Which platforms can run Markpad and how is it installed?

Updated

Markpad runs as a native desktop app on Windows, macOS, and Linux. On Windows you can install it with the Chocolatey package manager using choco install markpad-app, or download a build for your OS from the project's site or GitHub page. It is built with Rust, Tauri, SvelteKit, and TypeScript, and the project describes it as lightweight with near-instant startup.

Supported platforms

Platform Support Install route shown on the site
Windows Native desktop build Chocolatey (choco install markpad-app) or download
macOS Native desktop build Download
Linux Native desktop build Download

The site lists all three as "first-class native desktop" targets, so this is not a web app you open in a browser tab — it is an installed application.

How to install

Windows (Chocolatey)

  1. Make sure Chocolatey is installed on your machine.
  2. Open a terminal and run:
    choco install markpad-app
  3. Launch Markpad from your Start menu or app list after the install completes.

Windows, macOS, and Linux (direct download)

  1. Go to the Markpad site (markpad.sftwr.dev) or its GitHub page.
  2. Pick the build for your operating system.
  3. Install or run it the way your OS normally handles desktop apps, then open Markpad.

The site does not spell out per-OS download steps beyond the platform buttons, so follow your system's usual install flow for a downloaded desktop application.

What you get once it runs

  • Editor: an embedded VS Code editor engine (Monaco) with optional Vim keybindings.
  • Preview: standard GFM markdown with code syntax highlighting, KaTeX math, and Mermaid diagrams.
  • Layout: synchronized side-by-side editing and preview, plus a floating table-of-contents outline.
  • Documents: multi-window tabs, session restoration, and automatic reload when a file changes on disk.
  • Output: one-click HTML export and print-to-PDF.
  • Privacy: the project states zero telemetry and open-source code.

Things to check before installing

  • Chocolatey is Windows-only. The choco install command won't work on macOS or Linux; use the download route there.
  • Package name matters. The command is markpad-app, not markpad.
  • Pricing and licensing: the site describes Markpad as "100% free and open source." No paid tiers or account requirements are mentioned in the available material.
  • Language support: the interface is localized into 26 languages, which may matter if you work in a non-English UI.

If your goal is simply to confirm compatibility: any current Windows, macOS, or Linux desktop should be able to run it, with Windows offering the most scriptable install path via Chocolatey.