How to open a .md file

A .md file is a plain-text document written with Markdown formatting. You can open it in any text editor, but a Markdown reader turns the symbols into headings, links, lists, tables, code blocks, and other document elements.

Open an .md file in a browser

Open MarkdownPaper, choose the file, and select a .md, .markdown, .mdown, .mkd, or .mdx document. On desktop you can also drag the file into the window. The file is read locally by the browser; it is not first uploaded to a conversion service.

If somebody sent you Markdown as text rather than as a file, use the Paste text action on the reader. You can also paste a public GitHub or raw Markdown URL and let MarkdownPaper retrieve that public resource.

macOS, Windows, and Linux

Every operating system can open Markdown as plain text. Use a code editor when you need to change the source. Use a dedicated reader when you want a better long-form reading view, printable typography, and less application chrome.

The MarkdownPaper desktop app for Mac and Windows is designed to become the default app for Markdown files, open folders of documents, and notice when another program changes the file on disk. See desktop availability.

Is an .md file safe?

Markdown is text, but rendered Markdown can contain links, images, or raw HTML. MarkdownPaper sanitizes rendered HTML and does not execute scripts embedded in a document. As with any document, inspect links before following an unfamiliar destination.

If your next step is sharing the result, read the guide to saving Markdown as PDF.