This preview renders markdown to HTML. Note: output is not sanitized, so avoid untrusted input.
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What is the Markdown Preview?
Markdown is a lightweight text format that converts plain text (using symbols like #, *, >, and []) into styled HTML. A markdown preview tool displays the rendered output alongside your raw code, so you can verify formatting, check links, and spot errors before publishing.
How it works
Type or paste markdown syntax into the left panel. The tool parses your text in real time using a markdown parser and renders the HTML output in the right panel. As you type, the preview updates instantly—headings become large, bold text darkens, links become clickable, lists indent, and code blocks highlight. No buttons to click, no delays.
Examples
Input
Result
Notes
# Hello World
This is **bold** and this is *italic*.
A large heading 'Hello World', followed by text where 'bold' appears dark and bold, and 'italic' appears slanted.
Basic formatting: # creates an H1 heading, ** makes bold, * makes italic.
A bulleted list with three items, followed by a clickable blue link labeled 'Visit Example'.
- creates bullet points, [text](url) creates a link.
```python
print('Hello')
```
A code block with gray background, monospace font, and syntax highlighting for Python keywords.
Triple backticks with a language name add code block styling and syntax highlight.
How to use the Markdown Preview
Paste or type your markdown text into the input panel on the left
Watch the formatted preview render in the right panel in real time
Click any link in the preview to test it
Copy the rendered HTML output if needed for your blog or website
Adjust your markdown syntax and see changes instantly
Benefits
See exactly how your markdown renders before publishing or sharing
Catch formatting mistakes like broken links, missing bold tags, or malformed lists early
No learning curve—type markdown and see results immediately
Works offline in your browser—no servers, no slowdown
Ideal for README files, documentation, blog posts, and technical writing
Tips & common mistakes
Common mistakes
Using only spaces instead of dashes or asterisks for lists (markdown requires - or * at the start)
Forgetting to include a space after # for headings (###No Space won't render as H3)
Mixing link syntax: [text url] won't work; must be [text](url) with parentheses
Nesting code blocks inside lists without proper indentation, breaking the list structure
Assuming markdown renders HTML entities like directly (they display as plain text)
Tips
Use # for main titles, ## for sections, ### for subsections—up to 6 levels deep
Leave a blank line between paragraphs so they don't merge together
Use > to create blockquotes; great for callouts and citations
Combine formatting: ***bold italic*** works, but ****nested too**** does not
Reference markdown cheat sheets while writing to master symbols like ~strikethrough~ and [links][reference-style]
Frequently asked questions
Can I export the preview as HTML?
Most markdown preview tools copy the raw HTML from the right panel. Select, copy, and paste into an HTML file or your CMS. Some tools offer a download button—check the toolbar.
Does markdown work on all websites?
No. Markdown renders natively on GitHub, Reddit, Discord, and Slack. Medium, Notion, and other platforms have their own subset of markdown rules. Always check your target platform's markdown guide.
What's the difference between markdown and HTML?
Markdown is shorthand syntax that converts to HTML. HTML is more verbose (e.g., **bold** in markdown is <strong>bold</strong> in HTML). Markdown is faster to write; HTML is more powerful.
Can I nest lists more than 3 levels deep?
Yes. Indent each nested item by 4 spaces or 1 tab. The preview will render deeper levels correctly.
Why doesn't my link show as clickable in the preview?
Check the syntax: [text](url) with parentheses is required. Also, the URL must start with http://, https://, or / for local links. Bare URLs won't hyperlink.
Can I use HTML tags inside markdown?
Yes. Most markdown parsers allow raw HTML—just type <div> or <button> and they'll render. However, some strict parsers reject inline HTML for security reasons.