MacMDMacMD vs Obsidian
Obsidian is a knowledge base built around linked notes and plugins. MacMD is a lighter tool for opening, writing and reading Markdown files. They solve different problems and can sit side by side.
| MacMD | Obsidian | |
|---|---|---|
| Main idea | Edit and read any Markdown file or folder | A vault of linked notes with a graph |
| Plugins | None, deliberately small | Large plugin ecosystem |
| Platforms | macOS 26+ on Apple silicon only | Desktop and mobile platforms |
| Built with | Native: AppKit, SwiftUI, TextKit 2 | Cross-platform desktop app |
| Opening a single file | Opens like any Mac document, with autosave and versions | Works inside a vault |
| Sync | None, your files stay where they are | Optional sync, see Obsidian's site |
| Math and diagrams | KaTeX math and Mermaid, offline | Supported, see Obsidian's site |
| Source code | Open, MIT License | Closed source |
Choose Obsidian if
- You build a connected knowledge base with backlinks, a graph and plugins.
- You need mobile apps or sync across devices.
- You want a large community and plugin library.
Choose MacMD if
- You want to open a
.mdfile and start writing, like any Mac document. - You prefer a small, fast app with no plugins to manage.
- You want a quick reader for READMEs and documentation folders.
- You want open-source software with no accounts or telemetry.
Details about Obsidian come from its own site and can change, so check there for current pricing and features. MacMD is not affiliated with Obsidian. Read more about MacMD as a Markdown editor for Mac.