthy.com/apps/inkstone/): A WYSIWYG editor for the Markdown files already on your Mac. (One-time purchase)
- [Clearly](https://macworthy.com/apps/clearly/): A Markdown editor that opens plain .md files. (Free)

## Collections

- [Free & open source](https://macworthy.com/collections/free-and-open/)

Tags: markdown, open source