Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Is editmd free? Do I need an account?

The editor is free and does not require an editmd account. Optional remote AI uses your own provider account and may incur API charges. Installing or using AI is not required for writing.

Do I need to know Markdown already?

No. Start with ordinary paragraphs and add headings or lists as you need them. Split view shows how your source becomes a formatted document. Follow your first document.

What is the difference between .md and .txt?

Both can contain plain text. The .md extension tells tools to interpret Markdown formatting conventions. Renaming a Word or PDF file to .md does not convert its contents into Markdown.

Can I use it on Windows, Linux, iPhone or iPad?

The desktop app documented here is for macOS. There is no Windows, Linux, iPhone or iPad version.

Is the source code open source?

Free use of the app and access to its source code are separate questions. This site does not provide a public source repository or a source-build download. Third-party notices describe the components included in the relevant distribution.

Files and privacy

Where are my documents stored?

In the files and folders you choose on your Mac. editmd does not upload them to an editmd document account. Services you use for sync or backups may separately copy those folders.

Can I open files from another Markdown editor?

Yes, ordinary Markdown files can be opened directly. Check app-specific syntax, metadata and relative attachment paths; not every Markdown extension renders the same way everywhere.

Does editmd work offline?

Local writing, preview and file work do not require a provider connection. Remote AI, external links and remote image loading need their respective services. Local Ollama needs its local service running and a model already installed.

Does it save automatically?

Use Save (⌘S) to write edits to disk. Session recovery can preserve bounded unsaved buffers, but it is not a substitute for saving or backups. Accepted AI edits also need saving.

Can I sync with iCloud Drive or another service?

You choose where files live, including folders managed by a sync service. That service owns synchronisation. Avoid editing the same file on two devices at once and review any external-change conflict.

Are remote images loaded automatically?

No. Load remote images is off by default. Local workspace images are a separate case. Export blocks remote resources even when you enable them in preview.

Optional AI

Is AI always running?

No. It starts disabled. You enable it, connect a model, inspect the scope and explicitly send each request. There is no background processing of your workspace.

Does a ChatGPT subscription cover OpenAI API use?

No. ChatGPT and the OpenAI API have separate billing. Set up API access and check its billing before adding an OpenAI connection. See OpenAI’s billing guide.

Which models can I add?

Direct OpenAI uses an exact model ID available to your API account. OpenRouter uses the compatible catalog shown in the app. Ollama uses installed local models that pass editmd’s checks. Follow AI setup rather than assuming every advertised model is compatible.

Why can Ollama only answer questions?

The local integration exposes grounded Ask. It does not offer local editing, structure changes, metadata/tasks or review. Those controls remain unavailable for the local connection.

What text does AI receive?

The exact approved selection or current-document scope displayed before sending, including any surrounding context you choose. editmd does not silently read other files. Sensitive information already inside the selected text is included, so review it carefully.

Where is my API key kept?

Remote-provider keys are stored in macOS Keychain. Do not put keys in documents or send them in a support screenshot. Disconnecting removes the local item; revocation is a separate action in the provider account.

Why is there an 18+ acknowledgement?

The optional AI flow requires it before enabling connections or sending requests, including local Ollama. It covers the AI use conditions and your authority to use the chosen provider. The non-AI editor remains usable without it.

Output, updates and help

Will PDF or DOCX look exactly like the preview?

Check the exported file in its destination app. Formats preserve different features, and DOCX/RTF are practical subsets. Keep the Markdown source and see copy, export and share.

Will updating delete my documents?

Replacing the app in Applications is separate from files you saved elsewhere. Save and back up before updating, then check your documents afterward. Follow update and back up.

Does uninstalling remove all local data?

Removing the app alone may leave preferences and Keychain items. Use the app’s reviewed local reset flow first if you want to clear those, and manage saved documents separately. See removal.

I am stuck. Where should I start?

Use troubleshooting for installation, preview, images, conflicts and AI connection issues. A small synthetic example and the exact error message make a problem much easier to diagnose.