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PanWriter
What it is
PanWriter is a free, open-source editor for writing documents in Markdown, with a text-focused workspace and a live preview beside the writing pane. It works with local files on macOS, Windows, and Linux. A paginated preview shows how text is arranged on pages, which can help when reviewing a document for print or PDF. You can adjust the layout with CSS and see updates in the preview as you make changes. PanWriter can open a .docx file by converting it to Markdown, then export edited text back to DOCX. Its publishing options include HTML, DOCX, EPUB, LaTeX, PDF, PowerPoint, InDesign ICML, and other Pandoc formats. Pandoc must be installed to export to most formats. Pandoc scripts and integrations can automate workflows, and the editor can connect with web services or other applications. Questions and feedback are handled through GitHub issues.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Works with local files
- Live, paginated preview
- DOCX import and export
- CSS changes update the preview
Against
- Pandoc is required for most exports
- Questions and feedback go through GitHub issues
The verdict
PanWriter brings Markdown editing, page-oriented review, and multiple publishing formats into one desktop workflow. Check the Pandoc requirement if you need to export to most formats.
Who it suits
PanWriter suits writers who prefer Markdown and want a paginated preview or DOCX conversion in a desktop editor. It is available on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Plans and prices
PanWriter Free
Read 28 Sep 2026 · panwriter.com
On the record
- CSS customization
- Layout can be tuned with CSS linespanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- DOCX export
- Edited text can be exported back to .docxpanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- DOCX import
- Dragging a .docx file converts it to Markdown and opens itpanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Export formats
- HTML,DOCX,EPUB,LaTeX,PDF,PowerPoint,InDesign ICML,and other Pandoc formatspanwriter.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- External integrations
- Can integrate with web services or other applicationspanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Live CSS updates
- CSS changes are reflected live in the previewpanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Live preview
- Markdown appears on the left with a preview on the rightpanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Local file support
- Yespanwriter.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Markdown editing
- Users write plain-text documents in Markdownpanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Markdown flavor
- commonmarkpanwriter.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Open-source status
- The software is open sourcepanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Paginated preview
- Preview lays text out on pages for print and PDF reviewpanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Pandoc requirement
- Pandoc must be installed to export to most formatspanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Pricing model
- Free software with no paid pricing statedpanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Support channel
- Questions and feedback are handled through GitHub issuespanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Workflow automation
- Pandoc scripts and integrations can automate workflowspanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
- Writing environment
- Distraction-free environment focused on text contentpanwriter.com · read 28 Sep 2026
