What is .md?
.md files contain text written in Markdown, a lightweight markup language with plain text formatting syntax. It is designed to be easy to read and write, and is often converted to HTML for viewing.
This quick guide explains when to use .md files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .md files
- You are writing documentation, README files, or wikis.
- You want to write rich text without a complex WYSIWYG editor.
- You need a format that is readable as raw text but renders beautifully.
- You are blogging (like on GitHub, Discord, or static site generators).
How to open .md files
MD files are plain text and can be opened in any text editor. Dedicated Markdown editors (like Obsidian, Typora) or VS Code provide live previews.
Algorithm details
Markdown parsers read the plain text and convert specific characters (like # for headers, * for lists) into HTML tags. There are various flavors like CommonMark and GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM).
Browser & platform support
- Native: Most browsers display raw text by default.
- Extensions: Browser extensions can render Markdown as HTML.
- GitHub/GitLab: Automatically rendered in repositories.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Simplicity | Much simpler than HTML or LaTeX. Human-readable source. |
| Portability | Can be converted to HTML, PDF, DOCX, and more. |
| Focus | Focuses on content and structure rather than styling. |
How to create md files
- Text Editors: VS Code, Notepad, Vim.
- Markdown Editors: Obsidian, Typora, iA Writer.
- Online Editors: StackEdit, Dillinger.
How to convert md files
- Pandoc: Universal converter (MD to PDF, Word, HTML).
- Static Site Generators: Hugo, Jekyll, Next.js (render to website).
- FileXhost: Upload to share or view.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Easy to learn and write
- Clean, readable raw text
- Widely supported in developer tools (GitHub, VS Code)
- Platform independent
Disadvantages
- Limited formatting options compared to Word/HTML
- Different flavors (GFM, CommonMark) can have inconsistencies
- Embedding complex media can be tricky
Tools & software
Editors
VS Code, Obsidian, Typora, iA Writer
Viewers
GitHub, GitLab, marked.js
Converters
Pandoc, Hugo, Jekyll
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between .md and .mdx?
MDX is a superset of Markdown that allows you to embed JSX (React components) directly inside your Markdown files.
How do I make text bold in Markdown?
You can wrap the text in double asterisks, like **bold text**.
Can Markdown render images?
Yes, using the syntax ``.
Technical specs
- File type
- Document
- Extension
- .md
- MIME type
- text/markdown, text/x-markdown
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .md files instantly
Upload your .md file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .md file