Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) vs Fancy Admin UI (2026)
Detailed side-by-side comparison of two WordPress plugins, based on real-time data from WordPress.org.
Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
1.0K+ active installs
Free
Quick Verdict
As of April 2026, Fancy Admin UI has a higher user rating (4.4/5 from 14 reviews) while Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) leads in active installations (1.0K+ vs 1.0K+). Both are free WordPress plugins. Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) has accumulated 116K+ total downloads while Fancy Admin UI has 49K+.
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) | Fancy Admin UI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.3/5 | ► | 4.4/5 |
| Total Reviews | 84 | ◄ | 14 |
| Active Installs | 1.0K+ | 1.0K+ | |
| Total Downloads | 116K+ | ◄ | 49K+ |
| Support Resolution | N/A | N/A | |
| Last Updated | 3 months ago | ◄ | 8 years ago |
| First Released | 2017 | 2014 | |
| Age | 9 years | 12 years | |
| WP Requires | 6.2+ | 3.9.0+ | |
| PHP Requires | 7.4+ | false+ | |
| Business Model | Free | Free | |
| Latest Version | 4.2.1 | 2.1 |
Rating Breakdown
Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode)
Fancy Admin UI
Download Trends
Over the past 30 days, Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) averaged approximately 11 daily downloads while Fancy Admin UI averaged 4.
Recent Reviews
Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) Reviews
No markdown
I would have to agree with the other reviews/comments. No markdown.
can’t use markdown editor!!
can’t use markdown editor!!
Plugin doesn’t deliver markdown
I believe this plugin is in violation of the WordPress terms. You can’t access its main feature “markdown editor” without paying. The free version only has a dark mode/light mode toggle.
Fancy Admin UI Reviews
Good Style
Its good style and nice but need update, there is some conflict with the CSS, please update the plugin as 4 years is long and keep it up 🙂
Very easy
Beautiful admin interface. Thanks Bob Orchard
Great Admin theme
This is the best Admin UI theme I’ve seen for WordPress. Very clean and minimal and does a nice job at improving the WordPress backend experience. I would highly suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) or Fancy Admin UI more popular?
Which has better ratings — Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) or Fancy Admin UI?
Are Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) and Fancy Admin UI free?
Which plugin has better support — Markdown Editor (Formerly Dark Mode) or Fancy Admin UI?
Which plugin is updated more frequently?
Plugin data sourced from WordPress.org. Comparison and analysis by PluginSift.