Markpane
Local folders
Open a folder and work with the files already on your Mac.
Native macOS · Local-first
Local Markdown workspaces for AI-ready project knowledge.
Open a folder of Markdown files, turn frontmatter into Smart Views, and copy an Agent Brief with the local context you choose. No account, no sync, no document upload.
Plain files
Markdown and frontmatter stay the source of truth.
No upload
Markpane does not upload your Markdown documents.
No hosted AI
It prepares context locally for tools you choose.
Plain files, nothing locked in
Work with the Markdown folders you already have
Point Markpane at a folder you choose. It reads and writes ordinary .md files with frontmatter, so your notes, specs, research, and project docs remain plain files.
- Browse the file tree, pins, and recents.
- Edit and preview real project Markdown with a native Mac workflow.
- Preview tables, code blocks, callouts, outline, and backlinks.
Frontmatter to structure
Turn frontmatter into saved project views
Create Smart Views from tags, status, dates, owners, priorities, and other frontmatter fields. Move from a folder tree to a focused project view without changing your Markdown format.
- Filter by the metadata already inside your files.
- Review results before saving a view.
- Pin important views for repeat project work.
Agent Brief
Copy local context for your next AI thread
Choose the Markdown files you want, preview the handoff, and copy it into Claude Code, Codex, or another external tool. Markpane prepares the brief locally; it does not send documents, run hosted AI, or verify the result.
Free references
Free keeps individual path, content, and local reference copying available for the current workspace.
Pro briefs
Pro unlocks richer multi-file Agent Briefs for larger context handoffs.
No hosted AI
Markpane does not generate text, run hosted AI, upload documents, or verify an agent's output for you.
Move through project context
Find and switch quickly
Use quick open, recent files, pins, and indexed metadata search to get back to the right note or project file. Search stays on your machine and does not depend on embeddings or a network service.
- Command Palette and file picker for the current workspace.
- Indexed metadata search with local app state.
- Designed for repeated keyboard-driven navigation.
Learn safely
Start with a guided sample
Try Markpane with sample Markdown before pointing it at your own folders. The sample is a normal local workspace, so the first tour teaches the same workflow you use on real files.
Local-first by design
Markpane does not upload your workspace
Markpane opens folders you choose, keeps app state in Application Support, and avoids account-based product tracking. It has no app telemetry, no product analytics, no document upload, no hosted AI, and no automatic crash reporting.
User-initiated
Diagnostics are exported only when you ask for them and are reviewable before sending.
Document bodies
Diagnostic exports are designed not to include the bodies of your Markdown files.
External tools
Git, iCloud Drive, Dropbox, and other tools manage their own behavior outside Markpane.
Plain files
Your workspace remains ordinary Markdown and frontmatter on disk.
Read the full privacy page for the app and website privacy model.
Pricing
Free forever. Pro when your workspace grows.
Markpane is a free Mac App Store download with a one-time Pro unlock. Pro launches at USD 19.99, then moves to USD 24.99 after the launch window.
Markpane Free
Free forever
A complete local Markdown workspace for everyday project knowledge.
- Open local Markdown folders.
- Browse, read, edit, preview, and search the current workspace.
- Copy selected content, paths, and individual file references.
- Save up to 2 Smart Views per workspace.
Markpane Pro One-time unlock
USD 19.99 launch price
A one-time upgrade for deeper Smart View, frontmatter, and Agent Brief workflows.
- Unlimited saved Smart Views and advanced filters.
- Board view for frontmatter-driven Kanban workflows.
- Guarded bulk frontmatter edits with per-file results.
- Full multi-file Agent Brief workflow.
The standard Pro price after the launch window is USD 24.99. You never pay to open, read, edit, preview, search the current workspace, copy basic paths or content, open Markpane links, or recover your own Markdown files.
Questions
Frequently asked
Does Markpane sync my files?
No. Markpane works with local folders on your Mac. If a folder lives in iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Git, or another tool, that tool handles its own syncing or versioning.
Does Markpane upload my documents?
No. Markpane does not upload workspace contents. Agent Briefs are local context you review and copy yourself.
Does Markpane change my Markdown format?
Markpane works with normal Markdown files and YAML frontmatter. There is no proprietary workspace format or import conversion.
Is Markpane an AI app?
No. Markpane helps you organize and reference local Markdown context for AI tools. It does not generate text, run hosted AI, or upload your documents to an AI service.
What is an Agent Brief?
An Agent Brief is reviewed local context you copy into an external tool. Markpane prepares the Markdown handoff; it does not send it or verify the result.
What stays Free?
Opening local folders, browsing, reading, editing, previewing, searching the current workspace, copying basic paths or content, opening Markpane links, recovering your own Markdown files, and saving up to 2 Smart Views per workspace.
How is Markpane Pro different?
Pro is a one-time unlock for larger, more structured workspaces: unlimited Smart Views, advanced filters, Board view, guarded bulk frontmatter edits, and the full multi-file Agent Brief workflow. Pro launches at USD 19.99 and then moves to USD 24.99.
Can I use Markpane with Git, iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or another folder tool?
Yes. Markpane works with local folders on your Mac. If another tool syncs, backs up, or versions that folder, that tool controls its own behavior.
What happens if files change outside Markpane?
Markpane reads and writes the local files available to it. When external changes create conflicts or unsafe states, Markpane surfaces them without hiding or deleting your Markdown files.
Which macOS versions are supported?
Markpane requires macOS 14 or later.
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