A native macOS reader that turns raw Markdown into an intentional, format-aware reading and editing workspace.
markdownalds is built for people who already keep notes, docs, and design writeups in plain Markdown, but want those files to feel more like finished reading surfaces than raw source text.
Open a .md file and the app promotes YAML front matter into metadata, headings into a navigable outline, task lists into checklist cards, and fenced code into clear preview panels. When you need the source again, switch to Raw mode or edit with a live split preview.
markdownalds is a native SwiftUI app for macOS that opens ordinary Markdown files in a more thoughtful reading layout. It does not ask you to abandon Markdown or move your files into a proprietary format. Instead, it reads what is already there and organizes it into something easier to scan, navigate, and edit.
The current app supports file importing, reload and save actions, a bundled sample document, word count and reading time metrics, tag display, outline navigation, and three viewing modes: Structured, Raw, and Edit. In Edit mode, the rendered result stays visible while the source updates on the other side, so Markdown remains writable without becoming awkward to review.
YAML or TOML-style front matter is elevated into a dedicated metadata panel, so document context is always visible instead of buried at the top of the file.
Headings become a navigable outline with section previews, making long notes feel structured and easy to jump through.
Task lists are promoted into clear checklist blocks and progress metrics, turning planning notes into something closer to a working dashboard.
Fenced and indented code blocks are rendered into monospace preview panels so technical documents stay legible without losing their source fidelity.
Switch between Structured mode for reading, Raw mode for inspecting source text, and Edit mode for live split-screen writing.
Open files with a native picker, reload the current document, keep track of unsaved changes, and save edits back to disk from the same workspace.
The parser goes beyond headings and paragraphs. It also understands richer Markdown patterns so structured documents preserve their shape when they move from source text into the reading view.
Markdown tables are parsed into dedicated table blocks instead of being left as hard-to-scan pipe syntax.
Callout syntax is promoted into highlighted note blocks that stand apart from the surrounding body copy.
Image references resolve into inline media blocks, making visual notes and documentation easier to review.
Collapsible details sections are preserved as structured blocks instead of being flattened into plain text.
Definition lists and footnotes stay recognizable, which helps technical notes and reference-heavy documents remain readable.
Tags, summary text, word count, reading time, and section metrics give every document a more intentional frame.
The app is designed for a simple but high-leverage loop: open Markdown, let the structure surface automatically, then decide whether you want to read, inspect, or edit.
Use the native macOS importer to open any .md or .markdown file, or start with the bundled sample document immediately.
The reader extracts title, summary, tags, front matter, sections, tasks, and code blocks, then reorganizes them into a navigable interface.
Browse via the outline, inspect raw Markdown when needed, or switch into Edit mode to write on one side while the rendered result updates on the other.
The app reads ordinary Markdown, but it shines when the file already has a little intentional shape. A front matter header, clear headings, task lists, and fenced code are enough to make the reading view feel dramatically better.
---
title: Weekly Design Sync
author: Team Notes
tags: weekly, design, review
summary: Short one-line document overview.
---
# Context
## Checklist
- [ ] Follow-up item
## Code
```swift
print("Hello")
```That shape is enough for markdownalds to build metadata rows, an outline sidebar, checklist blocks, and a dedicated code preview without changing the underlying file.
If you want to talk about the app, share Markdown-heavy workflows, or discuss the project further, feel free to reach out.
Email: crusade.ray@gmail.com