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PanWriter
panwriter.com
What it is
PanWriter is a free, open-source Markdown editor for preparing documents, with versions for Linux, macOS and Windows. It uses a text-focused workspace: write plain-text Markdown on one side while a live preview appears alongside it. A paginated preview helps review page layout for print or PDF, and CSS changes are reflected in the preview as they are made. Users can drag in a DOCX file to convert it to Markdown, edit the text and export it back to DOCX. Publishing options include HTML, DOCX, EPUB, LaTeX, PDF, PowerPoint, InDesign ICML and other Pandoc formats. Pandoc must be installed to export to most formats. PanWriter supports local files, and Pandoc scripts and integrations can automate workflows or connect it with web services and other applications. The editor supports CommonMark. Questions and feedback are handled through GitHub issues.
Spec sheet
- Supported platforms
- macOS, Windows, and LinuxRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Free plan
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- External integrations
- Can integrate with web services or other applicationsRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- CSS customization
- Layout can be tuned with CSS linesRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- DOCX export
- Edited text can be exported back to .docxRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- DOCX import
- Dragging a .docx file converts it to Markdown and opens itRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Export formats
- HTML,DOCX,EPUB,LaTeX,PDF,PowerPoint,InDesign ICML,and other Pandoc formatsRead 20 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Live CSS updates
- CSS changes are reflected live in the previewRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Live preview
- Markdown appears on the left with a preview on the rightRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Local file support
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Markdown editing
- Users write plain-text documents in MarkdownRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Markdown flavor
- commonmarkRead 20 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Open-source status
- The software is open sourceRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Paginated preview
- Preview lays text out on pages for print and PDF reviewRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Pandoc requirement
- Pandoc must be installed to export to most formatsRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Pricing model
- Free software with no paid pricing statedRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Support channel
- Questions and feedback are handled through GitHub issuesRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Workflow automation
- Pandoc scripts and integrations can automate workflowsRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
- Writing environment
- Distraction-free environment focused on text contentRead 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
Plans and prices
PanWriter Free Free Free and open-source software Read 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free and open source.
- Available on Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Live preview reflects CSS changes.
- Converts DOCX files to Markdown and back.
- Paginated preview supports print and PDF review.
Limits
- Pandoc is required for most export formats.
- Questions and feedback go through GitHub issues.
Who it suits
PanWriter suits writers who prefer Markdown and want a live or paginated preview while preparing documents for publication. It is also a fit for users who need DOCX conversion or Pandoc export options and are comfortable installing Pandoc for most exports.
Verdict
PanWriter combines a Markdown workspace with document previews and a broad set of Pandoc-based publishing formats. Its main requirement to note is that most exports need Pandoc installed.
Where Specifiction places it
- Markdown editors#12 of 318.2
