Add to Chrome
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Add to SafariWhen comparing StackEdit vs Smartdown, the Slant community recommends StackEdit for most people. In the question“What are the best open source Markdown editors for UNIX-like systems?” StackEdit is ranked 15th while Smartdown is ranked 33rd. The most important reason people chose StackEdit is:
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](http://fluidapp.com) to turn it into a native desktop application.
Specs
Question 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 Integrated file library
You can add directories to the sidebar. These directories can be from cloud services (like Dropbox for example).
Pro Advanced Markdown support
Smartdown supports Critic Markup and MultiMarkdown flavors of Markdown that add advanced functionality, like tables, footnotes, etc.
Pro Customizable
The app can be themed and the layout can be changed around.
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 Free
Smartdown costs $19.99.
