ghostWriter

ghostWriter is a lightweight browser-based markdown editor with live HTML rendering, file export options, and an optional Spookiness mode that introduces playful haunted mutations during rendering.

Features

• Plain text and markdown editing in a simple textarea
• Rendered HTML preview in a native page layout
• Markdown, plain text, and standalone HTML export
• Optional Spookiness mode for visual drift and text mutations
• Render sound effect on every render
• Persistent markdown reference using a native details element
• Automatic list continuation for bullets, numbered lists, and nested lists
• Light and dark mode support based on system preference

Accessibility

ghostWriter is designed to stay usable as a real writing tool, not only as a prank.

• Native HTML controls are used throughout the interface
• The editor remains a standard textarea
• Status updates are announced through a status region
• The rendered output region is focusable for keyboard review
• The markdown reference can stay open while typing

Supported Markdown

The current renderer supports:

• Headings
• Paragraphs
• Unordered lists
• Ordered lists
• Nested lists by indentation
• Bold
• Italics
• Strikethrough
• Inline code
• Links
• Images
• Blockquotes
• Horizontal rules
• Fenced code blocks
• Tables

Exports

ghostWriter can download the current draft as:

• .md
• .txt
• .html

The HTML export is a standalone HTML5 document containing the rendered markdown output.

Project Structure

• index.html - app markup and page structure
• css/ghostStyle.css - light theme, dark theme, layout, and motion styling
• js/ghostWriter.js - rendering, editor behavior, export logic, spookiness behavior, and status updates

Usage

Open index.html in a browser and start writing.

• Use Render Output to generate the HTML preview
• Toggle Spookiness depending on whether you want the haunted rendering effects
• Use the example buttons in the markdown reference to insert sample syntax into your draft
• Expand the markdown reference if you want examples while writing

Notes

This project uses a local markdown library for rendering while layering the ghost effects and export features on top.