Open any folder of .md files
Point FlashType at notes, docs, or a repo already on your Mac. It works on plain local .md files - no import, no sync service, no format to migrate into.
Stop .md files from opening in Xcode
Double-click a README.md on a Mac and macOS hands it to Xcode - a multi-gigabyte IDE that takes forever to launch just to show you a text file. FlashType makes opening Markdown instant again.
README.md
Open With
XXcodedefaultthe default - launches a whole IDE just to read one file
TTextEditshows raw # and ** symbols, no formatting
⚡FlashTypeopens instantly as live rich text
Set FlashType as your default for .md files - double-click and you're editing in rich text, no IDE, no wait.
Markdown editing that feels native to macOS
A clean, fast Mac app for your local .md files - with live rich-text rendering and AI agents built in, not bolted on.
Write in live rich text
Headings, bold, lists and links render as you type, the way they do in a word processor - but the file on disk stays clean, portable Markdown.
Let AI help, review every diff
Claude Code and Codex run right inside the editor. Ask them to draft or edit, then accept or reject each change as an inline diff. Version history is tracked automatically via Lix.
More than TextEdit, simpler than an IDE
macOS doesn't ship a real Markdown editor, and online editors keep your files in a browser tab. FlashType is a native app that edits your actual .md files - with diffs and version history built in.
| Capability | FlashType | TextEdit | Online editor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native macOS app | — | ||
| Live rich-text rendering of Markdown | — | Some | |
| Edits real local .md files | — | — | |
| Works offline | — | ||
| AI agents (Claude Code & Codex) built in | — | — | |
| Review AI edits as inline diffs | — | — | |
| Automatic version history (via Lix) | — | — | |
| Free & open source | Some |
FAQ
What is the best markdown editor for Mac?
It depends on what you need, but if you want a native macOS app that shows Markdown as live rich text, edits your real local .md files, and has AI agents built in, FlashType is a strong free, open-source option. It runs on macOS and works on plain .md files with no proprietary format.
Is there a free markdown editor for Mac?
Yes. FlashType is free and open source under the MIT license. Download it, point it at any folder of .md files, and start editing - no account, no subscription.
Can I edit local .md files directly on macOS?
Yes. FlashType opens any folder on disk and edits the plain .md files in place. Nothing is uploaded or converted - your files stay exactly where they are, in standard Markdown.
Does the Mac markdown editor work with AI?
It does. Claude Code and Codex are built in. Ask either agent to draft or edit your document and review every change as an inline diff before it's saved - accept the good edits, reject the rest.
Free & open source
Built in the open. Issues, pull requests and stars welcome.
macOS · MIT license