Live Markdown EditorGetting started
Up and running in under a minute.
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Install the extension
Click Add to Chrome on the Chrome Web Store page, then pin Live Markdown Editor from the puzzle-piece menu so its icon is always visible.
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Open the extension menu
Click the extension icon in the toolbar, or press Alt + Shift + M.
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Choose “Open Markdown Editor”
The editor opens in a new tab with a welcome screen offering three choices: Open file, New document, or a sample document to explore the features.
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Start writing
Switch between Edit, Split and Preview at the top, and save with Ctrl + S.
The extension menu also gives quick access to Shortcuts, Settings, Privacy policy and Support.
Features
Everything you need to read and write Markdown comfortably.
Live Split view
Type on the left and the preview updates instantly, with synchronized scrolling.
Open, drop & save
Open files from disk or drag & drop them, then save back to the same file.
Multiple documents
Each file gets its own tab with separate undo history and scroll position.
Formatting toolbar
Headings, bold, lists, tasks, quotes, code, links, images, tables and more.
Outline sidebar
Jump to any heading; the section you are reading is highlighted.
Smart search
Case- and accent-insensitive search with results grouped by heading.
GitHub-style Markdown
Tables, task lists, auto-links and syntax-highlighted code blocks with a copy button.
Print & PDF
Print only the rendered document, always in a clean light theme.
Light & dark themes
Follow your system theme or pick one, with a smooth transition.
Edit, Split & Preview
Three views, one click (or shortcut) apart.
Edit
A full-width editor with Markdown syntax highlighting. Ctrl+Alt+1
Split
Editor and preview side by side; the preview updates as you type. Ctrl+Alt+2
Preview
Read-only rendered document — ideal for reading. Ctrl+Alt+3
Tips for Split view
- Drag the divider to resize the two panes. Double-click it to reset to 50 / 50, or focus it and use the arrow keys.
- Scrolling one side keeps the other side aligned to the same part of the document (can be turned off in Settings).
- Click a task checkbox in the preview to tick it — the source text updates too.
- The view you open files in by default can be chosen in Settings.
Opening & saving files
Your files stay on your computer — nothing is uploaded anywhere.
Open a file
- Click Open (or press Ctrl+O) and pick one or more
.mdfiles. - Or drag & drop files anywhere onto the editor page.
- Each file opens in its own tab. Opening a file that is already open simply switches to its tab.
Work with document tabs
- An orange dot on a tab means it has unsaved changes.
- New document: click +, double-click an empty area of the tab bar, or press Alt+N.
- Close: click × on the tab, middle-click it, or press Ctrl+Q / Alt+W. You will be asked before closing unsaved work.
- Switch: Alt+PageDown / Alt+PageUp.
Save your work
- Save (Ctrl+S) writes changes straight back to the original file when it was opened with the Open button.
- Save as (Ctrl+Shift+S) saves to a new file.
- Download saves a copy to your Downloads folder.
When Chrome can’t give write access to the original file (for example some dropped files), the editor works on a copy and reminds you to use Save as or Download. Chrome will also warn you if you try to close the page with unsaved changes.
Editing & formatting
A fast editor with syntax highlighting and a formatting toolbar.
- The toolbar inserts headings, bold, italic,
strikethrough, bulleted/numbered/task lists, quotes, code, links, images, tables and horizontal rules. - Select text first to wrap it, e.g. Ctrl+B for bold or Ctrl+K for a link.
- Press Ctrl+F inside the editor to find & replace.
- Code blocks in the preview are syntax-highlighted and have a copy button.
- Line numbers, word wrap and font size can be adjusted in Settings.
Print & PDF
Turn any Markdown file into a clean printout or PDF.
- Click Print in the top bar or press Ctrl+P. Choose Save as PDF as the destination to create a PDF.
- Only the rendered document is printed — no editor, sidebar or buttons — and always in the light theme.
- Code blocks, tables, images and quotes are kept on one page where possible, and link URLs are printed next to the link text.
Settings
Open from the extension menu → Settings. Changes are saved automatically and apply to open editors instantly.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Theme | System, Light or Dark. Toggle any time with Ctrl+Shift+L. |
| Default view | Which view (Edit, Split or Preview) a file opens in. |
| Font size | Separate sizes for the editor and the preview. |
| Content width | How wide the rendered document is in the preview. |
| Line numbers | Show or hide line numbers in the editor. |
| Word wrap | Wrap long lines in the editor instead of scrolling sideways. |
| Sync scroll | Keep editor and preview aligned while scrolling in Split view. |
| Reset | Restore all settings to their defaults. |
Keyboard shortcuts
The full list is also available from the extension menu → Shortcuts.
To change the shortcut that opens the extension menu, go to chrome://extensions/shortcuts.
FAQ
Common questions.
Is it free?
Yes. Live Markdown Editor is completely free, with no ads and no account required.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Files are read, rendered and saved entirely inside your browser. See the privacy policy.
Does it work offline?
Yes. All code is bundled with the extension. Only remote images referenced in your documents need an internet connection.
Why does Save ask me to “Save as” or “Download”?
Chrome only lets the extension write back to a file that you opened through the Open button. For other files the editor works on a copy, so use Save as to choose where to save, or Download.
Can I open a .md file by clicking a file:// link?
Not yet. For now, open the editor from the extension menu and use Open or drag & drop the file onto the page.
Are my open tabs restored after I reload the page?
Not currently. Save your work before reloading or closing the editor — Chrome will warn you if there are unsaved changes.
Which Markdown features are supported?
CommonMark plus GitHub-style extras: tables, task lists, strikethrough, auto-links and fenced code blocks with syntax highlighting. Raw HTML in documents is sanitized for safety.
Privacy policy
Effective date: October 12, 2026
Summary
Live Markdown Editor works entirely on your device. It does not collect, transmit, sell or share any personal data, and it contains no analytics, tracking or advertising.
Your files
Markdown files you open are read and rendered locally in your browser. Their contents are never sent to any server. Files are only read when you open or drop them, and only written when you choose to save, save as, or download them.
Stored data
Your preferences (theme, view, font sizes and similar settings) are saved with Chrome storage. If Chrome sync is turned on, Chrome may sync these preferences across your devices. No document content is stored by the extension.
Permissions
- storage — remember your preferences.
Remote content
All code is bundled with the extension. Links in your documents open in a new tab only when you click them, and remote images referenced in a document are loaded directly by Chrome, just like on a web page.
Changes
If this policy changes, the updated version will be published with a new effective date.
Support the project
Live Markdown Editor is free. If it helps you, consider supporting its development. Thank you!