Browser Markdown editor comparison

Vela Docs vs StackEdit

StackEdit and Vela Docs are both browser-based Markdown editors with no install. StackEdit pioneered the format and has the longer track record; the workflow is single-player with optional cloud-sync. Vela Docs is real-time collaborative by default, with inline comments and share-by-link. Pick the one that matches whether you're working alone or with a team.
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When to choose StackEdit

StackEdit is the better choice when: you're writing Markdown alone. The dual-pane source + preview is a long-established workflow and StackEdit does it well.

You sync to Google Drive, Dropbox, or GitHub regularly and want that integration baked in.

You want a pure editor with no collaboration UI, comments, or sharing chrome.

When to choose Vela Docs

Vela Docs is the better choice when: collaboration is the point. Real-time cursors, inline comments anchored to text, share-by-link with role control. None of these are native StackEdit features.

The file came from an AI assistant and you want to share it with a colleague. Drop and share takes seconds; setting up a StackEdit cloud sync to share via Drive takes longer.

You also work with .html files. Vela Docs renders and edits both formats; StackEdit is Markdown-only.

Feature comparison

 Vela DocsStackEdit
Browser-based, no installyesyes
Drop a .md file to openyesimport flowimport flow
Real-time co-editingyesno
Inline comments on textyesno
Share-by-linkyesvia cloud syncvia cloud sync
GitHub-flavored Markdownyesyes
Local browser storageyesyes
Sync to Google Drive / Dropboxnoyes
Sync to GitHubnoyes
MathJax / LaTeXnopaidpaid
Renders .html filesyesno
Free for teamsyesyes

Comparison reflects standard / free tiers as of 2026. StackEdit's feature set evolves; this page is updated when material differences change.

Common questions

Is StackEdit free?
Yes, StackEdit's core editor is free in the browser. The Pro tier ($5/month at last check) adds advanced features like Mathjax, mind maps, and additional cloud-sync targets. The free tier handles the basic Markdown-in-browser case well.
Does StackEdit have real-time collaboration?
No. StackEdit is single-player. You can sync to Google Drive, Dropbox, or GitHub, and your collaborator can fetch the file from there, but you don't see each other's cursors and there's no inline comment thread on a specific sentence. Vela Docs is real-time by design.
How do StackEdit and Vela Docs compare on UI?
StackEdit defaults to a dual-pane source + preview layout, write Markdown on the left, see the rendered output on the right. Vela Docs renders the file directly and lets you edit inline (click the heading, type). Both work; StackEdit feels more like a code editor, Vela Docs more like a document.
Can I import a StackEdit document into Vela Docs?
Yes. StackEdit's export gives you a .md file. Drop it on Vela Docs and the document opens with full formatting intact. The reverse path also works: download from Vela Docs as .md, import into StackEdit.
Which is better for AI-generated content?
StackEdit was designed before AI assistants emitted Markdown files at the volume they do today; the UI optimizes for the person writing the Markdown. Vela Docs leads with a drop-a-file flow because the .md file you have is usually one your AI just gave you. Different starting point, different optimal flow.
Privacy: where does my StackEdit document live?
StackEdit stores documents in your browser's localStorage by default. Cloud-sync targets (Drive, Dropbox, GitHub) store copies elsewhere. Vela Docs's anonymous flow is similar (IndexedDB in your browser); the difference is sharing. Vela Docs uploads to its own Firestore-backed server when you click Share, StackEdit asks you to set up a cloud sync.

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