# ReadLocal

> Free, open-source browser-based Markdown reader that works completely offline with zero server uploads or tracking.

- Website: https://readlocal.app/?ref=devshelf.io
- DevShelf page: https://devshelf.io/resource/readlocal
- Pricing: Free
- Tags: Open Source, Self-hosted, No sign-up
- Categories: [Notes & Knowledge Base](https://devshelf.io/category/notes-knowledge-base.md)
- Last checked: 2026-11-02

## About

ReadLocal is a privacy-first, open-source Markdown reader and viewer designed to run entirely within the browser via the FileReader API. It enables users to open individual .md files or entire folder directories recursively without uploading any data to servers. Features include GitHub Flavored Markdown support with syntax highlighting, an offline-ready PWA architecture, split-view tabs, real-time search, table of contents generation, and local session persistence via IndexedDB.

## Alternatives

- [StackEdit](https://devshelf.io/resource/stackedit.md): An open-source in-browser Markdown editor featuring real-time preview, scroll sync, offline support, and cloud synchronization. (pricing: Free)
- [Logseq](https://devshelf.io/resource/logseq.md): An open-source, privacy-first knowledge base and outliner for note-taking, task management, and organizing complex information structures. (pricing: Free)
- [AsciiDocAlive](https://devshelf.io/resource/asciidocalive.md): A live AsciiDoc editor with multi-document management, formatting toolbar, GitHub Gist integration, and document outline. (pricing: Free)

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Source: DevShelf.io, the hand-reviewed catalog of dev tools and resources. Every resource is reviewed by hand before it is listed.