Previewing Markdown as you type usually means using an IDE or a separate app. The Markdown Preview does it in the browser: write or paste Markdown and see the rendered result in real time, with support for GitHub Flavored Markdown—no sign-up and no data sent to a server.
What does the Markdown preview do?
Markdown Preview lets you type or paste Markdown and see the rendered result in real time. It supports GitHub Flavored Markdown. You can export the HTML. All processing is client-side. Supported features include tables, task lists, strikethrough, and code blocks. You can copy the rendered HTML output for use in other applications. Rendering runs in your browser; your text is never uploaded or stored. Use it to write READMEs, docs, or comments and see how they will look, or to convert Markdown to HTML for pasting elsewhere.
Key Features
- Real-time — Type or paste Markdown and see the rendered result in real time. Supports GitHub Flavored Markdown.
- Features — GitHub Flavored Markdown including tables, task lists, strikethrough, and code blocks.
- Export HTML — Yes. You can copy the rendered HTML output for use in other applications.
- Privacy — No. Your content is not sent to a server. Rendering runs in your browser. Your text is never uploaded or stored.
- No account — Use as often as you need without sign-up.
- Unexpected render — Some extensions (e.g. footnotes, definition lists) may not be supported. Use standard GFM syntax; check that code fences and list indentation are correct if Markdown does not render as expected.
How to Use the Markdown Preview
- Open the Markdown Preview tool.
- Type or paste Markdown in the editor. View the live preview. Copy HTML if needed.
- Use the "Use tool" button on the docs page if you are reading this from the documentation.
Real Use Cases
- Write READMEs — Compose README.md and see how it will look on GitHub or elsewhere. Fix formatting before committing.
- Docs and comments — Draft documentation or issue comments. Preview links, tables, and code blocks. Export HTML for pasting into a CMS or email.
- Convert Markdown to HTML — Paste Markdown and copy the rendered HTML. Use in emails, wikis, or tools that accept HTML.
- Teaching — Show how Markdown maps to HTML. Demonstrate GFM features (tables, task lists, code).
- Quick notes — Jot down formatted notes and see the result. Copy HTML for embedding elsewhere.
- Review — Paste Markdown from a PR or doc and preview before merging or publishing.
Why Use the Markdown Preview Instead of Alternatives?
- vs. HTML Minifier — HTML Minifier minifies HTML. This tool renders Markdown to HTML. Use both: preview to get HTML, then minify if needed.
- vs. Word Counter — Word Counter counts words. This tool previews Markdown. Use both: preview for layout, word count for length.
- vs. Diff Checker — Diff Checker compares two texts. This tool shows one Markdown rendered. Different purpose.
- vs. IDE — No install. Works in the browser. Good for one-off or sharing.
Some extensions (e.g. footnotes, definition lists) may not be supported. Use standard GFM syntax; check that code fences and list indentation are correct if your Markdown does not render as expected.
Benefits for Writers, Developers, and Educators
- Writers — Compose in Markdown and see the result. Export HTML for publishing.
- Developers — Preview README and docs. Verify tables and code blocks.
- Educators — Teach Markdown with live preview. Show GFM features.
Common Mistakes
- Markdown not rendering as expected — Some extensions (e.g. footnotes, definition lists) may not be supported. Use standard GFM syntax; check that code fences and list indentation are correct.
- Code block not showing — Use fenced code blocks with a language (e.g. ```js). Ensure no missing backticks.
- Expecting full CommonMark — Tool supports GFM. Some CommonMark or Pandoc extensions may not work.
- Forgetting to copy — The HTML export is not saved. Copy before closing the tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Markdown preview do?
It lets you type or paste Markdown and see the rendered result in real time. Supports GitHub Flavored Markdown. You can export the HTML. All processing is client-side.
What Markdown features are supported?
GitHub Flavored Markdown including tables, task lists, strikethrough, and code blocks.
Can I export the HTML?
Yes, you can copy the rendered HTML output for use in other applications.
Is my content sent to a server?
No. Rendering runs in your browser. Your text is never uploaded or stored.
When should I use the Markdown preview?
Use it to write READMEs, docs, or comments and see how they will look, or to convert Markdown to HTML for pasting elsewhere.
Why does my Markdown not render as expected?
Some extensions (e.g. footnotes, definition lists) may not be supported. Use standard GFM syntax; check that code fences and list indentation are correct.
Markdown Preview gives you live rendering and HTML export: type or paste, preview, copy. No account, no server round-trip. For HTML minify use HTML Minifier, for word count use Word Counter, and for diff use Diff Checker.
Use the Markdown Preview tool to preview Markdown.