Every feature in ContextLoom

A native macOS Markdown editor and context manager built for developers who work with AI. Here's everything it can do.

Markdown Editor

A focused, distraction-free editor built for writing and editing Markdown files.

  • Full syntax highlighting for Markdown
  • Monospaced font optimized for readability
  • Autosave — never lose a change
  • Find and replace across your document
  • Full undo/redo history
  • No autocorrect or spell-check interference

Live Preview

See your Markdown rendered in real time with full GitHub Flavored Markdown support.

  • Full GFM rendering (tables, task lists, footnotes, strikethrough)
  • Mermaid diagrams rendered live (flowcharts, sequence, class, state, ER, Gantt)
  • Syntax highlighting for 100+ programming languages
  • Clickable links open in your browser
  • Adaptive theming — matches your system appearance
  • Crash recovery for preview rendering

View Modes

Three modes to match how you're working right now.

  • Edit mode — full-width editor, no preview distraction
  • Split mode — editor and preview side by side
  • Read mode — full-width rendered preview for reviewing documents

Workspace Management

Open any folder as a workspace. Manage multiple projects without friction.

  • Default Notes workspace for quick captures
  • Open any external folder as a workspace
  • Persistent access via macOS security-scoped bookmarks
  • Context menu integration for workspace actions
  • Multiple workspaces open simultaneously

File Tree & Navigation

Navigate large workspaces efficiently with a fast, responsive sidebar.

  • Lazy-loading file tree for fast performance
  • Search and filter files instantly
  • Inline rename without leaving the sidebar
  • Back/forward navigation history
  • Breadcrumb path display

Context Bundles

Select exactly the files your AI needs and export them as a single, structured bundle.

  • Checkbox selection for individual files
  • Folder-level selection to grab entire directories
  • Structured output with file paths and contents
  • One-click copy to clipboard
  • Selection counter shows files and estimated tokens

ContextDB Taxonomy

A recommended folder structure that helps both humans and LLMs navigate project knowledge.

  • 11-folder taxonomy: 00_index through todos
  • Snake_case folders, kebab-case files
  • Ready-made Claude.md snippet for Claude Code integration
  • Compatible with .cursorrules, Windsurf configs, and any agent
  • File templates for specs, architecture docs, ADRs, TODOs, and knowledge summaries

iCloud Sync

Optionally sync your workspaces across Macs using your own iCloud Drive.

  • Sync workspaces across all your Macs
  • Conflict resolution for simultaneous edits
  • Status badge shows sync state
  • Graceful fallback when offline — works locally, syncs when reconnected
  • Your data stays in your iCloud account — we never see it

Developer Integration

Tools for developers who live in the terminal and automate everything.

  • ctxtl CLI — open files and workspaces from your terminal
  • contextloom:// URL scheme for automation and linking
  • File system watching — see changes from AI agents in real time
  • Plain Markdown files — fully Git-compatible
  • No proprietary formats or database lock-in

How ContextLoom compares

ContextLoom fills a gap that general-purpose editors and note apps don't address: organizing project context specifically for AI workflows.

Feature ContextLoom Obsidian iA Writer VS Code + Markdown
Native macOS app Yes Electron Yes Electron
Live Mermaid diagrams Yes Plugin No Plugin
Context bundles for AI Yes No No No
ContextDB taxonomy Yes No No No
Token-optimized export Yes No No No
File system watching Yes Yes No Yes
iCloud Sync Yes No Yes No
CLI tool Yes Yes No Yes
One-time pricing $4.99 Free / $50 yr $49.99 Free
No account required Yes Optional Yes Optional

Tech specs

Platform macOS 13 (Ventura) or later
Architecture Universal binary (Apple Silicon + Intel)
UI Framework SwiftUI + AppKit
Markdown rendering marked.js
Diagram rendering Mermaid.js
Syntax highlighting highlight.js (100+ languages)
File format Plain Markdown (.md), UTF-8
Sync Optional iCloud Drive (CloudKit)

Keyboard shortcuts

File operations

New file Cmd + N
Open workspace Cmd + O
Save file Cmd + S
Close file Cmd + W

Editing

Bold Cmd + B
Italic Cmd + I
Insert link Cmd + K
Find Cmd + F
Find next Cmd + G
Find previous Cmd + Shift + G

View

Edit mode Cmd + 1
Split mode Cmd + 2
Read mode Cmd + 3
Toggle sidebar Cmd + \

Navigation

Go back Cmd + [
Go forward Cmd + ]
Search files Cmd + Shift + F

Ready to try ContextLoom?

Download the free 7-day trial and see how ContextLoom fits into your AI workflow. No credit card required.