MARKDOWN File Extension
Markdown Documentation Format
- File Type markdown
- Developer John Gruber
- Popularity
- Application Markdown
- Category Text Files
- Format Binary
What is a MARKDOWN file?
Markdown Documentation Format, identified by the MARKDOWN extension, is a Text Files type and includes 315 files.
With the creation of the Markdown Documentation Format (MARKDOWN), John Gruber introduced file format along with programs built for their use.
MARKDOWN files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. You can open a MARKDOWN file using one of 8 programs, for example Markdown, TextEdit and Sublime Text.
Programs that support MARKDOWN files
How to open a MARKDOWN file?
The most common reason why a MARKDOWN file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
The most popular programs for working with MARKDOWN files are Markdown, TextEdit and Sublime Text. To get the latest version of Markdown, open the John Gruber website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Markdown as the default app for MARKDOWN files.
Make Markdown the default MARKDOWN viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your MARKDOWN file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Markdown as the application to associate with your MARKDOWN file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired MARKDOWN file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to Markdown. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a MARKDOWN file?
To edit MARKDOWN files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify text files. Online MARKDOWN editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Markdown Documentation Format.
List of Top MARKDOWN editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended MARKDOWN editors.
| MARKDOWN Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| TextEdit | Apple | Mac OS | 4.8 out of 5 (40 reviews) |
| Gedit | GNOME | Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (38 reviews) |
| Markdown | John Gruber | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
| Notepad++ | Notepad++ Team | Windows | 4.6 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Sublime Text | Sublime HQ Pty | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.6 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Windows Notepad | Microsoft | Windows | 4.2 out of 5 (37 reviews) |
| Atom | - | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.1 out of 5 (36 reviews) |
Finding answers to MARKDOWN file problems
If you encounter issues with MARKDOWN files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my MARKDOWN file is damaged?
Corrupted MARKDOWN text files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Markdown;
- Opening or processing the file in Markdown or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the MARKDOWN file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does Markdown quit or crash unexpectedly?
Markdown crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for John Gruber products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged MARKDOWN file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged MARKDOWN file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged text files.