Does MiaoYan sync across devices?
MiaoYan stores files locally by default. You can point it at an iCloud Drive or Dropbox folder for cross-device sync.
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MiaoYan
Lightweight, local-first Markdown note-taking app for macOS.
markdown editorMITmacOS 11.5 or later.
Overview
MiaoYan (妙言) is a native Swift Markdown note-taking app for macOS. It stores files in a folder you choose, collects no data, and combines a three-column library with split editing and preview, wikilink backlinks, LaTeX, Mermaid, version history, and a command-line interface.
8,614 GitHub stars · 502 forks · latest release V4.2.0
Choose MiaoYan when
- lightweight markdown editor for macOS
- Typora open source alternative
- local-first notes without cloud lock-in
- native macOS note app without Electron
- markdown editor with LaTeX support
Key features
- Native macOS app, no Electron
- Local-first folders with no data collection
- Split editor and preview with bidirectional scroll sync
- Wikilink backlinks, LaTeX, and Mermaid
- Version history, auto-formatting, and a note CLI
- Dark mode, three-column layout, and distraction-free writing
Compared with
Typora, Obsidian, Bear, iA Writer, MacDown.
MiaoYan is a native macOS app (Swift + AppKit), so it launches instantly and uses minimal memory. Unlike Typora it is open source. Unlike Obsidian it does not use Electron. Trade-off: macOS only, no plugin system.
Practical details
- Requirements
- macOS 11.5 or later.
- Install
brew install --cask miaoyan
Frequently asked questions
How does MiaoYan compare to Typora or Obsidian?
MiaoYan is a native macOS app (Swift + AppKit), so it launches instantly and uses minimal memory. Unlike Typora it is open source. Unlike Obsidian it does not use Electron. Trade-off: macOS only, no plugin system.
Does MiaoYan support WYSIWYG editing?
MiaoYan uses a split-pane approach: source editing on the left, live preview on the right. It is not a block-based WYSIWYG editor. The source view has syntax highlighting for Markdown, LaTeX, and Mermaid.
What file formats does MiaoYan support?
MiaoYan reads and writes standard .md (Markdown) files. It also renders LaTeX math blocks and Mermaid diagrams inline. Export to PDF and HTML is supported.
Can I use MiaoYan for programming notes with code blocks?
Yes. MiaoYan supports fenced code blocks with syntax highlighting. The monospace rendering stays inside standard Markdown files, so programming notes remain portable.
Can an AI agent write MiaoYan notes for me?
Yes. The repository ships an agent skill covering MiaoYan syntax, attachments, PPT patterns, and the CLI. Install it with `npx skills add tw93/MiaoYan/skills/miaoyan -g`; source at https://github.com/tw93/MiaoYan/tree/main/skills/miaoyan.