Ghostwriter review
A capable free Markdown editor for focused local writing across three desktop platforms.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Ghostwriter pros and cons
- 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
Ghostwriter fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update