Frequently asked questions.
The common questions about the free editor, Kerf Pro, platforms, and how bidirectional editing works. If yours isn't here, ask support →
Questions and answers
What is a bidirectional web editor?
A bidirectional web editor keeps a code editor and a rendered preview linked in both directions: clicking part of the page takes you to the code that produced it, and editing the code updates the page.
Is Kerf free?
The core editor is free: bidirectional sync, Monaco, live preview, CSS hot-swap, semantic editing, framework detection, the layers panel, and visual property editing. Kerf Pro — Vercel deploy, the snippet library, token consolidation, the accessibility audit, and the React Native editor — is the paid tier. Free features don't move behind the paywall later.
Do I need an account to use Kerf?
No account is needed to download or use the free editor. Kerf Pro needs one so the subscription can be verified.
What platforms does Kerf run on?
macOS (Apple Silicon, signed and notarized) and Linux (.deb) today. A Windows build exists and will be linked from the download page once its installer is code-signed.
Does Kerf work with my framework?
Any static HTML and CSS project works, and Tailwind and Bootstrap are detected automatically. Kerf has no required build step and no framework dependency. React Native is the one framework with dedicated support: Kerf Pro includes a component editor for it.
Does Kerf work with static site generators?
Yes. If the generator produces HTML and CSS, Kerf can open and edit it.
Is this just browser dev tools?
No. Browser dev tools edit the live DOM, and those edits disappear on reload. Kerf's edits go to the source files themselves.
Is Kerf a Brackets alternative?
Yes. Kerf covers what people used Brackets for — live preview and editing in place — on the Monaco editor engine, with CSS hot-swap and click-to-source sync. It's a new app rather than a fork; the direct continuation of the Brackets codebase is Phoenix Code.
Do my files leave my machine?
No. Kerf edits local files and contains no telemetry. Its only server contact is sign-in and license verification.
How much is Kerf Pro, and can I buy it now?
Kerf Pro is $96 per year, $10 per month, or $149 once for a lifetime license. It isn't purchasable yet: checkout is still being set up, so Pro appears as "Coming soon." The free editor is available now, and Pro will unlock in-app once billing opens.
What's the difference between monthly and annual?
The feature set is the same. Monthly bills $10 each month; annual bills $96 once a year, which saves about two months' worth over a year.
Is there a lifetime license?
Yes: $149, paid once, for permanent Pro access. It goes on sale when billing opens, alongside the subscriptions.
Does annual auto-renew?
Yes, at $96 a year until canceled. You can cancel or switch plans from your account, and access runs to the end of whatever period you've paid for.
What happens if I cancel Kerf Pro?
Nothing changes in the free editor. The Pro tools lock when the paid period ends and unlock again if you re-subscribe.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes: a full refund within 14 days of any Kerf Pro purchase. Email support@smoothgrain.studio.
Can I use Kerf Pro on more than one machine?
Yes. The license is per person, not per machine — sign in with your account on any device you own.
Do you offer team or volume pricing?
There's no team plan today. Email support if you need multiple seats and we'll figure it out.
Try the free editor
Available for macOS and Linux now; the Windows build is on its way.