How to open a .md file
- Drop the
.mdfile on this page, or click Open .md file. - Read it formatted: headings, lists, tables, code, pictures, formulas and diagrams.
- Want to change something? Click Edit it to see the Markdown beside the preview.
What is a .md file?
A Markdown file is plain text with a few marks for formatting: # starts a heading, **text** is bold, - starts a list item. Open in Notepad or TextEdit, you see those marks; open here, you see the formatted document.
READMEs from GitHub, notes from Obsidian, documentation and the answers of AI assistants are all Markdown.
Open .md files with a double-click
Install Lumidown from Chrome or Edge (File → Install app). It then appears in your computer's Open with menu for .md files — and keeps working offline.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a .md file on Windows or Mac?
Drop it on this page. To open .md files with a double-click, install Lumidown (File → Install app in Chrome or Edge) and choose it in Open with.
Why does my .md file show # and ** symbols?
Text editors show Markdown as it is written. A Markdown viewer like this one turns the marks into headings, bold text and lists.
Can I view a README from GitHub?
Yes: download the file (or open it as Raw and copy it) and drop or paste it here.
Is the file uploaded?
No. It is read and shown in your browser only.
Can I print it or save it as PDF?
Yes: Print or PDF opens your browser's print dialog — choose Save as PDF.