Byword
What Byword is
Byword is a Markdown writing app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad that uses plain-text documents. It supports Markdown formatting, keyboard shortcuts, syntax highlighting, and live word counters. Documents can remain local or synchronize through iCloud and Dropbox. Writers can preview documents and export them as HTML, PDF, or rich text. Byword can publish directly to Medium, WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, and Evernote. The Mac version includes an alternate dark theme and Markdown support for footnotes, tables, and cross-references. On iPhone and iPad, documents are available offline and their text can be searched. The iOS app supports plain-text extensions including txt, md, markdown, and fountain. Listed uses include blog posts, research notes, meeting and class notes, emails, and capturing ideas. There is no free plan. The iPhone and iPad app costs $5.99, paid once; the Mac app costs $10.99, paid once and requires macOS 10.13 or later.
Who it suits
It suits writers, students, researchers, and note-takers working with Markdown on Apple devices. Publishing, export, offline access, and cloud synchronization support different writing workflows.
What it does well
- Markdown editing with syntax highlighting
- Sync through iCloud and Dropbox
- Exports HTML, PDF, and rich text
- Publishes to several services
- Offline iOS document access
What to know first
- No free plan
- Apple platforms only
- Mac app requires macOS 10.13 or later
- Separate one-time app prices
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mac | Markdown editing · HTML and PDF export · Publishing to Medium, WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger, and Evernote | On request |
| iPhone and iPad | Markdown editing · Offline document access · HTML and PDF export · Publishing to Medium, WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger, and Evernote | On request |
| Byword for Mac | Mac app · requires macOS 10.13 or later | $10.99, paid once |
| Byword for iPhone and iPad | iPhone and iPad app · plain-text formats only | $5.99, paid once |
As bywordapp.com lists them, read 20 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Byword focuses on plain-text Markdown writing with export, publishing, and synchronization options. It covers Mac and iOS workflows, but has no free plan and requires separate listed purchases.
Facts from Byword's own pages
- Cloud sync
- Yes · bywordapp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Export
- Users can preview documents in the app and export to HTML, PDF, or rich text. · bywordapp.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- HTML,PDF,rich text · bywordapp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- No · bywordapp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- iOS features
- The iOS listing says users can access documents offline and search document text. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- iOS file limits
- The iOS app works with plain-text formats and lists supported extensions including txt, md, markdown, and fountain. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Local file support
- Yes · bywordapp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Mac features
- The Mac listing includes keyboard shortcuts, an alternate dark theme, and Markdown support for footnotes, tables, and cross-references. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Markdown writing
- It supports Markdown formatting with keyboard shortcuts, syntax highlighting, and live word counters. · bywordapp.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- macos,ios · bywordapp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The Mac App Store listing says the developer indicates that the app does not collect data; Apple says this information has not been verified by Apple. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Publishing
- Byword can publish directly to Medium, WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, and Evernote. · bywordapp.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Publishing workflow
- cms · bywordapp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Seller
- The App Store identifies Metaclassy, Lda. as the seller and developer. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Mac listing says customer support is available by email at [email protected]. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Sync
- Documents can sync across devices using iCloud and Dropbox. · bywordapp.com, 7 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Byword is a Markdown app for writing in plain text on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. · bywordapp.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The Mac listing describes uses including blog posts, research notes, meeting and class notes, emails, and capturing ideas. · apps.apple.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where Byword stands on Freedom251
- Text App#20 of 24
- Markdown editors#30 of 31
- Writing Apps#131 of 135