# Iliad MD — Frequently asked questions

> Iliad MD is a free, open-source (MIT) markdown editor for macOS with a built-in AI agent that edits in your document, under your eye.

## Is Iliad free?

Yes. Iliad MD is free and open source under the MIT license. The code is at github.com/brainforwarding/iliad.

## What platforms does it run on?

macOS 13+ on Apple Silicon (M1 or later). Intel and Windows builds aren't available yet — watch the GitHub repo; new builds land there first.

## Which AI does Iliad use?

You bring your own: an OpenAI API key or a Codex login, set in Settings. Credentials are stored in local app data and never ship with the app.

## Where do my files live?

On your disk, as plain .md files. The folder is the whole database — there is no proprietary format and no cloud copy.

## Does my writing go to the cloud?

Only when you use the agent, and only to the provider you chose, on your own key. The app itself phones nothing home.

## How is Iliad different from Obsidian?

Obsidian is a knowledge base — vaults, backlinks, a graph, thousands of plugins. Iliad is a writing tool: one beautiful editor with an AI agent working in your document. They read the same folders; many people will use both.

## How is Iliad different from Typora?

Typora pioneered the visual markdown editing Iliad shares — syntax that hides as you type. Typora costs $14.99 and has no AI; Iliad is free, open source, and has an agent inside.

## Why not just write in ChatGPT or Claude?

Because your writing stays inside one provider's chat history. In Iliad your words live in files you own, the agent edits them under your eye, and you can switch AI providers without moving a thing.

## Can Claude Code or other agents work on the same folder?

Yes. A folder, not a vault: any other app or agent can open the same files. Iliad never gets between you and your documents.

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