First, let me state my requirement. I need a Markdown editor that:
works on both iPadOS and macOS
supports GitHub/CommonMark syntax
extensions to GitHub/CommonMark like “==” for highlighting are welcome
uses the underlying file system for document storage (Files for iPadOS and Finder for macOS) an editor that uses a proprietary file storage system is not acceptable and neither is moving documents from a proprietary file storage system to Files/Finder acceptable
Currently, I use OneMarkdown on both platforms in addition I use a plain text editor (with limited Markdown processing) as well - Textastic on iPadOS and BBEdit on macOS. In fact I use a text editor more often just for getting the document written; it just much faster.
I am finding odd problems with OneMarkdown on macOS, particularly with saving new documents. Textastic supports MultiMarkdown syntax and the developer is simply not interested in extending support for GitHub Markdown. BBEdit has only limited Markdown syntax support (it does not support tables for example).
I have tries iA Writer and Obsidian in the past but have found issues with both: iA Writer’s lack of user defined templates is a real issue and I can’t get used to the way Obsidian stores files.
I used to use Taio on both iPadOS and macOS and it was near perfect for all my needs. 1Writer before that was also very good but the developers of both apps have ceased development of them.
I’ve just re-downloaded iA Writer to my Mac Mini and am taking a bit of time setting it up without using its “Library”, I’ve dragged all the Finder directories I need into the “Locations” column and that seems to be working fine.
I purchased a copy of iA Writer a few years ago so this is a “no-cost” exercise. I would have to pay for iA Writer on my iPad. So I am wondering how easy it is to setup the iPad version like this.
Just a thought: there may be a workaround for your templates issue with iA Writer. Perhaps you could use a cross-platform snippet manager (like Snippety) or Shortcuts for creating / managing / using custom templates? I think it may otherwise meet your requirements.
I can’t vouch for this, and it uses a proprietary file format, but with robust exporting. I asked ChatGPT 4.0 to respond to your criteria; below are the results. Again, I’m only passing this along recognizing that Bear does not meet all of your criteria.
After a comprehensive reevaluation of your requirements and the current landscape of Markdown editors as of April 2025, I have identified the most suitable option that aligns with all specified criteria.
Your Requirements
Cross-platform: Native support for both macOS and iPadOS.
Markdown Support: Full GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) and CommonMark compliance.
Extensions: Support for syntax like ==highlight==.
File System Integration: Direct use of the native file system (Finder on macOS and Files app on iPadOS) without proprietary storage systems.
Templates: Ability to create and use user-defined templates.
Active Development: Regular updates and active maintenance.
Performance: Fast and reliable writing experience.
Recommended Editor: Bear 2
Bear 2 is a note-taking application developed by Shiny Frog, available on macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. It offers a clean and intuitive interface with robust Markdown support, making it suitable for both quick notes and extensive writing projects.
Key Features
Cross-Platform Support: Native applications for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS.
Markdown Compliance: Supports Markdown with extensions, including syntax highlighting.
File System Integration: While Bear uses a proprietary database, it allows for easy export of notes in various formats, including plain text and Markdown.
Templates: Offers note templates to streamline the creation of consistent documents.
Active Development: Regular updates with new features and improvements.
Performance: Optimized for speed and efficiency across all devices.
Considerations
Storage: Bear uses a proprietary storage system. However, it provides robust export options to plain text and Markdown formats, ensuring flexibility and data portability.
Subscription Model: Advanced features, including cross-device sync and export options, require a Bear Pro subscription.
Comparative Table
Feature
Bear 2
iA Writer
Obsidian
Joplin
Zettlr
macOS & iPadOS Support
GitHub/CommonMark Compliance
==highlight== Syntax Support
Native File System Integration
User-Defined Templates
Active Development
Fast Writing Experience
Bear uses a proprietary storage system but offers robust export options.
While Bear uses a proprietary storage system, its robust export options, active development, and comprehensive Markdown support make it a strong candidate that aligns closely with your requirements. If direct file system integration is a strict necessity, further exploration of other editors like iA Writer or Zettlr may be warranted, keeping in mind their respective limitations.
Follow-up Response:
Joplin Strict Audit Against Criteria
Criterion
Result
Notes
macOS and iPadOS support
Native apps exist for both platforms.
CommonMark / GFM
Partial
Custom Markdown flavor. Some quirks.
Extensions like ==highlight==
Limited
Requires plugins or workarounds.
Native file system storage (Finder/Files)
Uses internal database, not plain files.
No proprietary storage
Uses SQLite database.
User-defined templates
Supported via plugin.
Active development
Actively developed open source project.
Fast writing experience
Reasonably fast, but not top tier.
Result: Disqualified due to file system and storage method.
APA Citation
ChatGPT. (2025, April 11). Recommendation of Markdown editors for macOS and iPadOS with CommonMark support, templates, and file system integration. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/chat
I was kindly told that by a member of the forum that posting an AI response may not be helpful, given that others can do so, and it tends to be long. While I meant well, I think that is an appropriate point, so in the future I’ll refrain from doing so.
That’s amazing! As an old time programmer (in his late seventies) I have a real dislike/fear of AI. Therefore I have not taken much notice of it. But I have to admit, your results are impressive - thank you! One of the “findings” for iA Writer is not correct. iA Writer does support “==” syntax for highlighting.
I am also finding that if I “drag” the folders I need to work with into the “Library” panel then I am working in the Finder folders, not iA Writer’s Library.
I have been doing a little bit more with iA Writer on my Mac. The GitHub template is close to the custom template that I use in One Markdown and the two text editors I use.
Are there any forum members using iA Writer on iOS/iPadOS? I would love to hear your views.
Thanks again. This is a really good forum to belong to.
I had posted two in total from ChatGPT, and I personally feel that they are good for own research purposes, but a forum like this I would stay away form AI postings. I would rather read personal views and responses from people than reiterate the same things that the AI bot provided.
I have to say that I cringed a little when I saw your post. I’m a guy that had an Apple II back in the early 80’s when nerds met at the local library one Saturday a month and had a coffee, a donut and sat around with others hearing about their experiences with software and building their own PC. I would like to think this forum and others are a place where modern nerds can share stories of their own experiences and help each other out when someone has a problem with their tech. I personally feel that using AI or pointing someone to a Google search to answer a post weakens the power of this forum and its users.
Updated Markdown Editor Recommendation (April 2025)
Your Requirements
Recommended Editor: Bear 2
Considerations
Comparative Table
Additional Information
APA Citation
