---
title: "Why we made it"
description: "Why Brencel built editmd, what it is good at, why it is free, and how to help make it better."
canonical: https://editmd.app/about/
markdown: https://editmd.app/about.md
status: pre-release, waiting list open
generated: editmd-website
---

# We built editmd because we needed it.

A Markdown editor for people who write, with quick help from AI only when they ask for it. It started as an internal tool at Brencel. Now it is free for anyone who finds it useful.

## Why we made it

Most of our writing is for people, not machines: notes, plans, reviews, documentation. We wanted an editor built around that, where the text comes first and the file stays ours, and where we can ask for a second opinion when a paragraph is not landing. Not an assistant that writes for us. A tool that helps us write.

## What it is good at

Reviewing files before they go out. Getting a paragraph clearer without losing the meaning. Checking that headings, lists and tables are formatted the way the next reader expects. Keeping everything as plain Markdown so it opens in any text editor.

## Why it is free

We use editmd every day, so the work of keeping it good is already done for our own sake. Charging for it would mean accounts, billing and lock-in, which is exactly what we did not want in a writing tool. If you connect an AI provider, you pay them, not us.

## From internal tool to anyone

The first versions lived on our own Macs. When people outside the company asked for it, we decided to release it properly. That work is in progress: a release that passes its checks, release notes, and a place to ask for help.

## Help us make it better

If something breaks, feels wrong, or is missing, tell us through https://editmd.app/contact/. A short note with what you expected and what happened is enough. Missing features are equally welcome.

Brencel AS: https://brencel.no. GitHub: https://github.com/brencel-dev/editmd (private until launch). Discord: https://discord.gg/DdsyeqhRJG