UnmarkedOur pick
Pick Unmarked for the complete single-document workflow. Its separate Read mode, detailed table controls, Present mode and Word export make the whole document easier to finish. A folder workspace is the clearest reason to choose Lettera, provided you already have beta access.
| Question | Unmarked | Lettera beta |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Finishing one Markdown document on a Mac | Writing across files in a folder workspace |
| Writing | WYSIWYG Markdown with syntax revealed on the active line | Live Markdown editing with syntax hidden outside the edit |
| Reading | A dedicated Read mode, plus scroll-synced Split | The live editor is the main document view |
| Tables | Direct cells, rectangular selection and full row or column controls | Rendered tables inside the editor |
| After writing | Slides, editable Word, paginated PDF and self-contained HTML | PDF, image and ePub export |
| File scope | One document window opened from Finder | Single-file view or folders with a sidebar, search and tabs |
| Availability | Free on the Mac App Store and as a notarized download | Free during beta. Current beta places are full and final pricing is unannounced |
Unmarked gives reading its own mode
Lettera and Unmarked both make Markdown feel like a document while you type. Marks get out of the way and return where you are editing. The difference appears when the writing is done.
Read mode removes the editor from Unmarked. Links work, task boxes can be checked, code blocks have a copy button and local images open in a zoom viewer. Switch back to Write and the source is exactly where you left it. Split is there when you want both. Most of the time, you do not need both.
The table test favors Unmarked
A rendered table is easy. Editing one without thinking about pipe characters is harder. In Unmarked, the table becomes a real grid. You can move through cells with Tab, select a rectangle with the mouse or keyboard, type over that selection and copy it as Markdown or rich text.
Rows and columns can be inserted, duplicated, deleted, aligned and reordered in place. The grid sizes columns from their content, grows rows when text wraps and saves back to ordinary GFM. The same table remains selectable in Read mode, gets content-based widths in PDF and becomes an editable table in Word.
Unmarked is ready for the handoff
Present turns the open file into full-screen slides. PDF gives you page size, margins, page numbers and a running header. Word export creates real headings, lists, links, images and tables. HTML can carry its styling and images in one file.
Unmarked is already released, free and ready to install. Lettera is still in a full TestFlight beta with pricing to come. Its folder workspace is the reason to wait if you need to search and move among several files inside the editor. For one document, Unmarked gives you more of the finished workflow today.
Which one fits your work?
Choose Unmarked if
- You want the app to feel calm, native and complete around one file.
- You read finished Markdown as often as you write it.
- Tables need spreadsheet-like selection and document-style controls.
- You present the file or send it as Word, PDF or HTML.
Choose Lettera only if
- You need a folder sidebar, tabs and search inside the editor.
- MathJax or ePub export decides the purchase.