Read the document behind the Markdown symbols
An MD file is plain text with instructions for headings, links and other formatting. A text editor shows the symbols; a Markdown viewer turns them into a reading view. Open a local file or paste its content here without installing another app.
This page starts with the rendered document. Use the outline to move between sections, search for a phrase, or adjust the reading width. When you need to change the source, Continue in editor opens the existing editor with your text on this browser.
A viewer built around reading
Start with a file, not an editor setup
Open .md, .markdown or .txt files, or drop a file onto the tool. Paste Markdown is available when the source comes from a README or an AI answer.
Find a section or a sentence
The heading outline links to rendered sections. Text search highlights literal matches in the document; Previous and Next move through them. Formula and diagram graphics are excluded from text search.
A reading width you control
Choose font, size, line spacing, width and a light, warm or dark reading surface. Full-screen reading keeps the document in the foreground; Escape exits that view.
Keep a usable copy
Download the original MD file or a standalone HTML reading copy. HTML can include a heading directory. Search highlights are not included in the saved document.
Try these reading checks
A README with clear sections
A short project document for checking headings and links.
# Project README ## Install Run `npm install`. ## Requirements - A modern browser - A local Markdown file ## Notes See [the CommonMark guide](https://commonmark.org/help/).
- Use Contents to reach Requirements.
- Search for browser to jump to the matching text.
Repeated section names
Duplicate headings get separate links instead of pointing to the same section.
# Review ## Notes First reviewer. ## Notes Second reviewer. ```text ## This line is code, not a heading ```
- Each Notes entry opens its own section.
- The heading inside the code fence is absent from Contents.
Open, navigate and keep a copy
Open or paste the source
Choose an MD file, drag it into the tool, or expand Paste Markdown. Use the example if you want to inspect tables and a diagram first.
Read and navigate
Expand the heading directory, enter a search phrase, and adjust appearance. External image loading is optional and contacts the image host when enabled.
Save or continue editing
Download MD to keep the editable original, or HTML for a reading copy. Continue in editor transfers the source locally; no public sharing link is created.
Check the result before sharing
| Content | What to do | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Images | Check the file paths before enabling external images. | A relative local path cannot resolve from a lone MD file. |
| Navigation | Try repeated headings and a heading inside a code block. | Only real headings enter Contents, with separate links for repeated names. |
| Export | Open the saved HTML and click a directory link. | The reading copy links to its own headings, without the website controls. |
Opening and reading MD files
How do I open an MD file online?
Choose Open file or drag a .md file into this tool. You can also paste the raw Markdown. The browser reads and renders the text locally.
Can I preview README.md without editing it?
Yes. Open a downloaded README.md or paste its raw text. The reading view is the default; editing is a separate action.
Why do local images in a README not appear?
Paths such as images/logo.png refer to other files that are not included in the MD file. Use an embedded image or a complete HTTPS image address. External addresses require the image-loading option.
Can I read on a phone?
Yes. The directory stacks above the document on a narrow screen. Pick the MD file from device storage or paste text; some mobile file pickers expose fewer file types.
Does the viewer send my document to a server?
Opening, rendering, searching and downloading MD or HTML happen in your browser. Optional external images contact their own hosts. The website still uses its usual analytics and advertising services.
Does the HTML download keep my search highlights?
No. The downloaded document uses the rendered content before search marking. You can choose to include Contents; fonts and text size follow the reading settings within the export limits.
How this tool handles your document
- MD reading, search and HTML/MD downloads run on this device.
- Continue in editor temporarily uses this tab’s session storage and removes that handoff value when the editor reads it.
- External images are off initially. Enabling them sends image requests to the image hosts; document processing stays local.
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.
