MacDown vs PanWriter
MacDown
macdown.uranusjr.com
PanWriter
panwriter.comSide by side
| Figure | MacDown | PanWriter |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Markdown editors | 7.9 (#18) | 8.2 (#12) |
| Export formats | HTML,PDF | HTML,DOCX,EPUB,LaTeX,PDF,PowerPoint,InDesign ICML,and other Pandoc formats |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Live preview | It uses Hoedown to render Markdown into HTML and provides a configurable live preview. | Markdown appears on the left with a preview on the right |
| Local file support | Yes | Yes |
| Markdown flavor | custom | commonmark |
| Supported platforms | macos | macOS, Windows, and Linux |
Plans
In their own words
MacDown
MacDown has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
PanWriter
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.