MacDown 3000
MacDown 3000: A capable free editor for Mac users who need GFM, math, and HTML/PDF exports. Ranked #24 of 31 in Markdown Editors by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Mac users needing GFM exports.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree Mac users needing GFM exports
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Live preview with customizable Markdown rendering
- Supports CommonMark, GFM, math, and Jekyll front matter
- Exports documents to HTML and PDF for publishing or sharing
Where it doesn't
- Available only for macOS
- No documented integrations or collaboration workflow
- Focused on local files rather than broader publishing workflows
Our verdict on MacDown 3000
MacDown 3000 is a free, open-source Markdown editor for macOS, designed for people who write, preview, and export Markdown locally. It supports macOS 11.0 and later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, making it a focused option for Mac users working with notes, documentation, static-site content, or other Markdown files. Its core workflow combines a writing area with live preview, syntax highlighting for fenced code blocks, automatic bracket and quote pairing, and customizable Markdown rendering.
The editor covers several Markdown needs without adding a paid tier. CommonMark and GitHub Flavored Markdown support suit users who need familiar Markdown behavior, while TeX-like math notation, task lists, and Jekyll front-matter rendering extend it toward technical writing and static-site publishing. HTML and PDF export provide two practical output paths: HTML for web-oriented workflows and PDF for document sharing or archiving. The open-source model also makes MacDown 3000 a natural fit for users who prefer a free local application.
Its main trade-off is scope. MacDown 3000 is limited to macOS and is centered on local files, with no documented integrations or collaboration workflow. That makes it a clear choice for an individual Mac user who wants a focused Markdown editor with GFM support, live preview, math, front matter, and export. Teams needing shared editing, cross-platform access, or a wider connected publishing ecosystem should choose a different type of tool. Users who want a straightforward local editor and do not need those broader capabilities should find the feature set well aligned with everyday Markdown work.
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MacDown 3000 pricing
MacDown 3000 fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | macos |
| Export formats | HTML, PDF |
| Publishing workflow | Static_site |
| Real-time collaboration | Not verified |
| Markdown flavor | Not verified |
| Cloud sync | Not verified |
| Local file support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | macdown.app |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to MacDown 3000
- 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 MacDown 3000 alternatives →
Also Ranked In
MacDown 3000 is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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