Side by side
MacDown vs MWeb
Both stand on markdown editors. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
Choose MacDown if you use macOS and want a free editor with a configurable preview and local Markdown files. Its rendering options and HTML or PDF export cover common writing needs. Look elsewhere if you need cloud sync, VIM edit mode, or an editor for another platform.
Visit MacDown
Paid iPhoneMac
MWeb combines Markdown editing with structured note management, publishing connections, exports, and image-hosting integrations. Its two-Mac license limit and paid, nonrefundable licensing matter when planning a setup.
Visit MWebThe facts
| MacDown | MWeb | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Not published |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | iPhone, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | MacDown | MWeb |
| Website | macdown.uranusjr.com | mweb.im |
| On markdown editors | #23 of 31 | #27 of 31 |
MacDown: what it does well
- Free and open source under the MIT License.
- Configurable live preview renders Markdown into HTML.
- Supports TeX-like math, GFM task lists, and Jekyll front matter.
- Prism highlights fenced code blocks with language identifiers.
- Exports to HTML and PDF and supports local files.
What to know first
- Available only for macOS; the maker says other-platform ports are not in progress.
- Does not support cloud sync.
- VIM edit mode is unsupported.
- macOS may show an unidentified developer warning.
MWeb: what it does well
- Markdown editor supports tables, formulas, and task lists
- Library syncs across devices with iCloud CloudKit
- Publishes to WordPress, Ghost, Medium, and others
- Exports to PDF, EPUB, or images
- Static blog generation supports math, Mermaid, and ECharts
What to know first
- Paid product with pricing listed from $34.99
- Lifetime license allows activation on two Macs
- MWeb Pro 4 requires macOS 10.13 or later
- License is nonrefundable