A free Obsidian alternative that runs in your browser
Obsidian is a fantastic local-first markdown editor. MarkdownStack takes the same idea — plain markdown, folders, #tags and [[wikilinks]] — and puts it in your browser, so there is nothing to install and nothing to sync. Open it on any device and your vault is there.
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Why people look for an Obsidian alternative
- No install and no sync setup: your notes live in your account and open in any browser, including on your phone.
- Publishing is built in: share a note or a whole folder with a link, with a custom short URL, to everyone or only your followers.
- AI that works with your notes: a built-in assistant that uses your own API key, plus a Claude (MCP) connector.
- Still just markdown: write in a live editor, import a folder of .md files, and export everything as a .zip whenever you like.
MarkdownStack vs Obsidian
| MarkdownStack | Obsidian | |
|---|---|---|
| Where notes live | Your account, opened from any browser; export as .md files anytime | Local files in a vault folder on your device |
| Setup | None — open the site and start writing | Install the app and create or open a vault |
| Editor | Live markdown editor: blocks render as you move on; Reading/Editing toggle; View source | Editing, Live Preview, Source and Reading modes |
| Sync across devices | Automatic — it is your account | Needs Obsidian Sync (paid) or your own sync setup |
| Publishing | Built in: publish a note or folder, choose audience, custom short URLs | Obsidian Publish (separate paid service) |
| AI | Built-in assistant with your own API key, plus a Claude MCP connector | Through community plugins |
| Wikilinks, tags, folders | Yes — [[wikilinks]], #tags, nested folders, full-text search | Yes |
| Plugins, themes, graph view, canvas | Not available | Yes — a large plugin ecosystem |
| Works offline | Mostly online: your notes load from your account | Fully offline, local-first |
| Price | Free while in beta | The app is free; Sync and Publish are paid |
When Obsidian is the better choice
Pick Obsidian if you want your notes as plain files on your own disk, need to work fully offline, or rely on community plugins, graph view or canvas. Pick MarkdownStack if you want the same markdown-first writing without installing anything, with sharing and AI already built in.
What you get with MarkdownStack
Full-text search
Every note is searchable the moment you save it — titles, tags, and body text, all at once.
Tags & folders
Add #tags inline as you write, or nest notes inside folders. Both work together — mix and match however you think.
Private by default
Every note starts private. Nothing leaves your vault until you publish a note or a whole folder — and you choose who gets to see it.
One live editor
Markdown turns into formatted text as you write — click any block to edit it in place. Need the raw text? View source is one click away.
Works on every screen
The full markdown editor works on mobile too — live editing and autosave on your phone, not just desktop.
Import your vault
Upload a folder of .md files and they land exactly where they were — folder structure, tags, and all.
Frequently asked questions
Is MarkdownStack a good Obsidian alternative?
If you like writing in markdown with folders, #tags and [[wikilinks]] but want it in the browser with built-in publishing and AI, yes. It does not have Obsidian's plugins, graph view or local-file storage.
Can I import my Obsidian vault?
Yes. Upload a folder of .md files and they land in the same folder structure, with their tags. Plugin-specific features and attachments are not carried over.
Does MarkdownStack support wikilinks and tags?
Yes — link notes with [[Note Title]] and tag them with #tags anywhere in the text.
Is it free?
MarkdownStack is free while in beta.
Can I take my notes with me?
Yes. Export any folder or your whole vault as a .zip of plain markdown files at any time.