Best StackEdit Alternatives in 2026
The top StackEdit alternatives are HackMD, HedgeDoc and Dillinger: 15 markdown editors our editors would look at instead of StackEdit, in our ranking order.
StackEdit: A broad free editor for Markdown writing, collaboration, cloud sync, and CMS publishing. Where it falls short: its custom markdown flavor may require adaptation across other markdown tools.
Switching from StackEdit? For most markdown editors buyers the best StackEdit alternative is HackMD, built for collaborative Markdown teams.
Why People Look for a StackEdit Alternative
- Its custom Markdown flavor may require adaptation across other Markdown tools
- Publishing targets focus on Blogger, WordPress, and Zendesk
- The extension experience is centered on Chrome
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallHackMD9.1
Collaborative Markdown teams
Visit HackMD - Lowest priceHackMD9.1
Paid plans from $5/seat/mo
Visit HackMD - Best free optionHackMD9.1
Has a free plan
Visit HackMD
All 15 StackEdit Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forCollaborative Markdown teams
A capable collaborative Markdown workspace with strong GitHub and publishing workflows.
9.1/10★★★★★Visit HackMD -
Best forSelf-hosted collaborative Markdown teams
A self-hosted Markdown workspace for teams that need live collaboration and control.
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit HedgeDoc -
Best forFree browser-based editing with cloud files
A flexible free editor for Markdown work across local files and cloud storage.
- Cloud sync
- Local file support
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Dillinger -
Best forFree cross-platform Markdown writing
A free desktop Markdown editor with visual editing, source mode, and local file tools.
- Local file support
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit MarkText -
Best forFree desktop writers needing Markdown flexibility
A capable free Markdown editor for focused local writing across three desktop platforms.
- Local file support
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit KDE -
Best forResearchers and connected-note writers
A free local Markdown editor with serious tools for research and connected notes.
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Zettlr -
Best forPolished offline Markdown editing
A polished offline Markdown editor with broad export options, but no free plan.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Typora -
Best forLinux writers seeking a focused free editor
A focused, free Linux editor with strong writing tools and Pandoc export.
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Apostrophe -
Best forTeams needing free collaborative Markdown
A free, open-source Markdown workspace with collaboration, integrations, and self-hosting.
- Real-time collaboration
- Cloud sync
- Local file support
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Muesli -
Best forPower users wanting free cross-platform editing
A free, open-source Markdown workspace for writing across desktop and web.
- Cloud sync
- Local file support
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Markra -
Best forFree Pandoc-based document conversion
A focused, free Markdown editor for Pandoc-based document conversion.
- Local file support
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit PanWriter -
Best forMac and iOS writers with publishing needs
A capable Markdown workspace for Apple users who write, organize, and publish.
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit MWeb -
Best forWindows users needing publishing and Git tools
A broad Markdown workspace for Windows users who need Git and publishing tools.
- Local file support
7.4/10★★★★☆Try Markdown Monster -
Best forMature cross-device focused writing
A mature cross-device Markdown editor with strong exports, publishing, and focus tools.
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit iA Writer -
Best forSmall teams editing Markdown together
A focused web editor for shared Markdown work, with useful collaboration limits on Free.
- Real-time collaboration
- Cloud sync
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Composer
StackEdit Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to StackEdit?
HackMD: #2 in our Markdown Editors ranking, with an editor score of 9.1 out of 10. A capable collaborative Markdown workspace with strong GitHub and publishing workflows.
Is there a free alternative to StackEdit?
Yes. HackMD, HedgeDoc, Dillinger, MarkText and Ghostwriter have a free plan or a free tier (11 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to StackEdit?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, HackMD starts lowest, at $5/seat/mo.
Why do people look for StackEdit alternatives?
Its custom Markdown flavor may require adaptation across other Markdown tools; Publishing targets focus on Blogger, WordPress, and Zendesk; The extension experience is centered on Chrome.
How do I switch from StackEdit?
Export your data from StackEdit (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel StackEdit.
How to Switch from StackEdit
- Export your data from StackEdit (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel StackEdit.
StackEdit vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported platforms | Export formats | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | StackEdit | Yes | Free | web, chrome_extension, self_hosted | Markdown, HTML, PDF | 9.2 |
| 1 | HackMD | Yes | $5/seat/mo | 9.1 | ||
| 2 | HedgeDoc | Free | 8.9 | |||
| 3 | Dillinger | Yes | Free | web | Markdown, HTML, PDF | 8.7 |
| 4 | MarkText | Yes | Free | windows, macos, linux | HTML, PDF | 8.5 |
| 5 | Ghostwriter | Yes | Free | Windows, Linux, macOS | HTML, Pandoc, MultiMarkdown, commonmark | 8.4 |
| 6 | Zettlr | Yes | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | 8.2 | |
| 7 | Typora | No | $14.99 one-time | extensive | 8.1 | |
| 8 | Apostrophe | Yes | Free | Linux | PDF, ODT, Word, HTML, LaTeX | 7.9 |
| 9 | Muesli | Yes | Free | web, windows, macos, linux, self_hosted | 7.8 | |
| 10 | Markra | Yes | Free | web, windows, macos, linux | HTML, PDF, DOCX, EPUB, LaTeX | 7.7 |
| 11 | PanWriter | Yes | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux | HTML, DOCX, EPUB, LaTeX, PDF, PowerPoint, InDesign ICML, and other Pandoc formats | 7.6 |
| 12 | MWeb | $34.99 one-time | macOS, iPadOS, iOS | 7.5 | ||
| 13 | Markdown Monster | No | windows | HTML, PDF | 7.4 | |
| 14 | iA Writer | No | extensive | 7.3 | ||
| 15 | Composer | Yes | $5.99/user/mo | web | Markdown | 7.2 |
Head-to-Head
- StackEdit vs HackMD
- StackEdit vs HedgeDoc
- StackEdit vs Dillinger
- StackEdit vs MarkText
- StackEdit vs Ghostwriter
- StackEdit vs Zettlr
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update