Ghostwriter
Ghostwriter: A capable free Markdown editor for focused local writing across three desktop platforms. Ranked #6 of 31 in Markdown Editors by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free desktop writers needing Markdown flexibility.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree desktop writers needing Markdown flexibility
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2015
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Live preview, focus mode, fullscreen mode, and document navigation
- Supports cmark-gfm, Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, Discount, and cmark
- Free, open source, with autosave, backups, and image drag-and-drop
Where it doesn't
- macOS support is community-supported and requires building from source
- Desktop-only workflow with local files rather than a hosted workspace
- Export and processor options depend on installed Markdown processors
Our verdict on Ghostwriter
Ghostwriter is a free, open-source Markdown editor developed by KDE for writers who want a focused desktop workspace. It works with local files on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and combines a distraction-free interface with live HTML preview, document outlines, section navigation, word counts, themes, autosave, and image drag-and-drop. Its Markdown support includes GitHub Flavored Markdown through cmark-gfm, with additional processor options available through installed tools.
Its strongest feature set is the balance between focused writing and practical document control. Focus mode can highlight configurable text, while fullscreen mode removes surrounding interface elements. Live document and session statistics help writers monitor progress, and the outline provides direct navigation through longer documents. The built-in Markdown cheat sheet also keeps syntax reference close to the editing experience. For writers who prefer local files and want more than a basic text editor, these features provide useful structure without adding a hosted publishing layer.
Processor flexibility is another important advantage, with integrations for Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, Discount, and cmark, plus export options for HTML, Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, and commonmark. The trade-off is that this flexibility depends on the relevant processors being installed. Windows and Linux users get the clearest supported desktop path; macOS support is community-supported, and users must compile the source because no installer is available. Ghostwriter suits independent writers, developers, and documentation authors who value privacy, local files, and Markdown control. Choose another editor if you need a browser-based workspace, built-in collaboration, or a straightforward macOS installer.
Your product? Our editors can test Ghostwriter in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Ghostwriter pricing
Ghostwriter fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Export formats | HTML, Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, commonmark |
| Publishing workflow | Not verified |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Markdown flavor | Github_flavored |
| Cloud sync | Not verified |
| Local file support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, Discount, cmark |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | ghostwriter.kde.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Ghostwriter integrations
Ghostwriter lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Pandoc
- MultiMarkdown
- Discount
- cmark
Alternatives to Ghostwriter
- StackEditA broad free editor for Markdown writing, collaboration, cloud sync, and CMS publishing.9.2
- HackMDA capable collaborative Markdown workspace with strong GitHub and publishing workflows.9.1
- HedgeDocA self-hosted Markdown workspace for teams that need live collaboration and control.8.9
See all Ghostwriter alternatives →
Ghostwriter vs the competition
- Ghostwriter vs StackEdit
- Ghostwriter vs HackMD
- Ghostwriter vs HedgeDoc
- Ghostwriter vs Dillinger
- Ghostwriter vs MarkText
- Ghostwriter vs Zettlr
Compare Ghostwriter with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Ghostwriter is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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