Commerce · alternatives · 2026
24 alternatives to Byword for Mac, a simple text editor with Markdown support
Byword 1.2 added Markdown editing, previewing and exporting to HTML. While version 1.0 was positioned as a distraction-free/minimalist text editor, we now feel the need to detract a bit from that space. We are currently investing a lot more in the efficiency and needs of web writers, listening carefully and working hard to put out new updates (3 Mac App Store updates in less than 2 months--not recommended). If you feel like trying the app, we are specifically looking for feedback on what Byword can do to help creative/web writers. There's a free trial for download at http://bywordapp.com…
Byword is a text editor for Mac designed for writers working with Markdown. It offers syntax highlighting, word counters, and keyboard shortcuts for formatting, along with preview and export options to HTML, PDF, or… Below are 24 products that do a similar job, ranked by how close each is in meaning and then by launch-day votes. Byword for Mac, a simple text editor with Markdown support launched in 2011; newer entries below may have overtaken it.
- 1
Byword▲103Markdown app for writing in plain text efficiently
2017 · bywordapp.com · its alternatives →
- 2
Cleartext▲307A text editor that allows only the 1,000 most common words
2016 · github.com · its alternatives →
- 3
Typed▲256The stunning markdown and writing app for Mac
2014 · realmacsoftware.com · its alternatives →
- 4LF
I'm not the author of the app (nor i have any connection with them, just a random user). iA Writer and Writer Pro aren't well suited for me as a developer. They feel quite "strange" to me. Mou is a good option (free too) but still missing some features. So far this, this editor is the most complete user-friendly. Hope it helps!
2013 · clockworkengine.com · its alternatives →
- 5
Make your writing bold and clear, send to Medium/Wordpress
2017 · hemingwayapp.com · its alternatives →
- 6
iOS and macOS native markdown editor with live preview
2021 · eightysix.github.io · its alternatives →
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An editor that makes your writing bold and clear
2015 · hemingwayapp.com · its alternatives →
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Pretext▲142A powerful, clean Markdown & plain text editor for iOS 📝
2018 · apps.apple.com · its alternatives →
- 11IS
26d ago · markdown.beauty · its alternatives →
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Macdown▲87Open source Markdown editor for macOS. Contribute to MacDownApp/macdown development by creating an account on GitHub.
2014 · github.com · its alternatives →
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Fix grammar, rewrite sentences, translate text, and get clear explanations across your Mac apps. Do it all offline with local AI.
2025 · refine.sh · its alternatives →
- 18
WordMark▲78A lightweight blog publishing editor for Markdown writers
2016 · wordmarkapp.com · its alternatives →
- 19
SideNotes▲311A beautiful note taking app with superpowers. It shows and hides on the side of your monitor to manage your notes distraction-free. Keep your notes organised, personalised and always at your fingertips. Markdown, tasks, pictures, colors, folders included.
2025 · apptorium.com · its alternatives →
- 20
Tincta▲87Free, fast and simple open source text editor for Mac
2021 · codingfriends.github.io · its alternatives →
- 21
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Typed▲104New Markdown Editor for Mac by Realmac Software (pre-launch)
2014 · realmacsoftware.com · its alternatives →
- 23
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Work with markdown in Microsoft Word. In app and online
2021 · appsource.microsoft.com · its alternatives →
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Ranked by how close each launch is in meaning, then by votes. Prices were read from each product’s own site when checked and can change. Refine with your own description →