We got tired of paying for apps — or apps that want your email —
just to have a great Markdown experience.
Bao is minimalistic, powerful, local, and free. Just open a folder and start writing.
macOS · Windows & Linux coming soon
Markdown renders live as you type — headings, lists, code blocks, all styled in place. Switch to source mode when you want raw control.
Notes are saved as plain .md files on disk. No account needed, no telemetry, no vendor lock-in — you always own your files.
Point Bao at any folder and it becomes your vault. Create files, nest folders, drag & drop to reorganize — your file system is the source of truth.
Type / to insert tables, code blocks, headings, and more. Select text and a floating toolbar appears for quick formatting.
Full-text search across every note in your vault. Results update as you type, with matches highlighted in context.
Every note is a .md file. Open them in VS Code, move them to Dropbox, or commit them to Git — Bao gets out of your way.
This is just a taste — the real thing feels even better.
Free and open source. Get started in seconds.
Download for macOSA fast, beautiful editor that makes writing in Markdown feel effortless.
An AI that helps you draft, rewrite, and refine — right inside the editor.
Smart suggestions, summaries, and tools that understand your notes.
The best part is yet to come.