MacMDMacMD vs Typora
Typora and MacMD are both focused Markdown editors, but they make different choices about how your text looks while you write and about which platforms they serve.
| MacMD | Typora | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free and open source (MIT) | Paid app (see Typora's site) |
| Platforms | macOS 26+ on Apple silicon only | macOS, Windows and Linux |
| Built with | Native: AppKit, SwiftUI, TextKit 2 | Cross-platform desktop app |
| While you type | Markdown syntax stays visible but faint | Renders as you type and hides the syntax |
| Read mode | Separate typeset reader, ⌘E | One live editing view |
| Math and diagrams | KaTeX math and Mermaid, offline | Supported, see Typora's site |
| Accounts and tracking | None, no telemetry | See Typora's site |
| Source code | Open, MIT License | Closed source |
Choose Typora if
- You need the same editor on Windows or Linux, or on an older Mac.
- You prefer a single view where the Markdown disappears as you type.
- You want its export options and themes ecosystem.
Choose MacMD if
- You want a free, open-source editor you can read and build yourself.
- You want the source always visible, with the file staying exactly what you typed.
- You want a native Mac app with a small memory footprint and system integration.
- You like a separate typeset Read mode for checking the finished page.
Details about Typora come from its own site and can change, so check there for current pricing and features. MacMD is not affiliated with Typora. Read more about MacMD as a Markdown editor for Mac.