A native macOS markdown viewer with live transclusion, instant file reload, and effortless large document handling.
More than the sum of its parts—these features combine to unlock workflows that aren't possible elsewhere.
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.
Data Visualization
Embed charts from Python or R scripts. When your script regenerates the image, Ohai shows the new version instantly.
Core Features
The capabilities that set Ohai apart.
Live Transclusion
Embed files with ![[file.md]] syntax. Nested markdown recurses up to 3 levels deep with circular reference protection.
Code-Aware Embedding
Transcluded source files get automatic syntax highlighting for 25+ languages. Your API docs stay in sync with your actual code.
Instant Reload
See changes the moment you (or your coding agent!) save. Hybrid file monitoring works with any editor—even Vim's atomic saves.
Live Images
Embed local or remote images. Local images live-reload when updated—perfect for graphs, charts, and dashboards generated by your scripts.
Section Navigation
Jump to any heading, even in composite documents. Source mapping tracks content across transcluded files.
Large Document Performance
Smooth scrolling in 500KB+ files. Automatic virtualization renders only what's visible—no lag, no stutter.
Polish
Small details that make a big difference.
Collapsible Sections
Click any heading to collapse or expand its content with smooth animation.
Copy Code Button
Hover any code block for one-click copy with confirmation.
20 Languages
Full localization: Arabic, Danish, German, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional).
Integration
Works with your existing tools and workflows.
CLI Pipe
echo "# Hello" | ohaimarkdown for quick terminal-to-rendered view.
PDF Export
Export to PDF with syntax highlighting and formatted tables. Share with anyone.
AI Integration
Watch Claude Code or any AI assistant write in real-time. Task lists check off as work completes.
How Ohai Compares
Feature comparison with other markdown tools.
| Feature | Ohai | Obsidian | Marked 2 | GitHub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live reload | Instant (hybrid) | Instant | Polling | — |
| Atomic save support | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | — |
| Transclusion | 25+ file types | Markdown only | ✗ | ✗ |
| Code highlighting in transclusion | ✓ | ✗ | — | — |
| Large doc performance | Virtualized | Good | Poor | — |
| Native macOS | ✓ | Electron | ✓ | Web |