# Downright vs Obsidian

Updated August 2026.

Downright and Obsidian both work with Markdown files locally. Their mental models are different: Downright starts with the file you opened; Obsidian starts with a vault of linked notes.

## Choose Downright if…

- Your source files already live in project folders, repositories, or agent workspaces.
- You want an exact renderer, a close Source view, and no database-like vault layer.
- You want external-write review when Claude Code or another coding agent changes an open file.
- You want a free MIT-licensed native Mac app without an account.

## Choose Obsidian if…

- You want backlinks, graph navigation, plugins, and a knowledge-management workflow.
- You are happy to organize work inside one or more vault folders.
- You want optional Sync or Publish services across devices.

## The practical difference

Obsidian is a strong choice for a connected personal knowledge base. Downright is a strong choice for reading and reviewing ordinary Markdown where the file path, raw bytes, and external changes matter. Both can be local-first. They optimize for different kinds of continuity.

Compare the publishers: [Obsidian vaults](https://obsidian.md/help/vault), [Obsidian pricing](https://obsidian.md/pricing), and [the full editor comparison](/markdown-editor-mac-free).