Comparison

BigWrite Markdown vs MDash

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BigWrite Markdown

Features
Read full description

This is the biggest update yet, with loads of new features.

About

MDash

This app offers a live split-view editor for Markdown with real-time preview and syntax highlighting. It also supports Mermaid diagram rendering directly within documents, allowing for efficient text formatting and creation of visual aids.

Highlights
  • Live split-view Markdown editing
  • Real-time preview with syntax highlighting
  • Mermaid diagram rendering
  • Export to MD, TXT, or PDF
  • Auto-save functionality
  • Dark mode support
Features
Read full description

MDash is a Markdown editor that keeps your notes as plain text on your device. No lock-in, no account, no sync you did not ask for. Write on iPhone, iPad and now Mac — the full workspace on every screen. MARKDOWN, RENDERED LIVE Type plain Markdown and watch the preview update as you type: headings, lists, task checkboxes, tables, code blocks with syntax awareness, links and images. Show the text, the preview, or both side by side. MERMAID DIAGRAMS — FREE FOR EVERYONE Describe a flowchart, sequence diagram, Gantt chart, class diagram or state machine in plain text and MDash draws it instantly. Rendering is built into the app: no network, nothing leaves your device. ON MAC AND APPLE WATCH The complete MDash workspace runs on macOS — a three-column library, keyboard-first editing and the same live preview and Mermaid rendering. On Apple Watch, browse your library and read any note on your wrist. One purchase covers iPhone, iPad, Mac and Watch. YOUR LIBRARY, ORGANIZED • Pinned notes, Last 7 Days, and Trash with restore • Full-text search across every note, with jump to match • In-document find and replace with match highlighting • Attach photos to notes; files stay ordinary Markdown • Folders keep related notes together; create one right from the sidebar • Tags under the title, a Tags section in the sidebar, and search by tag • Smart folders collect notes automatically from the tags you choose • Scan documents into a note, and search the text inside photos and scans — on device, free • Import from Obsidian, Bear, Apple Notes, TextBundle or any folder of Markdown files — free • Version History keeps earlier versions of every note on device, ready to restore — free EXPORT AND SHARE • Export Markdown and plain text — free • Copy as rich text for mail and documents • PDF, HTML, Word (DOCX), ePub, RTF, JPG and TextBundle export with MDash Pro MDASH PRO — LIFETIME OR MONTHLY MDash Pro unlocks iCloud sync across your devices, export to PDF, HTML, Word, ePub and more, and watermark-free Mermaid diagrams. Choose a one-time lifetime purchase or a monthly subscription — both unlock exactly the same features. The monthly subscription renews automatically until cancelled; manage or cancel it anytime in your App Store account settings. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Notes are stored on device; sync is optional and uses your iCloud. Mermaid rendering is local. There is no tracking and no account. Questions or ideas? Leave a review or reach out through the App Store page — MDash is built by an independent developer and shaped by user feedback. Terms of Use: https://nightcodeapps.com/apps/markdown-editor/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://nightcodeapps.com/apps/markdown-editor/privacy/

Screenshots

BigWrite Markdown4 screens
MDash4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: MDash at Free against BigWrite Markdown's $14.99. MDash also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 3 weeks) and device support (6 vs 3). BigWrite Markdown's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

MDash is free to download; BigWrite Markdown costs $14.99 up front. MDash sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. BigWrite Markdown asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BigWrite Markdown ships an update every 3 weeks, MDash every 4 days. Both last shipped on October 28, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
BigWrite Markdown versus MDash: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBigWrite MarkdownMDash
Price$14.99Free — better
Rating—4.2 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—80.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—5 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 4 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — better
Requires iOS18.217.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB64 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDavid JohnsonArtur Gorbaczewski

In-app purchases

None

BigWrite Markdown

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

MDash

Subscriptions2
  • MDash Pro Monthly$1.991 Month
  • MDash Pro Yearly7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • MarkdownEditor Pro Lifetime$24.99

Questions

Is BigWrite Markdown free?
BigWrite Markdown costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MDash free?
MDash is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do BigWrite Markdown or MDash have ads?
Neither BigWrite Markdown nor MDash shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BigWrite Markdown or MDash?
BigWrite Markdown ships an update every 3 weeks, and MDash every 4 days. Most recently, BigWrite Markdown was updated on October 28, 2026 and MDash on October 28, 2026.

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