Most Markdown apps for Android only work with local files. But if your documentation lives in GitHub, your notes are in OneDrive, or your team shares files through Dropbox — you need an app that connects directly to cloud storage.
Here’s every Android Markdown app that offers cloud integration, and how they compare.
Cloud Storage Support Comparison
| App | GitHub | GitLab | OneDrive | Dropbox | Google Drive | Sync Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MerMD | ✅ Browse repos | ✅ Browse projects | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Free |
| Obsidian | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | $8/mo (Obsidian Sync) |
| Markor | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | N/A (local only) |
| Joplin | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (sync) | ✅ (sync) | ❌ | Free (with setup) |
| GitJournal | ✅ (Git sync) | ✅ (Git sync) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Free (basic) |
1. MerMD — Best Cloud-Connected Viewer ⭐
MerMD is the only Markdown app that lets you browse cloud storage like a file manager and render files with full Mermaid diagram, KaTeX math, and syntax highlighting support.
How Cloud Storage Works in MerMD
GitHub Integration:
- Sign in with OAuth (one tap)
- Browse all your repositories (personal + organizations)
- Navigate folder structures like a file manager
- Open any
.mdfile with full rendering - Access both public and private repos
GitLab Integration:
- Connect to GitLab.com or self-hosted instances
- Browse projects and groups
- Navigate wiki pages and documentation
OneDrive Integration:
- Sign in with Microsoft account
- Browse all folders and files
- Open
.mdfiles stored in OneDrive
Dropbox Integration:
- Sign in with Dropbox account
- Navigate folder hierarchy
- Open shared folders and team documents
Why This Matters
Consider these common scenarios:
| Scenario | Without MerMD | With MerMD |
|---|---|---|
| Read a GitHub README on your phone | Open GitHub app → no Mermaid rendering | Open in MerMD → full rendering |
| Review docs in OneDrive | Download file → find an app to open it | Browse OneDrive → tap to view |
| Check Dropbox shared docs | Download file → open in separate app | Browse Dropbox → tap to view |
| Read GitLab project wiki | Use mobile browser → poor formatting | Browse GitLab → beautiful rendering |
Download: mermd.tech
2. Obsidian — Cloud Via Paid Sync
Obsidian doesn’t have built-in cloud browsing. Instead, it offers Obsidian Sync ($8/month) to keep a vault synchronized across devices. This is designed for syncing your own notes, not for browsing external cloud storage.
Workarounds for cloud access:
- Use a third-party sync tool (Syncthing, FolderSync) to mirror cloud folders to local storage
- Use the Git plugin (community plugin) for GitHub sync
- These require significant setup and technical knowledge
Best for: Users who already pay for Obsidian Sync and want their vault on mobile.
3. GitJournal — Git-Based Sync
GitJournal syncs Markdown files via Git repositories. It’s designed as a note-taking app that uses Git as its backend.
Strengths:
- Git-based sync (GitHub, GitLab)
- Designed for journaling and note-taking
Limitations:
- No Mermaid diagram support
- Limited rendering quality
- Focused on editing, not viewing
- No OneDrive/Dropbox support
4. Joplin — Note Sync (Not a Viewer)
Joplin is a note-taking app with cloud sync capabilities. It syncs notes via OneDrive, Dropbox, or WebDAV.
Important: Joplin uses its own database format — it doesn’t browse external cloud folders like MerMD does. It syncs your Joplin notes, not arbitrary .md files.
Limitations:
- No Mermaid diagram support
- Can’t browse cloud folders
- Notes are in Joplin’s database, not standard
.mdfiles on disk
Which App Should You Choose?
| Your Cloud Storage | Best App | Why |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub (repos, READMEs) | MerMD | Direct repo browsing + Mermaid rendering |
| GitLab (projects, wikis) | MerMD | Direct project browsing |
| OneDrive | MerMD | Native browsing + beautiful rendering |
| Dropbox | MerMD | Native browsing + full feature set |
| Obsidian vault sync | Obsidian | Purpose-built vault sync |
| Git-based note sync | GitJournal | Git as note-taking backend |
The Bottom Line
MerMD is the only free Android app that combines cloud storage browsing (GitHub, GitLab, OneDrive, Dropbox) with high-quality Markdown rendering including Mermaid diagrams and KaTeX math. If your .md files are in the cloud, MerMD is the fastest way to read them on your phone.
Download: mermd.tech
Try MerMD — 4 Cloud Integrations
Browse GitHub, GitLab, OneDrive, and Dropbox directly. View Markdown with Mermaid diagrams. Free.