Read a file, then decide what to change
Looking for an online MD viewer to read a README or a set of notes? Open the .md file and choose Preview for a reading view. If you need to make changes, switch to Editor or Split; the source remains available to inspect and save.
Use keyboard shortcuts for frequent edits, open a file when you already have a draft, and keep local draft storage optional. A saved browser draft belongs to this browser profile; it is not a cloud backup.
An editor that keeps the source in view
Read an MD file without editing
Use the preview as an MD file viewer for headings, lists, tables and code. It hides the source panel so you can read the document; switching back to Editor does not discard your text.
Insert the complicated bits
Create a starter table, add an inline or display equation, insert a Mermaid example, or embed a local raster image. Then edit the inserted source directly.
Markdown live preview as you write
Choose Split to keep the source and rendered document side by side. Changes appear after a short pause in typing, making it easier to check table alignment, code blocks and supported formulas. Long documents may need a manual preview update.
Choose how to work
Use Editor, Preview or Split mode, enter Focus mode, adjust typography and zoom the document. Download Markdown whenever you need a portable copy.
Start with a document you actually need
A project README
Open a README for a quick read, then use Split when you want to revise its setup instructions.
# Project name A short explanation of **what this project does**. ## Getting started ```bash npm ci ``` ## Next steps - [ ] Add a working example - [ ] Review documentation
- Clear first paragraph
- Commands in code fences
- Actionable checklist
A decision note with a diagram
Keep the reasoning and its flowchart in one source file.
# Review workflow ```mermaid flowchart LR A[Draft] --> B[Review] B --> C[Publish] ``` The reviewer checks claims before the document is shared.
- Diagram syntax is valid
- Labels are readable
- Text explains the diagram
Open, preview and save your document
Open a file or paste its contents
Choose Open file for a .md document, or paste Markdown into the editor. For a README on GitHub, save the raw file first; entering its web address does not import the document.
Read it or review changes side by side
Choose Preview to read without the source panel. To revise the document, use Split for a live preview while you edit. The toolbar helps you add headings, links, lists and tables without memorizing every syntax rule.
Save a copy you can keep editing
Choose Download MD to keep the source on your device. HTML is useful for a rendered document; use the PDF tool when you need a reading copy for sharing. Browser draft storage is optional and is not a substitute for a saved file.
Check the result before sharing
| Content | What to do | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Accidental formatting | Check the generated source after a toolbar action. | Bold and lists remain ordinary Markdown and can be changed manually. |
| Draft recovery | Enable saving, edit, reload and restore a small draft. | Storage is device-specific and may be cleared by browser settings. |
| AI-generated text | Verify facts and remove broken fences or unsupported formulas. | Formatting can improve readability; it does not establish factual accuracy. |
Questions about this workflow
Can I use this as an online MD viewer without editing?
Yes. Choose Open file, select your .md document and switch to Preview. You can read the rendered content without changing the source. When you do need an edit, switch back to Editor or Split.
How can I preview an MD file online while writing?
Paste your source or open a file, then choose Split. The preview updates after a short pause as you type. If automatic preview pauses for a long document, use Update preview. No document upload is needed to edit or view the result.
Can I use it without knowing all Markdown syntax?
The toolbar inserts common syntax and the examples provide a starting point. Keeping the source visible helps you learn what the buttons change.
Where are drafts stored?
Only in this browser when local saving is enabled. They are not synchronized across devices, and clearing browser storage removes them. Download MD for a durable copy.
What happens with a very long document?
Editing and source download remain available. Automatic preview may pause to keep the editor responsive; update it manually when you want to inspect the result.
Are HTML tags supported?
The editor accepts a small set of attribute-free formatting tags for underline, superscript, subscript, keyboard keys and highlighting. Other raw HTML is shown as text.
Can I use formulas and diagrams?
The editor renders supported KaTeX formulas and Mermaid code blocks. Invalid content is flagged so you can correct the source before rendered export.
How this tool handles your document
- The editor and preview run in your browser.
- Local draft saving is optional and can be disabled or cleared.
- PDF download is a separate server operation; local Print and MD/HTML downloads are available.
Format referencesCommonMark helpGitHub Flavored Markdown specification
Report a reproducible problemTell us the browser, selected settings and a small non-confidential example. Do not email private documents.