Shiny Frog has released a beta version of Lettera, a standalone Markdown editor powered by the same engine used in the Bear 2.0 app. Designed for macOS, the app allows users to manage Markdown files and folders as a dedicated writing workspace. According to the developer, Lettera is currently available for public testing via TestFlight, with feedback channels open on the official Bear Community forum.
What distinguishes Lettera from Bear?
While Bear functions primarily as a note-taking and organizational tool, Lettera is built specifically as a file-based Markdown editor. According to Shiny Frog, the new app emerged directly from user requests to decouple the Bear 2.0 editor from the parent application. This allows users to open individual files or entire directory structures on their Mac rather than relying on a centralized database. By using the CommonMark standard with live rendering, the app hides syntax markup while a user is writing, providing a WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) experience that mirrors the internal functionality of Bear 2.0.
Lettera supports Mathjax for mathematical formulas and allows users to preview image files directly inside the editor, a feature often restricted in plain-text markdown environments.
How does the file management system work?
Lettera treats local folders on a macOS device as active workspaces. By default, the app initializes a specific Lettera folder within iCloud, but users retain the ability to point the software toward any directory on their local drive. According to the developers, this file-first approach is intended to support a broader range of workflows, including technical documentation, blog drafts, and academic research. Users can open multiple documents in tabs to manage complex projects without needing to switch between different windows.
What are the primary export and formatting options?
The editor includes a formatting bar designed for quick styling of lists, tables, code blocks, and footnotes. When content is ready for distribution, Lettera provides several export formats, including plain text, rich text, Markdown, and HTML. For document portability, users can also export directly to PDF, JPG, or ePub. A built-in Table of Contents feature generates an outline of the document, allowing for one-click navigation to specific sections, which is particularly useful for long-form technical writing.
If you are currently using Bear 2.0, you can use the same Markdown syntax you are already familiar with in Lettera, as both apps share the same underlying engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lettera a replacement for Bear?
No. According to Shiny Frog, Lettera is a standalone app designed for file-based editing, while Bear remains a database-driven note-taking application. They are intended to serve different workflows.
Can I try Lettera for free?
Yes. The app is currently in a public beta phase available through Apple’s TestFlight program. Users can join the beta to test features and report bugs.
Does Lettera support local file storage?
Yes. While it defaults to an iCloud folder, you can open any folder stored locally on your Mac to use as a writing workspace.
How do I provide feedback to the developers?
Shiny Frog has created a dedicated section for Lettera within the official Bear Community forum where users can discuss the app and submit feedback.
Are you looking to streamline your writing workflow? Download the Lettera beta via TestFlight today and let us know in the comments how this file-based approach changes your daily routine.
