Dillinger review
A flexible free editor for Markdown work across local files and cloud storage.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Dillinger is a free, open-source Markdown editor that runs in the browser. It is aimed at developers, technical writers, and other users creating README files, documentation, blog posts, or structured prompts. Core editing requires no signup, and the editor supports GitHub-flavored Markdown. Local autosave, browser persistence, drag-and-drop file handling, and offline core editing after the initial load make it suitable for focused writing without a desktop installation.
Its strongest area is the editing workflow. The Monaco-based editor provides syntax highlighting, multiple cursors, find and replace, and autocompletion, while the side-by-side preview renders Markdown as you work and keeps scrolling synchronized. Zen mode, dark mode, and Vim and Emacs keybinding modes provide useful options for different writing styles. Files can be imported from or saved to GitHub, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Bitbucket, giving Dillinger a practical fit for users who keep documents across those services.
Dillinger also keeps the pricing decision simple: the published product description presents it as completely free, with no paid tiers to compare. Export covers Markdown, styled HTML, and PDF, which suits documentation and publishing workflows. The main trade-off is its web-only format; users seeking a dedicated desktop application should look elsewhere. Offline editing is available for the core editor after the initial load, but the product is best suited to browser-centered work. Choose Dillinger for free Markdown editing with cloud-file connections and live preview; choose an alternative if desktop packaging or a broader publishing workflow is essential.
Dillinger pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Monaco editor with syntax highlighting, cursors, search, and autocompletion
- Live side-by-side preview with synchronized scrolling
- Cloud connections plus Markdown, HTML, and PDF export
- Where it doesn't
- Available as a web application rather than a desktop editor
- Offline core editing starts only after the initial load
- Export options are limited to Markdown, styled HTML, and PDF
Dillinger fact sheet, pricing and score →
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