# Markdown Preview for Mac

> Read .md files as formatted documents.

Markdown Preview opens Markdown files as clean, readable pages with a clickable outline of headings, and adds a Quick Look extension so a press of Space in Finder renders them too. When you want to edit, it hands the file to the editor you choose.

## Facts

- Price: Free and open source
- Developer: Pluk
- Category: Writing & Notes
- Website: https://markdownpreview.app/
- Homebrew cask: markdown-preview
- Source code: https://github.com/pluk-inc/markdown-preview
- License: MIT
- GitHub stars: 2.5k
- Last commit: 2026-10-18
- Facts checked: 2026-10-19
- MacWorthy page: https://macworthy.com/apps/markdown-preview/

## Install

Homebrew:

```sh
brew install --cask markdown-preview
```

## Questions

### Is Markdown Preview free?

Yes. Markdown Preview is free and open source under the MIT license. The source code is on GitHub at pluk-inc/markdown-preview.

### Where can I download Markdown Preview for Mac?

Download Markdown Preview from the developer's website (markdownpreview.app) and GitHub. MacWorthy links only to official sources.

### Can I install Markdown Preview from the Terminal?

Yes. With Homebrew, run `brew install --cask markdown-preview`.

### What are good alternatives to Markdown Preview?

Other writing & notes apps for Mac worth a look are MarkEdit (open source), Clearly (free), iA Writer (one-time purchase) and Ulysses (subscription).

## Alternatives in Writing & Notes

- [MarkEdit](https://macworthy.com/apps/markedit/): TextEdit, if it spoke Markdown. (Open source)
- [Clearly](https://macworthy.com/apps/clearly/): A Markdown editor that opens plain .md files. (Free)
- [iA Writer](https://macworthy.com/apps/ia-writer/): Focused Markdown writing, nothing more. (One-time purchase)
- [Ulysses](https://macworthy.com/apps/ulysses/): A complete writing environment for long work. (Subscription)
- [Bear](https://macworthy.com/apps/bear/): Beautiful notes, linked and tagged. (Free + Pro)
- [NotePlan](https://macworthy.com/apps/noteplan/): Tasks, calendar and notes in plain Markdown. (Subscription)
- [Cirrus](https://macworthy.com/apps/cirrus/): A Markdown note that pops up over whatever you are doing. (Free + Pro)
- [Inkstone](https://macworthy.com/apps/inkstone/): A WYSIWYG editor for the Markdown files already on your Mac. (One-time purchase)

Tags: markdown, viewer, quick look, open source