When comparing StackEdit vs Manuskript, the Slant community recommends Manuskript for most people. In the question“What are the best cross-platform writing apps?” Manuskript is ranked 9th while StackEdit is ranked 11th. The most important reason people chose Manuskript is:
Manuskript is totally free, and the software is accessible which means anybody can make changes to it if they wish . This means that there are likely plugins and/or add-ons to allow you to do whatever you want with the program.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Works online and offline
StackEdit works within your browser. You need internet access to connect to the website, but once it's loaded, the site does not require an internet connection - you will be able to edit and save files locally. Additionally, you can use Fluid to turn it into a native desktop application.
Pro Supports various Markdown flavors
Supports standard Markdown and Markdown Extra.
Pro Simple workflow
It is very easy to toggle between the preview and the editing windows. The black makes it a very focused writing environment. Of course it's possible to change that if needed.
Pro Great when in full-screen
Pro No need to install additional software
StackEdit works directly from the browser, there's no need to install additional software as long as you have a web browser installed on your computer.
Pro Real-time preview
The preview shows in a collapsible pane on the right hand side.
Pro Instant publishing
StackEdit allows pushing a document directly to a list of publishing or file storage platforms or any SSH server.
Pro Multiple export options
Can export to .txt, .html and .pdf.
Pro Syncs via Dropbox and Drive
Files can be synchronized through Dropbox and Drive.
Pro Free and open source
Manuskript is totally free, and the software is accessible which means anybody can make changes to it if they wish . This means that there are likely plugins and/or add-ons to allow you to do whatever you want with the program.
Pro Cross platform
Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Pro Many export formats
Using pandoc, one can export to: HTML, PDF, ePub, DocX, ODT, LaTeX, etc.
Pro Internal reference system to keep track of everything
Cons
Con Saves files in browser's local storage
Local storage is limited and if the browser crashes the text can be lost.
Con Cannot be accessed while being offline
Even though the editor itself works offline, you need internet access to open the website and the editor.
Con Lacks a good integrated spell checker
Uses the built-in browser spell checker which may not be as good as spell checkers other editors have. Depending on the browser, of course.
Con Publishing to GitHub requires giving write access to repos
In order to publish documents to GitHub, StackEdit requires writing access to your repos, something which many people may not be comfortable with.
Con Not easy to get dictionaries
People not using English will struggle to find other dictionaries that work. There is not an easy download present.