Write Formatted GitLab Issues & MRs on Mobile with TipTap WYSIWYG Editor
For years, mobile GitLab users were stuck with plain text. No bold, no lists, no code formatting—just raw markdown characters in a textarea. That friction meant developers often skipped detailed descriptions on their phones and waited until they reached a desktop.
Today, we're changing that. GitAlchemy now ships a complete TipTap WYSIWYG editor on mobile, bringing the same rich formatting experience you're used to on the web directly to your Android and iOS devices.
From Plain Text to Formatted Writing
The new editor replaces plain textarea inputs everywhere in GitAlchemy—issue descriptions, merge request descriptions, comments, discussion notes, and project descriptions. It's the same powerful formatting toolbar you'd expect on desktop:
- Text formatting: Bold, Italic, Underline, Strikethrough
- Lists: Bullet lists and ordered lists with proper indentation
- Code: Inline code for quick references and full code blocks for longer snippets
- Tables: Create tables directly in issues and MRs
- Links: Add hyperlinks with proper markdown syntax
- Structure: Horizontal rules for visual separation, proper blockquote formatting
The editor uses ProseMirror CSS under the hood to render everything correctly—lists align properly, tables stack on mobile, code blocks preserve formatting, and blockquotes display with visual distinction.
Where You'll See It
GitAlchemy now wires up the rich editor across every place you write on GitLab:
Issue Management
- Creating and editing issue descriptions with formatted text, lists, and code examples
- Writing detailed comments on issues with proper structure
- Participating in issue discussions with styled replies
Merge Requests
- Writing comprehensive MR descriptions with formatted sections and code samples
- Creating comments on specific changes (MR discussions are now fully supported)
- Replying to code review feedback with clarity and structure
Project Information
- Editing project descriptions with formatted content
- Creating rich project documentation directly from mobile
This is the first time mobile users can write full discussion comments directly on merge requests—a feature that was previously locked to desktop.
Why This Matters for Mobile Developers
Mobile management of GitLab work is most useful when you can actually work from your phone, not just read. Formatted text makes a real difference:
- Issue descriptions are complete: You can now write issues with proper structure, code examples, and emphasis without planning to "finish it on desktop later"
- Code review feedback is clear: Add inline code, bold key points, and create lists without markdown syntax confusion
- Discussion threads are rich: Comment on merge requests with the same clarity as desktop, including code snippets and structured explanations
- Handoff is seamless: Switch between mobile and desktop without losing formatting—everything syncs via GitLab's API
The WYSIWYG experience removes the cognitive load of remembering markdown syntax on a small screen. Instead of typing **bold**, you tap the bold button. Instead of - item, you tap the list button. It feels native.
How It Works
Under the hood, GitAlchemy uses TipTap 2.0, the modern headless rich text editor built on ProseMirror. TipTap handles the complexity of maintaining document state, keyboard navigation, and touch input—we focus on making it work beautifully on mobile.
When you save, the editor outputs proper GitLab Flavored Markdown (GLFM), the same format GitLab expects. That means your formatted content renders correctly everywhere: in the web UI, in notifications, in mobile clients, and in integrations.
The toolbar adapts to screen size—tap-friendly buttons on portrait mobile, full layout on iPad or landscape. Everything is designed for thumb-friendly interaction, not desktop workflows adapted to phones.
What Didn't Change
This is a pure upgrade. Plain text still works—you can paste or type markdown directly if you prefer. The editor doesn't force you into WYSIWYG mode. And because the underlying format is GitLab Flavored Markdown, switching between this editor and the web or other clients preserves all your formatting without data loss.
What's Next
The rich editor foundation opens doors. We're gathering feedback on what formatting features matter most for your actual workflows. Expect refinements based on what you tell us.
Mobile GitLab management is most powerful when you can genuinely work from your phone. This update is a significant step in that direction.
Download GitAlchemy for Android or iOS to try the new editor. Write your next issue description, code review, or discussion comment with full formatting on mobile.
Have feedback on the editor? Found a formatting edge case? Drop us a note through the app or reach out on GitHub. We're actively improving based on how you use it.