DownSmith provides an intuitive editing experience with comprehensive formatting tools, syntax highlighting, live preview, table creation, spell checking, footnotes, HTML export, and intelligent image handling. Runs without Java being installed on Windows. On macOS and Linux requires Java 11 or better installed. A Java 8 version is provided that has all the functionality of the Java 11 version except footnotes.

Features

  • Instantly see Markdown rendered as HTML while you type. Switch between preview and raw HTML, with synchronized scrolling for smooth navigation.
  • Search/replace with case sensitivity, whole‑word, wrap‑around, and full RegEx support. Keep the dialog open, jump through matches, and replace one or all occurrences quickly.
  • Build Markdown tables visually using a 10×10 grid. Set column alignment, toggle borders, and auto-generate clean Markdown or HTML without manual formatting.
  • Drag in images or pick from disk. The editor creates alt text, manages paths (relative or absolute), and can auto-copy images into a project folder for easy organization.
  • Automatic backups run on a configurable timer, with recovery prompts after crashes or unexpected closures. Manual backups and last‑saved status are always available.
  • Create and edit bullet, numbered, and task lists. Convert list types, nest items, toggle checkboxes, and choose numbering style, all with fast keyboard shortcuts.
  • Switch between light and dark instantly (Ctrl+Shift+D). The theme applies consistently across editor, preview, source view, and tools, and can auto‑load on startup.
  • Generate a full TOC from H1–H6 headings with clean anchor links. Insert it at the cursor for easy navigation in long documents and README‑style files.
  • Apply bold, italic, strikethrough, code, blockquotes, headings, and links with one click or keyboard shortcuts.
  • Export to standalone HTML with proper metadata. Preview your document in a browser (Ctrl+Shift+B) using a temporary file with resolved image paths.
  • One-click or Ctrl+Alt+F to insert footnote reference and definition tags. Ctrl+Click on either tag to jump to the other one.
  • Real-time line/column position, character count, word count, and more.
  • Keyboard shortcuts for every major function.

Project Samples

Project Activity

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License

MIT License

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Additional Project Details

Operating Systems

Linux, Mac, Windows

Intended Audience

Developers, End Users/Desktop, Other Audience

User Interface

Java Swing

Programming Language

Java

Related Categories

Java Text Editors, Java Documentation Software, Java Markdown Editors

Registered

2026-03-18