MiaoYan is a lightweight Markdown note-taking app for macOS that prioritizes local-first storage and distraction-free writing.
The tool addresses the need for a fast, privacy-respecting Markdown editor by storing all notes locally without data collection or cloud account sign-in. It works by reading and writing to a folder of your choice, leaving sync to existing cloud-drive clients like iCloud Drive, Nutstore, or Dropbox. The editor features a split view with real-time preview and bidirectional scroll sync, alongside support for wikilink backlinks, LaTeX, and Mermaid diagrams. A minimalist three-column layout and dark mode support aim to reduce distractions while writing.
Adopt this tool if you want a native macOS Markdown editor that avoids the performance overhead of Electron-based alternatives. It suits writers and note-takers who prefer to manage their own storage location and sync strategy rather than rely on proprietary cloud services. The app works well with any cloud provider that syncs a local folder, making it flexible for cross-device workflows. Installation is available through the Mac App Store, Homebrew, or direct download, with all channels receiving identical updates.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with regular commits and closed issues addressed. The project maintains active communication channels and provides a command-line interface alongside the graphical application. The codebase is built in Swift 6 as a native macOS application, distinguishing it from web-based or cross-platform alternatives.
