Document format
What is a .md file?
Markdown is plain text with simple marks for headings, lists, links and bold. It reads well as it is and converts easily to HTML, PDF or Word.
It’s the usual format for README files, documentation and note apps. There are several variants, so details such as tables can differ.
fileclay opens and writes Markdown
Markdown vs TXT vs DOCX
| Markdown | TXT | DOCX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formatting | Simple marks | None | Full |
| Editing | Any text editor | Any text editor | Word processors |
| Version control | Very good | Very good | Poor |
| Best for | Docs, READMEs | Notes, logs | Formatted documents |
When to use Markdown
Good for
- Technical documentation
- README files
- Notes in Obsidian and similar apps
Not a good fit
- Documents with a designed layout
- Sending to people who expect Word
- Complex tables
How to open .md files
| Platform | App | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Any system | A text editor | Shows the marks |
| Any system | VS Code, Obsidian, Typora | Show it formatted |
Convert Markdown files
Questions about Markdown
Does Markdown need special software?
No. Any text editor opens it.
Can Markdown become a PDF?
Yes. fileclay converts it in your browser.
What is the difference between Markdown and HTML?
Markdown is shorter and easier to write, and is usually converted to HTML.