Distraction-free writing
A clean page with no toolbars. Controls show up only when you reach for them.
Ulysses alternative
The free, open-source Ulysses alternative for Mac.
Ulysses is a polished writing environment with its own library and a subscription. kayet is a free, quiet editor for plain Markdown files that you keep wherever you like.
kayet vs Ulysses at a glance
| kayet | Ulysses | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, no paid tiers | Subscription |
| Source code | Open source (Apache 2.0) | Closed source |
| Where your text lives | Plain files in any folder you pick | Its own library (external folders supported) |
| Platforms | macOS on Apple Silicon | Mac, iPhone, iPad |
| Organization | Folders and files in a workspace tree | Groups, sheets, filters and keywords |
| Export | HTML and PDF | PDF, Word, ePub, HTML and blog publishing |
| Writing goals | — | Word and character goals |
What will feel familiar
Markdown underneath
Headings, emphasis, lists and links are plain Markdown, with ⌘B and ⌘I to toggle emphasis.
Typewriter feel
Zen mode keeps the current line in the middle of the window and dims the rest.
Where kayet is different
No subscriptionkayet is free. There is nothing to renew and no account.
No library to export fromYour documents are ordinary files in a folder. Git, Dropbox, iCloud Drive and every other tool can read them.
Open sourceRead the code, file an issue or build it yourself. Apache License 2.0.
Code-friendlySyntax highlighting for source and config files when you need to edit something other than prose.
When Ulysses is the better choice
kayet does less on purpose. Stay with Ulysses if:
- You write on iPhone and iPad and want your library synced between them.
- You publish directly to WordPress, Ghost or Medium, or need ePub and Word export.
- You organize long projects with goals, filters and keywords.
Questions
Is there a free alternative to Ulysses for Mac?
kayet is a free, open-source writing app for Mac with a distraction-free window, zen mode, a live Markdown preview and HTML / PDF export.
Can I move from Ulysses to kayet?
Export your sheets from Ulysses as Markdown files (or use an external folder) and open that folder as kayet's workspace.
Does kayet sync between devices?
kayet has no sync service of its own. Put your workspace in a folder synced by iCloud Drive, Dropbox or Git.
Start writing.
Free and open source. Requires macOS on Apple Silicon.
Download for Mac
Signed and notarized. Release notes & previous versions.
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Ulysses is a trademark of its respective owner. kayet is an independent project, not affiliated with or endorsed by the makers of Ulysses. The comparison reflects publicly available information as of October 2026 and may change.