What is Markdown?
Markdown is a lightweight markup language created in 2004 by John Gruber and Aaron Swartz. Unlike HTML—which uses verbose tags like `text`—Markdown uses simple symbols like `**text**` for formatting. The core philosophy is readability: Markdown documents should be publishable as-is, as plain text, without looking like they've been marked up with tags or formatting instructions. When you write `# Heading` or `**bold text**`, these patterns remain intuitive even when viewed in raw form.
Markdown converts to HTML through parser libraries (like 'marked', 'markdown-it', or CommonMark implementations). A Markdown document is essentially a plain text file with formatting conventions that tools recognize and transform into structured HTML. This simplicity made Markdown the de facto standard for technical documentation, GitHub README files, forum posts (Reddit, Stack Overflow), note-taking apps (Obsidian, Notion), and static site generators (Jekyll, Hugo, Eleventy).
How Does a Markdown Editor Work?
Our Markdown editor uses JavaScript to parse and render your text in real-time. As you type in the left pane, the tool passes your text to the 'marked' library—a popular JavaScript Markdown parser. The library scans your text for Markdown syntax patterns (like `##` for headings or `*` for lists), converts them to HTML tags, and outputs formatted HTML. The right pane displays this HTML instantly, giving you a live preview of how your document will appear when published.
This two-pane approach (source on left, rendered preview on right) is standard across Markdown editors because it provides immediate visual feedback while preserving the plain-text source for editing. All processing happens in your browser—your text never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy for sensitive documents.
Markdown Syntax Quick Reference
- Headings: `# H1`, `## H2`, `### H3` (up to 6 levels)
- Bold: `**bold text**` or `__bold text__`
- Italic: `*italic text*` or `_italic text_`
- Lists: Unordered with `-` or `*`, ordered with `1.`, `2.`, etc.
- Links: `[Link Text](https://example.com)`
- Images: ``
- Code: Inline with backticks `code`, blocks with triple backticks ```code```
- Blockquotes: `> Quoted text`
- Horizontal Rule: `---` or `***`
- Tables: Use pipes `|` and hyphens `-` to create tables (GitHub Flavored Markdown)
Why Use Markdown?
- Portability: Markdown files are plain text, readable in any text editor on any device. No proprietary formats or expensive software required.
- Version Control: Because Markdown is plain text, it works seamlessly with Git. You can track changes, collaborate via pull requests, and merge documents—impossible with binary formats like .docx.
- Focus on Content: Unlike word processors with endless formatting options, Markdown limits choices to what matters: headings, emphasis, links, lists. This constraint reduces distraction and speeds up writing.
- Future-Proof: Plain text files remain readable decades later. Word processor formats change with software updates, but a Markdown file from 2004 opens perfectly today.
- Platform Agnostic: The same Markdown source can generate HTML websites, PDF documents, slideshows, ebooks, and more using different converters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I make text bold in Markdown?
Surround your text with two asterisks or underscores, like **bold text** or __bold text__.
Can I convert Markdown to HTML?
Yes, our editor automatically renders the HTML. You can see the visual result on the right side.
Does this support GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM)?
Yes, we use the 'marked' library which supports most standard Markdown features including tables and code blocks.
How do I create links in Markdown?
Use the syntax [Link Text](URL). For example, [Google](https://google.com) creates a clickable link to Google.
Can I embed code in Markdown?
Yes. Use single backticks for inline code like `console.log()`, or triple backticks (```) for code blocks with optional syntax highlighting (e.g., ```javascript).
Is my Markdown saved automatically?
This tool runs entirely in your browser and does not save your work automatically. Copy your Markdown to a text file or use the 'Copy MD' button to preserve your content.