Report updated Apr 6, 2026
1Writer - Markdown Text Editor
v3.3.8Power users, writers, and researchers who require a highly customizable, Markdown-based text editor with automation capabilities on iOS.
What Is 1Writer - Markdown Text Editor?
Launched Aug 14, 2013
Updated Sep 2025
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Allows users to create powerful, custom text manipulation and automation scripts within the app
Supports writing in plain text or Markdown with real-time syntax highlighting and rich-text preview
Syncs files via iCloud, Dropbox, and WebDAV with support for third-party app extensions
Integrated web browser for researching and capturing content without leaving the editor
Protects documents using passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a thrilled sentiment. Users appreciate reliable syncing (dropbox/webdav) and clean and minimalist design, but report os update compatibility issues and feature requests (printing/formatting).”
What Users Love
Support for WebDAV is simply perfect!
I use this to edit markdown notes stored in pCloud using WebDAV so everything syncs nicely
No frills or clutter, fast, stable for years.
Powerful where you need it, simple and elegant everywhere else.
Pain Points
Upgrading to iOS 26 broke Dropbox support.
Used to work great, but i can no longer edit any files over WebDAV after updating to iOS 26.
Only limitation I see is that I cannot export the same view as in the render mode. It always prints black and white.
It's missing Markdown's '==' syntax for highlighting text.
High confidence · 49 reviews available
How is it ranked?
| Chart | Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Paid | #25 | ▲3 |
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Advanced JavaScript automation engine
- Exceptional sync reliability (WebDAV/Dropbox)
- High user loyalty and 10+ year stability
- Distraction-free, minimalist UI
Cons
- Slow adoption of modern Markdown syntax (highlighting)
- Limited export/printing customization
- Single-platform (iOS) limitation
- Single-developer dependency
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Market aggressively against subscription-based rivals
- Integrate PKM features like backlinking
- Expand export templates for academic/professional use
Market Threats
- Free local-first competitors like Logseq/Obsidian
- OS updates breaking core sync protocols
- Apple Notes adding more 'Pro' features
Who competes with 1Writer - Markdown Text Editor?
The Nemesis
Drafts
★4.8 (10K)Agile Tortoise
The primary rival for text-based automation, featuring a sophisticated JavaScript action system and extensive URL scheme support for power users.
The primary rival for text-based automation, featuring a sophisticated JavaScript action system and extensive URL scheme support for power users.
Contenders
A popular Markdown-based note-taking app known for its beautiful design and flexible tagging system.
WikiLinks & Backlinks
MWeb Pro
0禄海 区
A feature-rich Markdown editor that emphasizes publishing to web platforms and managing large document libraries.
A feature-rich Markdown editor that emphasizes publishing to web platforms and managing large document libraries.
Byword
0Metaclassy, Lda.
A classic, distraction-free Markdown editor that competes on simplicity and cross-device sync via iCloud/Dropbox.
A classic, distraction-free Markdown editor that competes on simplicity and cross-device sync via iCloud/Dropbox.
Peers
The dominant all-in-one workspace that competes for users who want integrated databases alongside their text.
Notion AI
Craft Pricing Helper
★4.8 (35)Ducky Planet LLC
A modern block-based document editor that attracts users looking for a more visual alternative to plain Markdown.
A modern block-based document editor that attracts users looking for a more visual alternative to plain Markdown.
Git client - Working Copy
Anders Borum
Often used in tandem with 1Writer to provide Git-based version control for Markdown files.
Often used in tandem with 1Writer to provide Git-based version control for Markdown files.
New Kids on the Block
Logseq
★4.4 (258)Logseq, Inc.
A rising privacy-first, local-first outliner that uses Markdown files as its native storage format.
A rising privacy-first, local-first outliner that uses Markdown files as its native storage format.
UpNote - notes, diary, journal
★4.7 (1K)UpNote Company Limited
A fast-growing, cross-platform note-taking app with strong Markdown support and a clean interface.
A fast-growing, cross-platform note-taking app with strong Markdown support and a clean interface.
What are the key takeaways?
1Writer - Markdown Text Editor is a thrilling productivity app that is a paid app. With a 4.6/5 rating from 385 reviews, it thrills its users from users. Users particularly appreciate reliable syncing (dropbox/webdav), though os update compatibility issues remains a common concern.
Best for: Power users, writers, and researchers who require a highly customizable, Markdown-based text editor with automation capabilities on iOS.
How much does it cost?
Model: paid
The app follows a traditional premium model with a one-time purchase fee, avoiding subscriptions or in-app purchases for features.
iOS Version
3.3.8
Release Date
Aug 14, 2013
iOS Price
$4.99