Install and work offline
MDLeaf runs entirely in your browser. There is no account and no server: documents are stored in the browser’s private file system on your device.
Open MDLeaf
Section titled “Open MDLeaf”Open the app in Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari. Supported versions are Chromium 122 or newer, Firefox 128 ESR or newer, and Safari 17.4 or newer.
Install it
Section titled “Install it”- Chrome and Edge: use the install icon in the address bar, or Menu → Install MDLeaf.
- Safari (macOS): File → Add to Dock.
- Firefox: Firefox does not install web apps, but MDLeaf works the same in a normal tab, including offline.
An installed MDLeaf (Chromium) can also open .mdl and .md files directly from your file manager.
Working offline
Section titled “Working offline”On the first visit MDLeaf downloads everything it needs. The Library footer shows Offline ready ✓ when that is done. From then on, every feature works without a network: editing, page view, PDF export, image re-encoding, the built-in themes and fonts.
Only two things need a network:
- URL themes are refreshed when you are online. Offline, MDLeaf uses the last downloaded copy (see custom themes).
- Remote images (
https://URLs in your Markdown) load only when online. Images you paste or upload are stored with the document and always work.
Updates
Section titled “Updates”When a new version is available, MDLeaf shows A new version of MDLeaf is available with a Reload button. It never reloads by itself, so an update can never interrupt your writing. Reload saves your work first.
Keep your data safe
Section titled “Keep your data safe”MDLeaf asks the browser to keep its storage persistent when you create your first document. You can check this in Settings → About. To move documents between devices or keep backups, use Export .mdl (see the .mdl format).