# MacDown 3000

A free, open-source continuation of the discontinued MacDown editor, started by a different maintainer in 2026 — not the original project, but built in its spirit.

- **Category:** [Utilities](https://notchlist.vercel.app/category/utilities/)
- **Price:** Free and open source
- **Open source:** yes
- **Official site:** https://macdown.app/
- **Available via:** GitHub, Homebrew
- **Requirements:** macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later; universal binary for Apple Silicon and Intel.
- **Maker:** Schuyler Erle

## Kitsmith's take

The original MacDown (2014–2021, by Tzu-ping Chung) went unmaintained; MacDown 3000 is a distinctly branded successor from a different, single maintainer that updates the same Hoedown-based rendering engine for modern macOS and Apple Silicon. Free and open source (MIT), with Prism syntax highlighting, TeX-style math, and GitHub Flavored Markdown support. Distributed via GitHub releases or a Homebrew cask, funded by donations.

## Features

- **Live preview rendering:** Hoedown-based Markdown-to-HTML conversion with fenced code blocks and non-standard extensions, configurable in Preferences.
- **Prism syntax highlighting:** Code blocks are highlighted across a wide range of programming and markup languages.
- **Math & GFM support:** TeX-style math notation, GitHub Flavored Markdown task lists, and Jekyll front-matter for static site generators.
- **HTML/PDF export:** Exports rendered documents to HTML or PDF with the app’s styling.

## FAQ

**Is MacDown 3000 the same as the original MacDown?**

No — it’s a separate, actively maintained continuation started in 2026 after the original MacDown (2014–2021) went unmaintained. Same spirit and rendering lineage, different maintainer and codebase.

**Is MacDown 3000 free?**

Yes — free and open source under the MIT License, funded by voluntary donations.


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Hand-verified listing on Kitsmith: https://notchlist.vercel.app/apps/macdown-3000/