Our software library provides a free download of MultiMarkdown Composer 4.4 for Mac. The unique ID for this application's bundle is com.multimarkdown.composer. This Mac application is a product of MultiMarkdown Software, LLC. The following versions: 2.8, 2.3 and 1.1 are the most frequently downloaded ones by the program users. When comparing MultiMarkdown Composer vs typora, the Slant community recommends typora for most people.In the question'What are the best Markdown editors for OS X?' typora is ranked 1st while MultiMarkdown Composer is ranked 10th. Dec 30, 2019 MultiMarkdown Composer Pro 4.5.12 December 30, 2019 MultiMarkdown Composer is a text editor specifically designed for writing in MultiMarkdown (or regular Markdown). MC 2018.12.11 Supports Mac OS 10.14.5, 10.13.6, 10.12.6 – Win 10, 8.1, 7 MC 2018.12.10 Supports Mac OS 10.14.5, 10.13.6, 10.12.6 – Win 10, 8.1, 7.
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**Updated 6/3/20 to include 3.1.3 (only one change from below instructions)
**Updated 1/26/20 to include 3.1.1/.2 install and changes
**The guide now has a section broken out for the 1 Yr Cert Renewal and another for controller registration
Common commands and information.
Default Controller User and Pass:
Username: root
Password: t0talc0ntr0l4!
(3.1.1/.2+ NOTE - Once Composer connects to the controller, the password will automatically be changed. Details below.)
Commands to add root user and password:
Command to add new user: adduser USER
Command to change password: passwd
Composer 3.1.1/.2+ is slightly different than previous versions. - Run Composer and when the Controller selection box comes up, right click on the controller and it will bring up a box to start a Terminal session. You need to change the root password so that you can SCP the clientca-prod.pem file to the controller. Type 'passwd' then enter a new password. You now have root access with a password. **NOTE: After you connect to your controller via Composer 3.1.1/.2+, the root password will be removed so this step must happen any time you need to SCP to the controller to update the clientca-prod.pem certs. Or, set up a new user with root access. Details below.
Adding permanent root user access:
Type adduser USER with USER being the name of the user you are creating. Enter your chosen password. Verify it.
Normally you could use the usermod command but it isn't available. So edit /etc/passwd
Look for the line with the user name you just created.
user:$kdlskfj.$dklj.$jklj/:XXX:XXX:Linux User,blahblahblah. Change whatever number is in both XXX spots to 0:0.
user:$kdlskfj.$dklj.$jklj/:0:0:Linux User,blahblahblah
Save the file. Reboot.
You now have a new user with root access
Hey guys, I just threw this together so it would be great if you can provide comments or information to make sure it's correct. I've placed the correct files in the download.
Definitive Install Guide
Items Needed:
Composer 2.5.3
Composer 2.5.3 Composer.exe (cracked) 'Special Exe'
Certs (ca.pem and ca_cert.pem)
Composer 3.1.x (Composer 3.1.1/.2/.3 has some slightly different instructions)
MeeKah Composer Patch (No longer needed in 3.1.x)
Director Patch (Just the clientca-prod.pem certs which have been extracted in the below zip file) (No longer needed in 3.1.x)
C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch
C4_Device_Image_Updater_V2
WinSCP
If someone can upload or link the files above, that would be great.
A Helpful link:
For a quick way to search for Drivers without going into Composer you can go here:
http://drivers.control4.com/solr/drivers/browse?q=
All User Manuals are now accessible through Composer 3.1.x
****UPDATED TO BRING 1 YR CERT RENEWAL TO ITS OWN SECTION****
1.Make sure you have Composer 2.5.3 installed.
2.Rename 2.5.3 Composer.exe to a backup (Composer Bak.exe) then copy the 'Special Exe' Composer.exe into the directory. Run Special Composer.exe. Fill in email and password. Click OK.
If email and password form doesn't come up when you start Composer, delete composer.p12 from the AppDataRoamingControl4Composer folder and re-run or re-copy over the Composer 2.5.3 Composer.exe (cracked) 'Special Exe'. Run Composer.exe. It should come up at this point and is needed to update one of the cert files. Verify that (ca_cert.srl, composer.p12 and openssl.conf) files have been created and updated. composer.p12 is the file which needs to be generated every year and this is how you update it.
*****Register Controller****
You can register your controller in 3.x with a couple of ComposerPro.exe.config changes. These may also work in 2.10 but I never tested. Video copilot element 3d incl models 1 6 download free.
Changing ComposerPro.exe.config (3.1.1/.2/NOT .3):
Under Web change:
key='LicensingURL' value='false'
key='DealerAccountLocatorURL' value='false'
Changing ComposerPro.exe.config (3.1.3):
Change from 'string' to '0' (zero) this line
'ComposerPro_LicensingService_Licensing' serializeAs='0'
This change allows you access to Account Services, where you can register your controller, and bypasses the initial login dialog. By changing this config, there is also no need for MeeKah Patch.
***Install Guide****
Starting out, and for hygiene, do the following:
- Uninstall all versions of ComposerPro/HE/etc.
- Remove Control4 Directory in - Program Files (x86)Control4 or C:Program FilesControl4
- Remove Control4 Directory in - UsersxxxxAppDataRoamingControl4
That should be all you need to 'start fresh'.
1. Install Composer 2.5.3 (Do not run yet.)
2. Copy Cert files ca.pem and ca_cert.pem to AppDataRoamingControl4Composer folder
3. Go to 'Program Files (x86)Control4Composer253' Rename 2.5.3 Composer.exe to a backup (Composer Bak.exe) then copy the 'Special Exe' Composer.exe into the directory. This special Composer.exe will be the one that causes the ca_cert.srl, composer.p12 and openssl.conf files to be created.
4. Run the Special Composer.exe and you will be presented with a login dialog box. Type in an email and password (it doesn't matter what they are) and submit. (You should check to make sure the files, I mentioned above, show up in the AppDataRoamingControl4Composer folder). If the composer.p12 file is not created, recopy the Special Exe and rerun.
5. **Edit - The Director Patch isn't used any longer, so please use the following steps instead. They always work. If you are using 2.10 or earlier use the Director Patch clientca-prod.pem (Step 5b). The cert you need, clientca-prod.pem, is already extracted and located in the download of this post. If you are using 3.x use the ca_cert.pem certs (Step 5c).
***Use WinSCP to copy over clientca-prod.pem to your controller.
Open Director Patch Folder
5a. WinSCP into the Controller (Director)
- Use WinSCP to connect to Controller via SSH - Use SCP type connection
Controller user and Pass (Use above instructions to log into 3.1.1/.2)
Username: root
Password: t0talc0ntr0l4!
- Go to /etc/openvpn and Copy or Backup clientca-prod.pem to your desktop. Copy 'Director Patch' version of clientca-prod.pem onto controller if using 2.10 or earlier. Reboot the Controller. You can also use the System Manager to disable Director and Broker services and then reenable them. This should also work but a reboot will always work.
- This previous step will get your controller up and running but you will need to merge the certs from the controller and the Director Patch clientca-prod.pem (2.10 or earlier) or ca_cert.pem certs (3.0 or later). See 5b or 5c below.
Previous steps for all versions of Composer/Controller software up to 3.0
5b. You should concatenate the two clientca-prod.pem files from your Controller and the Director Patch. Using the two clientca-prod.pem files mentioned above (one from the Controller and one from the Director Patch), open the one from the Controller and go to the end of the file. Add 'Director Patch' clientca-prod.pem certs. You now have a 'good' cert file. WinSCP back into the Controller and upload this new clientca-prod.pem file to /etc/openvpn. Reboot the Controller.
New steps for Composer/Controller software 3.0 and above - These should work for versions 2.10 but are confirmed for 3.0 and up.
5c. For Composer 3.x, you should concatenate the clientca-prod.pem file from your Controller and the cert from the ca_cert.pem file to the end. To do this, open the clientca-prod.pem file you downloaded from your Controller and go to the end of the file. Add the ca_cert.pem cert. You now have a 'good' cert file. WinSCP back into the Controller and upload this new clientca-prod.pem file to /etc/openvpn. Reboot the Controller.
6. Now install the version of Composer you want to use (2.10.x, 3.1.1/.2) and edit the following. Make a backup of composerPro.exe.config in the Control4/Controller directory and then edit the original with Notepad.
Under Web change:
key='LicensingURL' value='false'
key='DealerAccountLocatorURL' value='false'
For 3.1.3 - Different edit
Change from 'string' to '0' (zero) this line
'ComposerPro_LicensingService_Licensing' serializeAs='0'
7. Start the new composer and upgrade your controller. After this you will have to patch the director/controller again using the above WinSCP method.
8. *If you need to register your controller for first time use, use these additional instructions:
To register a controller first build a project and add a controller in Composer. Then link the controller under with the IP/SDDP address in connections. After that go back and register the controller under Tools -> Account Settings. Exit Composer.
9. That should be everything to get you up and running
If you see the Json error:
**************For the Json issues:
Replace Composer 2.5.3 Composer.exe with the 'Special Exe' one (the one that causes the ca_cert.srl, composer.p12 and openssl.conf files to be created. - Re-copy the special composer to 2.5.3 and re-run steps above to complete the email and pass. This will create the composer.p12.
***********************
Another step(s) if using older version:
0. If running a controller older than 2.10.2 run the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch to update the certs on it to the latest ones. This should also fix controller 'check in' issues if you had them.
6. Copy over the Director Patch clientca-prod.pem so your controller has the correct cert as if you had it patched before step 0 overwrote it.
**Updated 6/3/20 to include 3.1.3 (only one change from below instructions)
**Updated 1/26/20 to include 3.1.1/.2 install and changes
**The guide now has a section broken out for the 1 Yr Cert Renewal and another for controller registration
Common commands and information.
Default Controller User and Pass:
Username: root
Password: t0talc0ntr0l4!
(3.1.1/.2+ NOTE - Once Composer connects to the controller, the password will automatically be changed. Details below.)
Commands to add root user and password:
Command to add new user: adduser USER
Command to change password: passwd
Composer 3.1.1/.2+ is slightly different than previous versions. - Run Composer and when the Controller selection box comes up, right click on the controller and it will bring up a box to start a Terminal session. You need to change the root password so that you can SCP the clientca-prod.pem file to the controller. Type 'passwd' then enter a new password. You now have root access with a password. **NOTE: After you connect to your controller via Composer 3.1.1/.2+, the root password will be removed so this step must happen any time you need to SCP to the controller to update the clientca-prod.pem certs. Or, set up a new user with root access. Details below.
Adding permanent root user access:
Type adduser USER with USER being the name of the user you are creating. Enter your chosen password. Verify it.
Normally you could use the usermod command but it isn't available. So edit /etc/passwd
Look for the line with the user name you just created.
user:$kdlskfj.$dklj.$jklj/:XXX:XXX:Linux User,blahblahblah. Change whatever number is in both XXX spots to 0:0.
user:$kdlskfj.$dklj.$jklj/:0:0:Linux User,blahblahblah
Save the file. Reboot.
You now have a new user with root access
Hey guys, I just threw this together so it would be great if you can provide comments or information to make sure it's correct. I've placed the correct files in the download.
Definitive Install Guide
Items Needed:
Composer 2.5.3
Composer 2.5.3 Composer.exe (cracked) 'Special Exe'
Certs (ca.pem and ca_cert.pem)
Composer 3.1.x (Composer 3.1.1/.2/.3 has some slightly different instructions)
MeeKah Composer Patch (No longer needed in 3.1.x)
Director Patch (Just the clientca-prod.pem certs which have been extracted in the below zip file) (No longer needed in 3.1.x)
C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch
C4_Device_Image_Updater_V2
WinSCP
If someone can upload or link the files above, that would be great.
A Helpful link:
For a quick way to search for Drivers without going into Composer you can go here:
http://drivers.control4.com/solr/drivers/browse?q=
All User Manuals are now accessible through Composer 3.1.x
****UPDATED TO BRING 1 YR CERT RENEWAL TO ITS OWN SECTION****
1.Make sure you have Composer 2.5.3 installed.
2.Rename 2.5.3 Composer.exe to a backup (Composer Bak.exe) then copy the 'Special Exe' Composer.exe into the directory. Run Special Composer.exe. Fill in email and password. Click OK.
If email and password form doesn't come up when you start Composer, delete composer.p12 from the AppDataRoamingControl4Composer folder and re-run or re-copy over the Composer 2.5.3 Composer.exe (cracked) 'Special Exe'. Run Composer.exe. It should come up at this point and is needed to update one of the cert files. Verify that (ca_cert.srl, composer.p12 and openssl.conf) files have been created and updated. composer.p12 is the file which needs to be generated every year and this is how you update it.
*****Register Controller****
You can register your controller in 3.x with a couple of ComposerPro.exe.config changes. These may also work in 2.10 but I never tested.
Changing ComposerPro.exe.config (3.1.1/.2/NOT .3):
Under Web change:
key='LicensingURL' value='false'
key='DealerAccountLocatorURL' value='false'
Changing ComposerPro.exe.config (3.1.3):
Change from 'string' to '0' (zero) this line
'ComposerPro_LicensingService_Licensing' serializeAs='0'
This change allows you access to Account Services, where you can register your controller, and bypasses the initial login dialog. By changing this config, there is also no need for MeeKah Patch.
***Install Guide****
Starting out, and for hygiene, do the following:
- Uninstall all versions of ComposerPro/HE/etc.
- Remove Control4 Directory in - Program Files (x86)Control4 or C:Program FilesControl4
- Remove Control4 Directory in - UsersxxxxAppDataRoamingControl4
That should be all you need to 'start fresh'.
1. Install Composer 2.5.3 (Do not run yet.)
2. Copy Cert files ca.pem and ca_cert.pem to AppDataRoamingControl4Composer folder
3. Go to 'Program Files (x86)Control4Composer253' Rename 2.5.3 Composer.exe to a backup (Composer Bak.exe) then copy the 'Special Exe' Composer.exe into the directory. This special Composer.exe will be the one that causes the ca_cert.srl, composer.p12 and openssl.conf files to be created.
4. Run the Special Composer.exe and you will be presented with a login dialog box. Type in an email and password (it doesn't matter what they are) and submit. (You should check to make sure the files, I mentioned above, show up in the AppDataRoamingControl4Composer folder). If the composer.p12 file is not created, recopy the Special Exe and rerun.
5. **Edit - The Director Patch isn't used any longer, so please use the following steps instead. They always work. If you are using 2.10 or earlier use the Director Patch clientca-prod.pem (Step 5b). The cert you need, clientca-prod.pem, is already extracted and located in the download of this post. If you are using 3.x use the ca_cert.pem certs (Step 5c).
***Use WinSCP to copy over clientca-prod.pem to your controller.
Open Director Patch Folder
5a. WinSCP into the Controller (Director)
- Use WinSCP to connect to Controller via SSH - Use SCP type connection
Controller user and Pass (Use above instructions to log into 3.1.1/.2)
Username: root
Password: t0talc0ntr0l4!
- Go to /etc/openvpn and Copy or Backup clientca-prod.pem to your desktop. Copy 'Director Patch' version of clientca-prod.pem onto controller if using 2.10 or earlier. Reboot the Controller. You can also use the System Manager to disable Director and Broker services and then reenable them. This should also work but a reboot will always work.
- This previous step will get your controller up and running but you will need to merge the certs from the controller and the Director Patch clientca-prod.pem (2.10 or earlier) or ca_cert.pem certs (3.0 or later). See 5b or 5c below.
Previous steps for all versions of Composer/Controller software up to 3.0
5b. You should concatenate the two clientca-prod.pem files from your Controller and the Director Patch. Using the two clientca-prod.pem files mentioned above (one from the Controller and one from the Director Patch), open the one from the Controller and go to the end of the file. Add 'Director Patch' clientca-prod.pem certs. You now have a 'good' cert file. WinSCP back into the Controller and upload this new clientca-prod.pem file to /etc/openvpn. Reboot the Controller.
New steps for Composer/Controller software 3.0 and above - These should work for versions 2.10 but are confirmed for 3.0 and up.
5c. For Composer 3.x, you should concatenate the clientca-prod.pem file from your Controller and the cert from the ca_cert.pem file to the end. To do this, open the clientca-prod.pem file you downloaded from your Controller and go to the end of the file. Add the ca_cert.pem cert. You now have a 'good' cert file. WinSCP back into the Controller and upload this new clientca-prod.pem file to /etc/openvpn. Reboot the Controller.
6. Now install the version of Composer you want to use (2.10.x, 3.1.1/.2) and edit the following. Make a backup of composerPro.exe.config in the Control4/Controller directory and then edit the original with Notepad.
Under Web change:
key='LicensingURL' value='false'
key='DealerAccountLocatorURL' value='false'
For 3.1.3 - Different edit
Change from 'string' to '0' (zero) this line
'ComposerPro_LicensingService_Licensing' serializeAs='0'
7. Start the new composer and upgrade your controller. After this you will have to patch the director/controller again using the above WinSCP method.
8. *If you need to register your controller for first time use, use these additional instructions:
To register a controller first build a project and add a controller in Composer. Then link the controller under with the IP/SDDP address in connections. After that go back and register the controller under Tools -> Account Settings. Exit Composer.
9. That should be everything to get you up and running
If you see the Json error:
**************For the Json issues:
Replace Composer 2.5.3 Composer.exe with the 'Special Exe' one (the one that causes the ca_cert.srl, composer.p12 and openssl.conf files to be created. - Re-copy the special composer to 2.5.3 and re-run steps above to complete the email and pass. This will create the composer.p12.
***********************
Another step(s) if using older version:
0. If running a controller older than 2.10.2 run the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch to update the certs on it to the latest ones. This should also fix controller 'check in' issues if you had them.
6. Copy over the Director Patch clientca-prod.pem so your controller has the correct cert as if you had it patched before step 0 overwrote it.
Uploaded files:This is awesome - thanks for posting!
This is awesome - thanks for posting!
I'm behind the times on all this, having moved and not brought (much) Control4 with me. However, I can 'sticky' this post now or wait to see if there's any further feedback..?
I'm behind the times on all this, having moved and not brought (much) Control4 with me. However, I can 'sticky' this post now or wait to see if there's any further feedback..?
Thanks,
I've compiled all this information through reading and trial and error and most of the questions involving upgrades and certs etc is all contained here. If you could sticky, I believe it will be worth while. Thanks.
Renamed the title to better reflect what it's about.
Thanks,
I've compiled all this information through reading and trial and error and most of the questions involving upgrades and certs etc is all contained here. If you could sticky, I believe it will be worth while. Thanks.
Renamed the title to better reflect what it's about.
Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for, an up to date guide.
I want to add some things that I learned. If you have an older hc250 system, perhaps you purchased it from ebay:
1. Start by doing a factory reset. You may end up on firmware 2.5.3 but you may end up on an older one.
2. Either way, you must do the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch first before you do anything else.
3. After the patch, then add the clientca-prod.pem entries.
4. That will allow you to both connect with the patched Composer 2.5.3 and to register the unit. To register, simply create a control4 account, choose a random dealer when asked, and then get your registration code. Connect with the patched Composer 2.5.3, select Account Services from the upper menu bar. Put in your registration code, and you should be set. If you get an SSL error, you probably didn't do the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch, or you may have accidentally wiped the patch by doing a factory reset/install.
5. Once you are registered, you can update to any version you want using either the composer update tool or the control4 image updater tool. After any install, you must do the clientca-prod.pem to connect again with Composer. If you get an ssl error while trying an update, you again may need to do the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch.
I hope that helps. I spent hours figuring this stuff out.
Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for, an up to date guide.
I want to add some things that I learned. If you have an older hc250 system, perhaps you purchased it from ebay:
1. Start by doing a factory reset. You may end up on firmware 2.5.3 but you may end up on an older one.
Multimarkdown Composer 4 Pro 4 5 12 And 33 42
2. Either way, you must do the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch first before you do anything else.
3. After the patch, then add the clientca-prod.pem entries.
4. That will allow you to both connect with the patched Composer 2.5.3 and to register the unit. To register, simply create a control4 account, choose a random dealer when asked, and then get your registration code. Connect with the patched Composer 2.5.3, select Account Services from the upper menu bar. Put in your registration code, and you should be set. If you get an SSL error, you probably didn't do the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch, or you may have accidentally wiped the patch by doing a factory reset/install.
5. Once you are registered, you can update to any version you want using either the composer update tool or the control4 image updater tool. After any install, you must do the clientca-prod.pem to connect again with Composer. If you get an ssl error while trying an update, you again may need to do the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch.
I hope that helps. I spent hours figuring this stuff out.
Thanks Mark55,
Your instructions are better than my 'Additional Instructions Step 0)' above.
I wanted to pass along some additional info that I found out this weekend. I did a factory reset on my EA1, somewhat unintentionally.
The C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch is important because it contains RSA certs that allow it to authenticate with the Control4 servers. So, ALL versions of Control4 Directors will need to be running with this cert or you won't be able to register or update your system.
One big issue I ran into was that I forgot to back up my config after I had upgraded to 3.0 the first time. When I did a factory reset, my director was downgraded to 2.9. When I upgraded, using the steps above, including the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch, I was unable to load my 2.10 config into Composer 3.0 because Control4 Composer removed some of the Agents (4Store, others.). You would think that the Composer software would be smart enough to let you remove the Agent when trying to load it. It won't. I had to downgrade to 2.10 (Using the C4_Device_Image_Updater), load the config, remove the Agents, then upgrade back to 3.0. After that, everything went well. I wish I would have backed up the config first as it would have saved many, many steps.
Thanks Mark55,
Your instructions are better than my 'Additional Instructions Step 0)' above.
I wanted to pass along some additional info that I found out this weekend. I did a factory reset on my EA1, somewhat unintentionally.
The C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch is important because it contains RSA certs that allow it to authenticate with the Control4 servers. So, ALL versions of Control4 Directors will need to be running with this cert or you won't be able to register or update your system.
One big issue I ran into was that I forgot to back up my config after I had upgraded to 3.0 the first time. When I did a factory reset, my director was downgraded to 2.9. When I upgraded, using the steps above, including the C4_Cert_Replacement_Patch, I was unable to load my 2.10 config into Composer 3.0 because Control4 Composer removed some of the Agents (4Store, others.). You would think that the Composer software would be smart enough to let you remove the Agent when trying to load it. It won't. I had to downgrade to 2.10 (Using the C4_Device_Image_Updater), load the config, remove the Agents, then upgrade back to 3.0. After that, everything went well. I wish I would have backed up the config first as it would have saved many, many steps.
Multimarkdown Composer 4 Pro 4 5 12 Volt
Have the certs changed in the last year?
Last time I made a change to my project was almost a year ago on 09/10/2018
A coupe of weeks ago I started having issues with controlling some devices other than lights with Alexa.
Eventually realized my 4sight had recently expired so activated again. Even after this I still had issues with turning on other devices.
This morning I tried to connecting from Composer 2.10.2 using exactly the same setup I had previously except for a Windows update (I use a VM) and now I get an error 'Exception: Error reading JToken from JsonReader.Path ', line 0, postition 0.'.
Reading other thread based on this error I should be able to open Compose 2.5.3
'In case anyone goes through the whole process. Make sure to keep 2.5.3 installed. About a month after installing 2.9.0 I got the broker not connected error. I tried just about everything and couldn't get it fixed. I realized that anything under 2.8 would allow me to login but since it's old I could not make changes… this let me to try other versions. When I opened 2.5.3 it asked me for my control4 login. After entering it I was able to use 2.9 composer so it looks like it updates the certificates. This will save a lot of hassle the next time the certificates expire.'
However when I open 2.5.3 it doesn't prompt for a user ID or password. I did not login to my controller.
Thanks,
[EDIT]
I checked my /etc/openvpn directory and noticed that client.pem and client.key files where updated, so I copied the files had had from a year ago (I had backups).
I then disable director, disabled broker, enabled director, enabled broker and still have the connection problem
Have the certs changed in the last year?
Last time I made a change to my project was almost a year ago on 09/10/2018
A coupe of weeks ago I started having issues with controlling some devices other than lights with Alexa.
Eventually realized my 4sight had recently expired so activated again. Even after this I still had issues with turning on other devices.
This morning I tried to connecting from Composer 2.10.2 using exactly the same setup I had previously except for a Windows update (I use a VM) and now I get an error 'Exception: Error reading JToken from JsonReader.Path ', line 0, postition 0.'.
Reading other thread based on this error I should be able to open Compose 2.5.3
'In case anyone goes through the whole process. Make sure to keep 2.5.3 installed. About a month after installing 2.9.0 I got the broker not connected error. I tried just about everything and couldn't get it fixed. I realized that anything under 2.8 would allow me to login but since it's old I could not make changes… this let me to try other versions. When I opened 2.5.3 it asked me for my control4 login. After entering it I was able to use 2.9 composer so it looks like it updates the certificates. This will save a lot of hassle the next time the certificates expire.'
However when I open 2.5.3 it doesn't prompt for a user ID or password. I did not login to my controller.
Thanks,
[EDIT]
I checked my /etc/openvpn directory and noticed that client.pem and client.key files where updated, so I copied the files had had from a year ago (I had backups).
I then disable director, disabled broker, enabled director, enabled broker and still have the connection problem
emont69,
If you go back and read post #1 you will see a note about the JSON issue you are encountering. It is at the end of the guide. You are getting the JSON notice because composer.p12 hasn't been created or has expired. It sounds like you have used the MeeKah Patch on 2.5.3, since you aren't getting the email and password login screen any longer. You need to replace the 2.5.3 composer.exe file with the 'special 2.5.3 composer.exe' file and then connect to your controller. Again, make sure composer.p12 gets created and you will be good to connect with any version of Composer after applying the Meekah Patch.
You will have to use 2.5.3 with the special composer.exe to regenerate the composer.p12 file every year. So, don't remove 2.5.3, you will need it, and don't Meekah patch it, there is no need.
I hope that gets you up and running. It should resolve your issues.
emont69,
If you go back and read post #1 you will see a note about the JSON issue you are encountering. It is at the end of the guide. You are getting the JSON notice because composer.p12 hasn't been created or has expired. It sounds like you have used the MeeKah Patch on 2.5.3, since you aren't getting the email and password login screen any longer. You need to replace the 2.5.3 composer.exe file with the 'special 2.5.3 composer.exe' file and then connect to your controller. Again, make sure composer.p12 gets created and you will be good to connect with any version of Composer after applying the Meekah Patch.
You will have to use 2.5.3 with the special composer.exe to regenerate the composer.p12 file every year. So, don't remove 2.5.3, you will need it, and don't Meekah patch it, there is no need.
I hope that gets you up and running. It should resolve your issues.
Have the certs changed in the last year?
[EDIT]
I checked my /etc/openvpn directory and noticed that client.pem and client.key files where updated, so I copied the files had had from a year ago (I had backups).
I then disable director, disabled broker, enabled director, enabled broker and still have the connection problem
emont- I went through this last night in a different fashion after my 4sight stopped working. My composerPro still worked on 2.10.6 but i was trying to upgrade to 3.0 as I acquired new touch screens. The update ran fine but then my issues compounded outside of 4Sight.
I did a few things. 1. SCP the clientca_prod.pem to the director and restarted. 2. Opened up 2.5.3 special exe via Run as Administrator, which did get me the prompt to login. however I will note that the last time I had to login to control4 site and unregister my controller first and then re-register. 3. Clicked through dozens of warning prompts and closed 2.5.3 special exe. 4. Ran composerpro just fine
This is assuming you had a working setup after the May 2018 certificate patching. If you did not then you likely need to reinstall your composer setup, the process to update otherwise is a tad cumbersome and prone to a cyclical process.
Have the certs changed in the last year?
[EDIT]
I checked my /etc/openvpn directory and noticed that client.pem and client.key files where updated, so I copied the files had had from a year ago (I had backups).
I then disable director, disabled broker, enabled director, enabled broker and still have the connection problem
emont- I went through this last night in a different fashion after my 4sight stopped working. My composerPro still worked on 2.10.6 but i was trying to upgrade to 3.0 as I acquired new touch screens. The update ran fine but then my issues compounded outside of 4Sight.
I did a few things. 1. SCP the clientca_prod.pem to the director and restarted. 2. Opened up 2.5.3 special exe via Run as Administrator, which did get me the prompt to login. however I will note that the last time I had to login to control4 site and unregister my controller first and then re-register. 3. Clicked through dozens of warning prompts and closed 2.5.3 special exe. 4. Ran composerpro just fine
This is assuming you had a working setup after the May 2018 certificate patching. If you did not then you likely need to reinstall your composer setup, the process to update otherwise is a tad cumbersome and prone to a cyclical process.
Thanks for the help I got it to work with the following
Uninstall Composer 2.5.3
Cleaning the UsersxxxxAppDataRoamingControl4Composer directory
1. Install Composer 2.5.3 (Do not run yet!)
2. Copy Cert files ca.pem and ca_cert.pem to UsersxxxxAppDataRoamingControl4Composer folder
3. Go to 'Program Files (x86)Control4Composer253' Rename 2.5.3 Composer.exe to a backup (Composer Bak.exe) then copy the 'special exe' Composer.exe into the directory.
4. Run the new Composer.exe and type in any email and password and submit.
5. Run the Director Patch
Thanks for the help I got it to work with the following
Uninstall Composer 2.5.3
Cleaning the UsersxxxxAppDataRoamingControl4Composer directory
1. Install Composer 2.5.3 (Do not run yet!)
2. Copy Cert files ca.pem and ca_cert.pem to UsersxxxxAppDataRoamingControl4Composer folder
3. Go to 'Program Files (x86)Control4Composer253' Rename 2.5.3 Composer.exe to a backup (Composer Bak.exe) then copy the 'special exe' Composer.exe into the directory.
4. Run the new Composer.exe and type in any email and password and submit.
5. Run the Director Patch
Late last year, I went through a bit of a process trying to settle on a markdown editor I liked. I reviewed Ulysses and iA Writer. I liked both -- a lot -- but each had limitations I wasn't altogether comfortable with.
Part of this search stemmed from the rod I'd created for my own back and partly because I was seduced by the possibilities offered by Ulysses -- a great editor with a great writing experience.
In the end, I went back to what I know: MultiMarkdown Composer.
I've used MultiMarkdown Composer (MMC) for years. It is an inexpensive, fully-feature markdown editor for the Mac. MMC is developed by Fletcher Penny, who also created the open-source MultiMarkdown parser. MultiMarkdown is the flavour of markdown I prefer, thanks to its integration with Scrivener as well as support for things like metadata, footnotes, transclusion and tables.
MMC had other cool stuff built in, like table of contents support and CriticMarkup. However as the years went by, it languished. Updates were few -- MMC 3 was in a protracted public beta. MMC 2, which was the version I bought, was dog slow -- especially for large documents -- and it wasn't changing with the times.
Enter MultiMarkdown 4
Multimarkdown Composer 4 Pro 4 5 12 Tire
MMC 4 was released back in September 2017. When my MMC 3 beta expired I didn't automatically purchase MMC 4. This was partly down to timing -- I was preparing for Nanowrimo -- and partly due to my aforementioned time with Ulysses and then iA Writer. I was also leery to upgrade thanks to some nasty bugs on launch (more on that below).
Nevertheless, MMC 4 promised to resolve my principle bone with the older versions (mainly performance) while offering new features and better support for the latest version of macOS. Its release also coincided with the developer's year-long sabbatical from his day job, to focus on the app's development.
So, I was prepared to give it a shot and downloaded the free version from the Mac app store.
Developer responsiveness
But first thing's first. When you invest in indie software it's nice to know the developer is on board. Come to rely on an app and you want it to have longevity.
One thing I'd like to acknowledge is Fletcher's responsiveness. When MMC 4 hit the app store it had its fair share of bugs (some quite severe). I lodged bug/crash reports and they were dealt with quickly. I've also interacted with Fletcher on Twitter and found him equally responsive on that platform too.
That kind of engagement impresses me and makes me confident the developer is committed to making his software a great product. I also get the impression he cares greatly for the experience for his app's users.
The only other developer I've found who's that responsive and caring is Keith Blount, the developer of Scrivener.
A pricing model I can swallow
Now, a note on pricing.
MultiMarkdown Composer 4 bucks the odious trend of subscription pricing, choosing instead to adopt a two-tier pricing model for standard and pro-level features.
The standard upgrade enables:
- The ability to open multiple documents at the same time,
- Printing and export support,
- Full use of the sidebar enhancements, and
- The ability to use custom editor themes (based on JSON).
The pro upgrade gives you automatic text expansion (think TextExpander), synchronised config files, historical undo and the ability to limit the depth of the TOC panel.
As it stands today, the pro upgrade doesn't quite meet my needs. I'm down to one Mac (so I don't need config sync) and although text expansion looks interesting I've already created my own system-wide snippet system for macOS. However, some of the planned pro features do interest me -- particularly a Project manager, collaborative editing and selective undo. Should those features come about then I'll very likely upgrade.
So, I upgraded to the standard version over Christmas, so bear in mind my experiences are shaped by this (slightly) limited version.
Performance
Performance was my principle reason for upgrading and MultiMarkdown Composer 4 doesn't disappoint. Where MMC 2 lagged something terrible once a document was longer than a few thousand words, MMC 4 is responsive and has handled everything I've thrown at it -- including an exported copy older novel I wrote in markdown.
User interface
Multimarkdown Composer 4 breaks from its older versions by adopting a single-window more aligned to the design ethics of Apple's newer operating system. Gone are the floating panels and sheets of yesteryear.
MMC 4 adopts a fairly typical UI shared by many modern markdown editors on the Mac. It's single-window UI makes use of panels, which as you'd expect can be, adjusted, collapsed or expanded as needed. They can even be swapped -- but not detached.
The screenshot above shows all panels active, which I rarely use when drafting. Currently, it shows the default layout, which can be changed using the Window menu.
On the far left-hand side is Table of Contents panel which is also used for CriticMarkup and you'll also not the search box there too.
On the far right-hand side is the reference panel, which contains a list of your references such as citations and footnotes.
Note, I discus the supporting panels in greater detail below.
The Editor panel
The main editor is where you do your writing. As the name suggests, your writing is done in the MultiMarkdown dialect of John Gruber's insanely popular Markdown syntax.
Note at the bottom, the Info panel which provides a real-time metrics for the number of words, characters, lines and paragraphs. The info panel can be toggled on or off as required.
The Editor can be configured using the Appearance tab in the application's settings
The Appearance tab allows you to define default values for the theme, text size, font as well as the screen's padding and so on.
You can also create your own theme, which I touch on below.
The Preview panel
The Preview shows a real-time, rendering of your markdown document in HTML format. This panel can be scrolled independent of the editor, useful for referencing other parts of the document as you write.
In older versions of the application, the preview was quite sluggish with a noticeable lag in rendering the HTML. I'm pleased to report that in MMC 4 that is no longer the case, and on my 2015 MacBook Air3
The Preview panel is fully customisable using the Preview tab in the application's settings.
You can change various behaviour, such are how and when the preview is updated and whether you want the view to synchronise with your typing.
You can also choose the theme your document is rendered in -- this can also be overridden on a per-document basis using the View -> Preview CSS menu option.
And yes, you can easily create your own preview themes if you are handy with CSS.
Keyboard shortcuts
Nothing chaps my rear like having to break my flow when I'm writing. Even though Apple computers have the best trackpads in the business, shifting from the keyboard to the mouse to activate a function sucks. Consequently, I will dismiss any editor that lacks decent keyboard shortcuts.
MMC, I'm happy to say, makes full use of keyboard shortcuts. Almost every feature of the application available at your finger tips with sane key combinations that don't required digital gymnastics.
Using shortcuts you can toggle panels, apply inline markdown formatting, change view options and control track changes.
Gesture support
Conversely, MMC lacks the gesture support to navigate panels like you find in Ulysses, not a deal breaker for me, but I do find it a little jarring when I swap between the two applications.
Themes
Multimarkdown Composer comes with several themes for both the editor and the preview. As with my screenshot above, you can see that you can apply two different ones at the same time.
The preview theme is simply CSS used to render your document's generated HTML. MMC 4 comes with four themes, Basic, CriticMarkup, GitHub and Pretentious. I'm my screenshot I'm using the GitHub theme.
The editor theme is a different animal completely. It controls the way your editor (the panel where you write) looks and unlike the preview panel is based on JSON format using simple key-value pairs to control how each element is rendered.
MMC 4 ships with half a dozen themes. In my example, I'm using Solarized Dark.
You can create your own easily enough and the format is thoroughly documented on the MMC support website. Just about every aspect of the panel window and the elements within can can customised.
Reference and supporting panels
The standard upgrade unlocks the functionality of MMC's supporting panels, including the table of contents (ToC), references and CriticMarkup (more on CriticMarkup below).
Table of Contents
MultiMarkdown composer was the first markdown editor I've used to integrate a useful table of contents panel. In terms of functionality, it's a lot like the Navigation panel in Microsoft Word.
The panel lists each heading of the document as a hyperlink. Sub-sections are nested under their parent heading using a collapsable tree.
I can't overstate how useful this feature is, particular when drafting a particularly long blog post with lots of sections. Where I dinged iA Writer for cumbersome section navigation, MMC excels at breaking down large documents.
Aside from navigation, you can also use the ToC panel to restructure your document by simply dragging the elements from one position to another. This is an awesome feature, particular when you're dealing with long documents with lots of headings.
Another thing I like about the TOC panel is the ability to navigate through the items (and thus your document) using the keyboard. Once the panel is in focus (either by mouse click or keyboard shortcut2 simple use the up and down arrows to navigate through the panel's content.
MultiMarkdown itself is also one of the few markdown engines that can render a table of contents in the generated document. MMC has the feature built in.
Simply add the {{TOC}} directive to your document and it will be rendered in full as a unordered HTML list.
References
The references panel is similarly useful for academic writers, or those of us who like to use footnotes1. The panel displays a list of your references. Double-clicking the item inserts the correct cross-reference link at your current insertion point using the correct markdown syntax.
There's not too much I can say about this feature, beyond it works. If I
CriticMarkup
While markdown has become the de facto standard among writers writing for the web, its Achilles heel has always been collaborating with editors and reviewers. True, a power user could use a revision control system like Git, but that's beyond the technical skill and patience of most writers and editors who've grown up using Microsoft Word.
CriticMarkup offers to change that, by providing a simple syntax to markup a plain-text document with comments, addition, deletions and substitutions. Where it falls short however, is it kind of sucks to write this syntax manually as I show below:
MultiMarkdown Composer certainly didn't invent CriticMarkup but developer Fletcher Penny has certainly adopted the standard with aplomb. CriticMarkup support is built into the MultiMarkdown compiler and MultiMarkdown Composer takes it even further, using CriticMarkup to turn the app into a editorial powerhouse.
Buying the standard licence, unlocks the CriticMarkup panel.
CriticMarkup, gives MMC (automatic) features akin to track changes traditionally found in word processors such as Microsoft Word and Apple Pages.
Enabling the Track Changes option (View -> Track Changes), will automatically generate the syntax for you as you type.
However, there's a slight gotcha -- one that stumped me for several minutes. While enabling track changes automatically adds markup, you won't see it action in the Preview of CriticMarkup panel unless the option is selected in the CriticMarkup settings tab.
Note the checked 'Enable CriticMarkup Support' if this is not selected you wont' see your changes live in the Preview or CriticMarkup panels {++ -- I should add, it's not enabled by default ++}{>>CB - 2018-02-08 12:53:59<<}.
The screenshot above shows the addition I made on the left (CriticMarkup panel) with syntax highlighting shown in both the editor (centre) and the preview (right.)
Returning the CriticMarkup settings window, you'll also not the option to automatically accept or reject proposed changes from the preview and exported documents. You can also insert automatic comment attributes and a datestamp.
Who is CriticMarkup for?
Realistically, a traditional editor or book publisher is not going to roll with CriticMarkup annotated markdown documents. That lot will still insist on using Word, which is remains the standard editorial tool -- overwhelmingly so.
Still, CriticMarkup could still have a place in web publications which write their content in markdown and use that markdown to generate HTML either directly using a static site generator or to be imported into a content management system like Wordpress.
Exporting
Like most markdown editors, MultiMarkdown Composer 4 offers the ability to export your text to common document formats, including Print/PDF, ePUB, OpenDocument and HTML as well as more specialised formats such as Latex and TextPack.
MultiMarkdown Composer is unique among many because the guy that built the app, also built the compiler (i.e. the bit of software used to convert markdown to the desired output).
Quick copy export
One of the most useful features is the option to export a selected snippet or the entire whole document in a compiled format straight to the macOS clipboard. The feature is available from the Edit -> Copy As menu or by right-clicking a selection of text and choosing the format from the Copy-As option.
The supported formats include HTML, LaTex and Rich Text. You'll note too that each option as a keyboard short, which is worth remember if you use this option frequently.
I often use the feature for sending email and importing chunks of text into Scrivener but its application can be used for a host of situations where you prefer to write in plain text/markdown but need to publish something quickly to a platform which requires formatted text.
HTML
Given markdown is primarily used for web writing, you'd expect robust HTML support. MultiMarkdown exports to very clean HTML5.
One of my favourite features is the ability to reference an external stylesheet by referencing a URL in the document metadata like so:
Multimarkdown Composer 4 Pro 4 5 12 Amp
There's even the option (in the Advanced Tab, pictured below) to embed the CSS into the compiled document, which is great for creating standalone documents that don't have external dependencies.
You'll note too in this menu the ability to include links to the MathJax and highlight.js CDNs to add mathematical diagrams and source code syntax highlighting to your exported HTML.
MMC can also read a relative link on your hard drive, however due to Apple's sandboxing policies, you'll be prompted to grant access to the directory containing the CSS file -- the same applies for references images too.
ePUB
ePUB is an essential part of my workflow, allowing me to carry documents to view on the go with my iPad mini, which is my preferred digital reader.
MMC produces perfectly acceptable ePUB3 files. My only criticism -- and it's a small one -- is that internally the content is compiled to a single HTML file, which can reduce performance on older, less powerful e-readers. For that reason, I would suggest that for production purposes, you optimise the ePUB in an dedicated ePUB editor like Sigil before publication.
Unfortunately it doesn't add a cover graphic. I'd like to see it render a referenced file linked from the metadata, for example:
If you'd like to view the ePUB version of this post, click here.
Print/PDF
Print/PDF support is basic at best and considering print/pdf support requires a paid upgrade I'm a little disappointed. Essentially what you get is a printout based on what's in the preview panel. While it's possible to customise the preview (using your own CSS stylesheet) there's no means to customise headers, footers, page numbering, margins etc and you're left to the mercy of the macOS print system.
To be honest, I get the feeling the developer never intended MMC for print production -- unlike Ulysses and Ulysses which can produce excellent looking PDFs.
If print is important to you then look at using LaTeX (see below) or a third-party tool like Marked 2 or PrinceXML.
If you'd like to view the PDF version of this post, click here.
Speciality formats
LaTeX
Writing in LaTeX is inhuman, but many academics, especially those dealing with lots of formula and calculations, find it essential. LaTeX is also used as an intermediate step for producing (very beautiful) PDFs for those with the patience to install and customise a full LaTeX distribution.
My own experience with this antiquated typesetting system is limited at best. My academic career ended 12 years ago and even then, I was an arts student and didn't need to typeset formulae. As for PDFs, in this digital age I find myself creating them less and less for print-production purposes.
Still, if LaTeX is your thing, rest assured MMC has you covered.
Textpack
Textpack is an archival format developed to exchange markdown documents and any associated images in a zipped folder. TextPack is already supported by Ulysses, Bear Note and the aforementioned Marked 2.app.
I had high-hopes for TextPack as a delivery mechanism for my blog; I've even written a Python parser that sits around on my server waiting to receive a TextPack over SSH. However for some reason, MMC doesn't conform exactly to the standard so I gave up in favour of using a simple zipped folder.
Drafting with MultiMarkdown Composer
In my reviews of Ulysses and iA Writer, I praised both apps for their drafting chops. Each presents the user with a beautiful, almost Zen-like environment that cuts the clutter and emphasises focus.
So, how does MMC 4 compare as a drafting platform?
My initial answer is: it's not bad out of the box, but you can make better through theming and learning the shortcuts.
Of all the markdown editors I've used, MMC is closest to the venerable text editor -- the program you turn to when you just want to crunch text. That's not to say its barebones or ugly -- far from it -- but you won't find the Zen nirvana of Ulysses or the focused minimalism of iA Writer.
For drafting, especially very long-form writing (i.e. novels), I prefer Scrivener with its powerful organisational tools and its distraction-free mode.
MMC though is perfectly adequate for drafting mid-sized texts -- like this 4000-ish word article. I wrote this whole piece in MMC, and I can't really fault the experience. For anything less than 5000 words it's great, which is why it's my first choice when I'm writing for my blog.
For me, I treat MMC like a word processor for markdown: it is to markdown what Microsoft Word is to docx. And that's okay..after all, it's by the chap who developed the MultiMarkdown standard in the first place.
Beyond 5,000 words and I'd probably jump straight to Scrivener with it celebrated feature set for long-form documents. In this scenario, MMC 4 is where my document goes after I've drafted it in, and exported it, from Scrivener. MMC is where I add metadata, check my markdown syntax and prepare the document for export to various publication formats.
In this respect, I find that Scrivener and MMC 4 make natural companions. There's been a long and healthy collaboration between the two developers to mutual benefit.
That said, there's nothing to stop you writing in MMC. MMC can be customised quite a lot, using JSON-based themes, meaning you could easily craft an environment more akin to the writing editor in Ulysses or iA Writer.
Also, MultiMarkdown has another trick up its sleeve: document transfusion. This feature allows you combine multiple markdown documents using a simple reference as follows:
Documents references in this way will be compiled into the final output, meaning you could quite easily use MultiMarkdown to compose and build a very large project using an index file, for example:
Each file can represent a chapter, allowing you to work on the manuscript in smaller chunks. What's missing though is the ability to see these files in the preview -- however I believe this feature is supported by the third-party Marked.app.
If the Project Management feature ever appears then presumably it would include some kind of project-level sidebar (like Scrivener's Binder or the Library in iA Writer and Ulysses) allowing you to easily navigate the individual files from within MMC.
What I'd like to see added
MultiMarkdown Composer 4 is a fantastic piece of software but there's several features I'd love to see implemented. To put it bluntly, this is what it would take to make me consider using MMC as a complete drafting and editing platform, not merely a place to write blog posts and polish my small-medium markdown documents.
Full regular expression support
For some bizarre reason, MMC doesn't include full regex support, instead offering a bunch of pre-created patterns. Presumably this make it more accessible to beginners but I'd like to see much more on offer. If MMC wants by the text editor for markdown, then it needs more power. I shouldn't have to switch to BB Edit just to run some regex.
Content folding/collapsing
One feature I love about iOS markdown app, Editorial, is the ability to collapse entire sections of a document. This can make working with very large documents much easier by allowing you to focus in on the section you are editing.
Linguistic focus
iA Writer and now Scrivener 3 have the ability to highly parts of grammar i.e: speech, nouns, verbs, etc. I find this extremely useful while editing, and given where I use MMC in my writing process, I'd love to see it adopt the feature.
Project management
Traditionally, as with a text editor or word processor, MMC has allowed you to work only on a single document. Contrast that to Scrivener, which is a complete project environment that works on the concept of breaking a manuscript into smaller, more manageable parts and assembling them into a finished product.
I've already noted MultiMarkdown has the ability to stitch separate documents together using transclusion syntax. However, there's no equivalent of Scrivener's binder or the Ulysses/iA Writer library to manage individual documents. It doesn't even have a file browser panel like you get with traditional text editors like Sublime Text or Gedit.
Luckily, the developer is interested in adding this feature to the pro version and needless to say I'll be looking forward to its implementation.
Conclusion
I gave up looking for the perfect markdown editor because I came to realise my workflow and my preferences as a writer are, and remain, imperfect. Once I accepted this, my decision became easier.
MultiMarkdown Composer 4 is not perfect. It doesn't solve all my problems. It does however, perfectly suit the tasks I give it for a price I'm prepared to pay.
I am perfectly content with the standard upgrade for now, but will keep an eye on the development of the pro-features. Hopefully they pan out the way I want so this great piece of software can be even more useful to me.
Support my site
If you think MultiMarkdown Composer is for you, and you'd like to support my site, please consider making your purchase using the affiliate link below.
As I am wont to do. ↩
Cmd 1 for left , Cmd 2 for the centre, Cmd 3 for the right-hand panel. ↩
Stock model with 8GB of RAM and an i5 CPU ↩
