tools / md-reader

Your default app for markdown and configs.

MD Reader is a fast, local-first app for reading and editing Markdown, JSON, YAML, TOML, XML, and INI config files. Multi-tab interface, rendered Read mode with GitHub Flavored Markdown, Monaco-powered Edit mode with syntax highlighting, recursive folder catalogs, and never-written-to-disk workspace recovery with conflict protection.

— macOS 14+ — In the works — Local-first — Multiple formats
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The problem

Your computer has dozens of config files and markdown docs scattered across projects. When you need to view or edit one, you reach for a generic text editor or IDE — overkill for a quick read or a small change. The browser works for previewing markdown, but it doesn't integrate with your file system or let you edit. You end up bouncing between tools, and the more you bounce, the more likely you are to accidentally edit a wrong file or lose unsaved work. What you need is one app that handles all these formats and integrates deeply with macOS.

What MD Reader does

MD Reader puts a native macOS app at the center of your config and documentation workflow. Open any .md, .json, .yaml, .toml, .xml, or .ini file, and the app automatically shows you the right interface: rendered preview for markdown using GitHub Flavored Markdown, or a syntax-highlighted editor for configs. Multi-tab interface keeps related files open. Folder catalogs let you browse entire directory trees and jump between related files. Register MD Reader as the default handler for markdown and config file types on your Mac — when you open a file from Finder, it's already there.

What makes it different

  • Read mode and Edit mode. View markdown rendered with GFM, or switch to Monaco-powered edit mode for fine control. Config files open directly in edit view with syntax highlighting tailored to their format.
  • Recursive folder catalogs. Browse entire project folders without leaving the app. See the structure, jump between files, stay in context.
  • macOS document-type ownership. Register MD Reader as the default handler for .md and config file types. From Finder, open with your app automatically.
  • Workspace recovery that never writes to disk. If the app crashes or you force-quit, your unsaved work is preserved in a local recovery database — never written back to your files until you explicitly save.
  • Changed-on-disk conflict protection. If a file changes while you're editing it, MD Reader detects the conflict and prompts you to resolve it before saving. Atomic writes ensure you never partially overwrite a file.

Status

MD Reader is in active development. The core reader, editor, and multi-tab interface are complete. Workspace recovery and conflict detection are fully implemented. The first release is being prepared for Q4 2026. When it ships, you'll have a single, fast app for every markdown and config file on your Mac.