introduction
local markdown, organized for serious writing workflows.
Marka is a desktop markdown editor for working with plain files, live previews, project notes, and reusable context bundles. It stays local, keeps the interface quiet, and avoids turning your notes into a service.
getting started
The app is file-first: open a folder, edit normal files, and keep ownership of the project structure on disk.
On macOS, you can install from the DMG or use Homebrew:
brew install --cask mattenarle10/tap/marka-md. Homebrew users
can update with brew update && brew upgrade --cask marka-md;
the signed in-app updater remains available too.
- 01 Open a folder. Pick the notes or project folder you want to work from. The sidebar becomes your local context library.
- 02 Open or create a file. Markdown files open with editor + preview. CSV files open as a lightweight read-only table preview.
- 03 Stage context. Use the sidebar buttons to stage files, watch token counts, then copy one reusable bundle for handoff.
interface
editor + preview
The default split view keeps source and rendered markdown side by side. Mermaid diagrams, code highlighting, task lists, tables, and math render in the preview.
tabs
Keep several files open while you move between notes. Unsaved changes stay attached to each tab until you save or close it.
themes
Theme groups keep the picker tidy: mono, Catppuccin, crafted palettes, and tool-inspired Claude, Codex, Gemini, and Cursor styles.
view modes
Reading mode hides editing chrome for proofreading. Editor-only mode gives you a focused text surface for drafting or plain text files.
context bundles
The context tray is the main Marka workflow. Stage related markdown files from the sidebar, then copy a single bundle with relative paths and estimated token counts. It is built for passing project notes, specs, changelogs, and drafts to another tool without copy-pasting fragments one by one.
path/to/file.md
---
file contents...files
Markdown is editable. CSV is previewed as a table. Plain text fallback is available when a file is safe to read.
- Markdown: edit
.md,.markdown, and.mdxfiles. - CSV: open
.csvfiles as a fast table preview. - Plain text: unsupported text files can be opened as text when the app can read them safely.
- Local images: relative image paths in markdown resolve from the current file folder.
- Native files: right-click files to copy paths, reveal in file manager, rename, delete, or open with the default app.
export
PDF export prints the rendered preview with clean document margins and browser headers disabled by the app. Mermaid diagrams and code blocks render from the preview before the print handoff.
shortcuts
troubleshooting
why did a file open in another app?
Binary files, oversized files, and unsupported formats are blocked from the editor. If a file looks like safe text, Marka can offer “open as text”.
where are settings stored?
UI preferences are local to the desktop app. Your files remain regular files on disk. No account, cloud sync, or telemetry is involved.
where do I report issues?
Use GitHub issues for bugs, feedback, and feature requests.