What makes Ohai different from VS Code's markdown preview?

Ohai is a native reader built around live files: transclusion, Vim-style atomic saves, 500KB+ documents, scientific renderers, Finder QuickLook, and export to HTML, PDF, DOCX, or processed Markdown.

Can I use Ohai with Claude Code or other AI coding assistants?

Yes! This is a primary use case. Open a markdown file that your AI assistant is writing to, and watch it update in real-time. Task lists check off as work completes, tables populate, and code blocks appear live.

Does Ohai work offline?

Yes, completely. The only network access is for fetching remote images embedded in your markdown files. Your local files are never uploaded anywhere.

What is transclusion?

Transclusion lets you embed one file inside another using ![[filename.md]] syntax. When the embedded file changes, your document updates automatically. Perfect for keeping API documentation in sync with source code.

AI assistant writing a markdown report in real-time

Ohai Markdown Reader

A native macOS markdown viewer for live AI workflows, source-aware documentation, rich scientific content, and polished export to HTML, PDF, DOCX, or processed Markdown.

Live Transclusion

Embed files, sections, code symbols, and data paths with ![[file.md]] syntax. Nested markdown recurses up to 3 levels deep with circular reference protection.

Instant Reload

See changes the moment you (or your coding agent!) save. Hybrid file monitoring works with any editor—even Vim's atomic saves.

AI Pair Programming

Open a progress file in Ohai while Claude works. Watch task lists check off, tables populate, and code blocks appear—all in real-time.

Large Document Performance

Smooth scrolling in 500KB+ files. Automatic virtualization renders only what's visible—no lag, no stutter.

Code-Aware Embedding

Transcluded source files get syntax highlighting for 185+ languages and symbol extraction across 40+ code and data formats.

Chemistry & Biology Rendering

Text fences and inline syntax become molecules, reactions, SAR tables, sequence maps, phylogenetic trees, chromosomes, charts, and 3D molecular views.

Composer & Samples

Draft Markdown with a source pane, live preview, save flow, bundled sample browser, and prompt builder for AI handoff.

Quick Look for Markdown

Press Space on any .md file in Finder to preview it with rendered formatting, syntax highlighting, wiki-links, images, and clean thumbnails.

Export

Export to standalone HTML, PDF, DOCX, or processed Markdown with source links, images, syntax highlighting, and rendered visual content.

Workflows

Living API Documentation

Transclude your source files into a README. When the code changes, the docs update automatically. Documentation that can never go stale.

Monorepo Dashboard

One master document that pulls status from multiple packages. Update any changelog, the dashboard updates. Perfect for tech leads.

AI Pair Programming

Open a progress file in Ohai while Claude works. Watch task lists check off, tables populate, and code blocks appear—all in real-time.

MedChem & Biology Notes

Render SMILES, reaction SMILES, SAR tables, SeqViz maps, phylogenetic trees, 3Dmol.js structures, assay charts, and local ELN-style attachments.

Ready to see your markdown live?

A powerful native markdown renderer for code, notes, AI workflows, and scientific documents.

Download for Mac

$19.99 (one-time purchase)

Requires macOS 15.0 (Sequoia) or later

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohai different from VS Code's markdown preview?: Ohai is a native reader built around live files: transclusion, Vim-style atomic saves, 500KB+ documents, scientific renderers, Finder QuickLook, and export to HTML, PDF, DOCX, or processed Markdown.
Can I use Ohai with Claude Code or other AI coding assistants?: Yes! This is a primary use case. Open a markdown file that your AI assistant is writing to, and watch it update in real-time. Task lists check off as work completes, tables populate, and code blocks appear live.
Does Ohai work offline?: Yes, completely. The only network access is for fetching remote images embedded in your markdown files (URLs starting with http). Your local files are never uploaded anywhere.
What is transclusion?: Transclusion lets you embed one file inside another using ![[filename.md]] syntax. When the embedded file changes, your document updates automatically. Perfect for keeping API documentation in sync with source code.