Double-click .md files to read instantly
One-click install, zero configuration. Open .md files directly and read Markdown documents like browsing a webpage. On Windows, mdview automatically associates .md files after installation — just double-click to preview. On Android, simply install the APK and open. The installer is only 1.7MB.
Two ways to get it: Community Edition is free forever, or get the Pro Edition for $4.99 lifetime unlock (includes Mermaid diagrams and math formulas).
mdview
Lightweight Markdown Viewer
Run the installer mdview-setup.exe
Auto-registers .md file association
Double-click any Markdown file to view
Focused on Markdown reading, done right
You don't need a heavyweight editor — just a quiet, efficient reading window. All features below are available in both editions; the Pro Edition additionally offers Mermaid diagram and math formula (KaTeX) rendering.
Live Refresh
Auto re-renders after saving the file — no manual refresh needed. SSE push makes changes instantly visible.
Double-Click to Open
Got a .md file? No need for VS Code, Typora, or Obsidian — after installation, it auto-registers the .md file association so you can double-click to read.
Document Outline
Automatically extracts headings to generate a floating table of contents. Click to jump, and it auto-highlights the current section while scrolling.
Source Code Editing
Select text and press Ctrl+E to automatically open your editor and jump to the corresponding line.
Local Images
Automatically loads local images from the same directory as your Markdown file. Supports PNG, JPG, SVG, GIF and more.
Dark / Light Theme
One-click toggle via right-click menu. The outline and popups all adapt, and your preference is auto-saved.
Export to PDF
Right-click to print/export directly, making it easy to archive or share documents with others.
Ad-Free & Private
Runs locally. Files never leave your computer, no account required, complete privacy.
Just want to take a look? Why open an editor?
Every time you double-click a .md file, you just need to "read" — not "edit"
VS Code / Typora
Takes 3–5 seconds to launch, loading tons of plugins and features. Just to read a README? Overkill.
Browser + Extension
Can't double-click local .md files directly — you have to drag-and-drop or copy-paste every time. Too many steps.
mdview
Double-click to open, instant response. 1.7MB installer, zero config, Esc to exit — as effortless as macOS Quick Look.
Your files never leave your computer
mdview runs 100% locally. It only starts a temporary HTTP server on localhost to render the page — your Markdown content is never uploaded to any server. No accounts, no tracking, no telemetry.
Three steps to start reading
Simpler than setting up an environment, faster than opening a browser
Download the installer
Download the mdview-setup.exe installer.
Tip: Save it to a familiar folder before running.
Run the installer
Run the installer — it will automatically complete installation and .md file association,
then show a welcome window confirming the status.
Double-click .md files
From now on, double-click any Markdown file
to instantly view the rendered result.
During installation or first run, Windows may show a SmartScreen warning. Click "More info" → "Run anyway" to proceed. This software runs entirely locally and uploads no data — feel free to use it with confidence.
Questions you might have
What is a .md file?
# for headings, ** for bold, - for lists). Open-source project READMEs and AI-generated answers mostly use it. Notepad can open it but only shows the source code — use mdview to see the formatted result. See How to open .md files?
How do I open md files on Windows?
Why does my md file show nothing but # and * symbols?
# means heading, * means bold or list. Notepad only displays raw text without rendering formatting. Open it with mdview to see proper headings, lists, and bold text. See Why does my .md file show only # symbols?
Is mdview free?
What's the difference between Community and Pro? Which should I choose?
· Most users choose the Pro Edition — two extra core rendering features for a one-time $4.99 unlock, with free updates for life as new features are added.
· Need Mermaid diagrams / math formulas / want to support the developer? Choose Pro Edition — $4.99 lifetime unlock, try 100 times first before deciding.
Android only offers the free Community Edition.
What should I do when Windows says "Protected your PC"? Is it safe?
What are the system requirements?
Android: Android 7.0 or above.
How do I unregister the .md file association?
Method 2: Run the command mdview --unbind.
Method 3: Run mdview --uninstall to also remove the right-click context menu.
How does it differ from Typora / VS Code?
Does it support Mermaid diagrams and math formulas? Which edition?
Markdown Tips & Tool Guides
From opening .md files to exporting PDFs — practical articles to make your Markdown experience smoother.
Windows Productivity Toolkit: 9 Must-Have Tools
Total Commander, PixPin, Sublime Text, Everything, Clink, Windows Terminal, mdview, Obsidian, CapCut — a complete 9-part series.
View seriesWhat is a .md file? Understand in one minute
.md is the extension for Markdown documents. Learn what it is and how to open it in one minute.
Why does my .md file show only # symbols?
It's not garbled or corrupted — you're seeing Markdown source code.
Add Some Color to Your Markdown Documents
New "Color Themes": 8 built-in themes, one-click switch via right-click menu.
Why Does AI Love Markdown So Much?
ChatGPT, Claude, and DeepSeek all default to Markdown responses. Here are four reasons why.
How to Convert Documents to Markdown?
One-click Word / PDF / PPT to .md conversion, with markitdown and other methods compared.
Why I Built mdview
Just wanted to glance at a Markdown file — why open a full editor?
A User Tipped Us for a Coffee
A bug was fixed the same day. The user found us through DeepSeek.
How to Convert Markdown to PDF?
The easiest one-click export method, with four approaches compared.
How to Read Markdown Files on Your Phone?
Complete Android reading guide, with three approaches compared.
mdview vs Typora vs VS Code: Which to Choose?
Compared across five dimensions to help you pick the best Markdown tool.
Best Markdown Viewers in 2026
Cross-comparison of popular Windows / Android tools, with a detailed comparison table.
How to Open .md Files on Windows?
3 methods compared in detail to help you get started with Markdown reading.
Choose the right edition for you
Both editions share the same core features; the Pro Edition additionally supports Mermaid diagrams and math formulas for just $4.99 lifetime unlock. Same product — installing one overwrites the other. Pick whichever suits you.
Community Edition
Great for most users — permanently free with full core features.
- Full core reading features, no usage limits
- No ads, no account required
- Sponsorship popup can be dismissed anytime
- Windows + Android dual platform
Mermaid diagrams and math formulas are Pro Edition exclusives
Pro Edition
$4.99 LifetimeTry it 100 times first, pay when satisfied, unlock forever.
- Math formula rendering (KaTeX, supports LaTeX syntax) Pro
- Mermaid diagram rendering (flowcharts / sequence diagrams / Gantt charts) Pro
- Includes all Community Edition features
- 100 free trial uses
- Click "Maybe Later" to continue after trial expires
Windows only · Overwrites Community Edition on install
Both editions are built from the same source code with identical core features (Pro adds Mermaid diagrams and math formulas). Installing one overwrites the other (same product) — choose whichever you need. Android only offers the free Community Edition.
Contact Us
Have questions or suggestions? Reach out through any of these channels:
Feedback Email
Send us your questions, suggestions, or partnership inquiries via email. We'll respond as soon as possible.
mdview-support@ml-smarttech.comScan the QR code below to contact tech support
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