VS Code

How to View Markdown in VSCode Preview

November 28, 2024

Struggling to view your Markdown files seamlessly in Visual Studio Code (VSCode)? You’re not alone. Many developers find themselves hunting for the perfect way to get a live, real-time preview of their .md files.

With VSCode being one of the most popular integrated development environments (IDE), it’s essential to know how to leverage its powerful Markdown features effectively.

Markdown is a lightweight markup language that’s widely used for formatting readme files, creating rich text using a plain text editor, and writing technical documentation. Efficiently viewing and editing these files within VSCode can drastically improve your workflow.

I’ll walk you through straightforward steps to view and preview Markdown in VSCode, enabling syntax highlighting, and even customizing your workspace settings for an optimal editing experience.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid grasp on enabling the built-in Markdown preview, configuring essential extensions, and fine-tuning VSCode settings to enhance your Markdown experience. Let’s dive in to make your VSCode setup truly powerful!

How to View Markdown in VSCode: Quick Workflow

Step-by-Step Guide

Install Visual Studio Code:
Ensure you have VSCode installed on your computer. You can download it from the official website.
Open Your Markdown File:
Launch VSCode and open your Markdown file by dragging it into the editor or using File > Open File... to select your file.
Optional: Install Markdown Extensions:
While VSCode has built-in Markdown support, you can enhance its capabilities by installing extensions. To do this:
- Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar or use Ctrl+Shift+X (or Cmd+Shift+X on Mac).
- Search for “Markdown” and install useful extensions like “Markdown All in One” or “Markdown Preview Enhanced” for additional features.
View Markdown Preview:
To see a live preview of your Markdown file:
- Open the command palette with Ctrl+Shift+P (or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac).
- Type “Markdown: Open Preview” and select it.
- Alternatively, use the shortcut Ctrl+K V (or Cmd+K V on Mac) to open a side-by-side preview, or Ctrl+Shift+V (or Cmd+Shift+V on Mac) to open it in a new tab.
Edit and See Changes in Real-Time:
With the preview open, you can edit your Markdown file in one pane while viewing the formatted output in another. Changes will reflect immediately, allowing for efficient editing.
Customize Your Markdown Preview:
You can customize settings like font size and line height by accessing Settings through the gear icon in the bottom left corner and searching for “Markdown” options.

Keyboard Shortcuts Summary

Open Preview to Side: Ctrl+K V (Windows) / Cmd+K V (Mac)
Open Preview in New Tab: Ctrl+Shift+V (Windows) / Cmd+Shift+V (Mac)
Command Palette: Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) / Cmd+Shift+P (Mac)

By following these steps, you can effectively view and edit Markdown files within VSCode, making it a powerful tool for documentation and content creation.

Setting Up Markdown in Visual Studio Code

maxresdefault How to View Markdown in VSCode Preview

Installing Visual Studio Code

Start by ensuring you have Visual Studio Code. Head to the official Visual Studio Code website.

Download and Install:

Windows: Click “Download for Windows.” Run the installer. Follow the prompts.
macOS: Click “Download for Mac.” Open the .dmg file. Drag VS Code to the Applications folder.
Linux: Choose between deb and rpm packages. Use your package manager to install.

Recommended Settings:

Open Settings (File > Preferences > Settings).
Search for “Markdown.” Adjust settings such as markdown.preview.scrollEditorWithPreview to synchronize scrolling between editor and preview.
Enabling files.autoSave can save your changes automatically.

Extensions:

Markdown All in One: Comprehensive markdown extension.
Markdown Preview Github Styling: Preview your markdown with GitHub’s style.

Navigate to Extensions (View > Extensions) and search for these names. Click Install. Adjust their settings in the extension’s detail view.

Creating and Organizing Markdown Files in VS Code

Folder Structure:

Open VS Code. Use File > Open Folder to begin. Organize your documents logically.
Create folders to separate different projects or sections. This helps in maintaining a clean workspace.

File Creation:

Right-click within the Explorer sidebar. Select “New File.”
Name your file with a .md extension. For example, notes.md.

Managing Files:

The .md extension ensures VS Code recognizes the file as Markdown.
Use sub-folders for large projects. This helps in quick navigation and file referencing.

Benefits:

Organized files improve productivity. Use hierarchical folder structures to navigate and manage large projects easily.
Markdown files can be version controlled (e.g., with GitHub). This is great for documentation and collaborative projects.
Editing and Formatting Markdown in Visual Studio Code

Markdown Syntax Essentials

Headers:

Use the # symbol followed by a space to create headers. # for largest, ## for sub-header, ### for smaller. Simple. Effective.

Lists:

Create ordered lists with numbers followed by a period.
1. First item
2. Second item
Unordered lists use asterisks *, plus +, or hyphens -.
- Example
- Another item

Code:

Inline code uses backticks: `example`

Code blocks are fenced with triple backticks:

body {
  font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif;
}

Tables:

Construct basic tables with pipes | and hyphens -:

| Header 1 | Header 2 |
|---------|----------|
| Row 1   | Data 1   |

Blockquotes:

Use the > symbol. Great for quotes or emphasis.
This is a blockquote.

Links and Images:

Links: [text](url)Visual Studio Code
Images: ![alt text](image_url)

Emphasis:

Italicize with *single asterisks* or _underscores_.
Bold with **double asterisks** or __double underscores__.

Utilizing Markdown Snippets in VS Code

Pre-configured VS Code Snippets:

Built-in snippets help speed up editing. Typing markdown gives autocomplete options.
Use Ctrl+Space to activate suggestions. Practical and time-saving.

Creating and Managing Custom Markdown Snippets:

Navigate to File > Preferences > User Snippets.

Choose Markdown. Then add custom snippets in the JSON file.Example:

{
  "Bold Text": {
    "prefix": "bold",
    "body": ["**${1:boldText}**"],
    "description": "Insert bold text"
  }
}

Additional Formatting Options with HTML and CSS

Embedding HTML Tags:

Sometimes you need more than Markdown offers. HTML tags can be included directly in the document.
```
<strong>Bold text</strong>
```

Customizing CSS Styles for Markdown Preview:

Customize the look of your Markdown preview by embedding CSS. This affects how the preview appears without changing the Markdown file itself.
```
h1 {
  color: blue;
}
```
Markdown Preview and Real-Time Synchronization

Accessing the Markdown Preview

Using side panel preview with shortcut commands:

Smash Ctrl+Shift+V or Cmd+Shift+V to pop up the Markdown preview in the side panel. Handy for editing and viewing simultaneously. I mean, who doesn’t love efficiency?

Opening Markdown preview in a new tab:

Need more space? Split your tabs. Right-click the Markdown file and select “Open Preview to the Side.” Or Ctrl+K V / Cmd+K V. One tab for coding bliss, one tab for stunning previews.

Preview Customization Options

Dynamic previews and locking features for better control:

Toggle the lock icon in the preview tab. This keeps your view anchored. Switch tabs, your preview stays put. No wandering away from your critical insights.

Synchronizing editor and preview panes in real-time:

Activate Scroll Editor and Preview Together in the command palette or settings. Changes in the code? See them reflect live. It’s like magic, but with CSS and code snippets.

Math formula rendering using KaTeX:

Got equations? Use KaTeX. Embed math formulas within your Markdown using:

$$
E = mc^2
$$

VSCode renders it perfectly, thanks to the mystical powers of KaTeX.

Practical Tips for Using Markdown Preview

Previewing multiple files and working on side-by-side view:

Split windows, merge creativity. Open various files and preview them simultaneously. Perfect for cross-referencing documentation or managing multiple projects. Use Alt+Click to open in a new tab.

Previewing large files or multi-section documents effectively:

Large files slowing you down? Use a Table of Contents for navigation. The Markdown All in One extension auto-generates TOC – huge boost for long documents. Pagination and sections make the markdown mammoth feel tame.

Enhancing Productivity with VS Code’s Markdown Tools

Outline View for Document Structure

Navigating headers using the Outline view:

Open the Outline view from the menu. This handy feature lists all headers in your Markdown document. Click on any header, and it jumps right to that section. Perfect for large documents.

Benefits of hierarchical document organization:

Hierarchical structure keeps everything tidy. Organize your thoughts, and your document follows. Navigate effortlessly, whether you’re dealing with a small project or extensive documentation.

Path Completion and Link Validation

Linking to files and headers with path IntelliSense:

Path IntelliSense offers autocomplete suggestions. Type [ and start your link. Instantly see all files and headers, making linking a breeze. It’s like a personal assistant for your codebase.

Configuring path suggestions and settings:

Adjust path suggestions in the settings. Type into the settings search bar: Markdown: Path Suggestions. Customize to fit your workflow. Adjust as needed to align with your folder structure.

Enabling link validation to avoid broken links:

Nothing ruins documentation like broken links. Enable link validation in settings. Prevents dead links, keeping your Markdown files intact. A lifesaver, especially in complex projects.

Smart Selection for Quick Content Management

Expanding and shrinking selection in Markdown files:

Hold Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) and Shift, then press the arrow keys. Watch your selection expand or shrink. A quick, intuitive way to select content, whether you’re editing code blocks, lists, or paragraphs.

Hierarchical patterns: headers, lists, quotes, code blocks:

Recognize hierarchical patterns quickly. Select an entire header section, a list, a blockquote, or code block in one go. This feature improves efficiency, reducing the time spent on manual selection.

Customizing and Extending Markdown Functionality in VS Code

Using Extensions to Enhance Markdown Editing

Overview of popular extensions: Markdown All in One, Markdown Preview Github Styling:

Extensions are your best friend in VS Code. Install Markdown All in One for a complete package. It streamlines everything from table formatting to keyboard shortcuts. Then, Markdown Preview Github Styling gives your previews a GitHub flair, making them visually consistent with your online repos.

Choosing extensions for specific needs (linting, spell-check, styling):

Your setup should reflect your specific requirements. Need to keep your content error-free? Go for Markdown Linting and Spell Checker extensions. Styling preferences? Prettier helps maintain clean, consistent formatting. Mix and match these tools to tailor your workspace.

Extending Preview with Custom Styles and Scripts

Loading custom CSS styles to personalize Markdown preview:

Enhance visual appeal by injecting custom CSS. Create a styles.css, load it using the setting markdown.styles. Customize fonts, colors, and layout directly in your Markdown preview. This brings design closer to development, ensuring consistency across your project.

h1 {
    color: #3498db;
    font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif;
}

Adding JavaScript for advanced interactions in the preview:

Need more than static content? Add interactivity with custom scripts. Load a script.js:

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', (event) => {
    console.log('Markdown preview loaded!');
});

Set it up in your settings, and your Markdown preview becomes interactive. Tweak, test, and innovate.

Configuring Workspace Settings for Markdown Files

Setting up .vscode/settings.json for Markdown file preferences:

Config your workspace with .vscode/settings.json. Tailor your environment:

{
    "files.trimTrailingWhitespace": true,
    "markdown.preview.scrollEditorWithPreview": true,
    "markdown.preview.fontSize": 14
}

Examples: disabling trailing whitespace, defining link settings:

Ensure clean content by disabling trailing whitespace. Automate link settings to avoid broken paths.

{
    "files.trimTrailingWhitespace": true,
    "markdown.links": {
        "validate": true,
        "referenceLinks": true
    }
}

By configuring these settings, you bring harmony and efficiency to your Markdown workflow. Perfect for maintaining documentation, code snippets, or project notes.

Advanced Link Management in Markdown

Find All References to Headers and Links

Using the “Find All References” command across Markdown files

In VSCode, use the “Find All References” command to search for headers and links in your Markdown files.

Right-click on a header or link, then select “Find All References”. This reveals every instance across your workspace.

Efficient for tracking where your key points are referenced.

Locating all instances of headers and links for cross-referencing

Cross-referencing gets tricky. Use the Cmd+Shift+F or Ctrl+Shift+F to bring up global search.

Type in the header or link text. Instantly see all locations. Context is crucial, navigate with ease.

Renaming Headers and Links Automatically

Using Rename Symbol (F2) to rename headers and update links

Need to rename a header and all its links? Click on the header or link, hit F2.

Type the new name. VSCode renames all occurrences automatically. Clean, efficient – perfect for comprehensive edits.

Practical applications for collaborative projects

Collaborating? Consistency is key. Use this feature to keep headers and links aligned.

Imagine everyone updating references manually. Nightmare. Save time, reduce errors. Streamline updates across the team.

Managing Links During File Moves or Renames

Automatic link updating options in VS Code

Moving a file? Renaming it? Don’t break your links. VSCode can update references automatically.

Drag the file or right-click and rename. Ensure “Update Links On File Move” is enabled in settings.

Best practices for managing links across multiple files

Best practice? Regularly check link integrity.

Use extensions like Markdown All in One for link validation. Set up reminders for reviews.

Large projects need systematic checks. Prevent broken paths, maintain a smooth workflow.

Practical Tips and Troubleshooting for Markdown in VS Code

Handling Large Markdown Files Efficiently

Tips for managing large documents and improving loading times

Large Markdown files can drag. Split that beast into smaller sections. Create individual .md files, link them together.

Adjust settings:

"editor.wordWrap": "on",
"files.autoSave": "afterDelay"

Keep it light, keep it fast.

Using sections and table of contents for navigation

Sections matter. Break it down with headers and subheaders. Use the “Markdown All in One” extension. It auto-generates a table of contents.

[TOC]

Navigate through the chaos with ease. No getting lost in the document jungle.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fixing preview display issues

Preview acting weird? Check your Markdown in the side panel.

Ctrl + Shift + V

Ensure your syntax is correct. Use settings to sync scroll:

"markdown.preview.scrollEditorWithPreview": true

Addressing link validation errors

Broken links kill productivity. Enable link validation in settings.

"markdown.validate.links": true

Quickly spot issues, keep your links pristine.

Managing conflicts with other installed extensions

Extensions can clash. Check for conflicts by disabling one by one.

Navigate to extensions panel, disable and re-enable. Adjust settings if needed. Harmony in your workspace.

Security Settings for Markdown Preview

Understanding VS Code’s security restrictions for Markdown

VS Code has embedded security. It restricts scripts to protect your system.

"markdown.preview.security": "strict"

Keep that setting unless you trust the source.

Configuring preview settings for external resources

Need external resources? Adjust settings carefully.

"markdown.preview.security": "allow-scripts"

Understand the risk. External scripts can be potent, use them wisely.

FAQ on How To View Markdown In VSCode

How do I enable Markdown preview in VSCode?

To enable Markdown preview in Visual Studio Code, simply open your .md file and click on the small “Markdown preview” icon at the top-right corner, or hit Ctrl+Shift+V. This will open a preview pane alongside your editor, rendering the Markdown content in real-time.

What are the best extensions to enhance Markdown in VSCode?

Several extensions can enhance your experience, like Markdown All in One, MarkdownLint, and Markdown PDF.

These tools provide additional features like syntax highlighting, linting, and exporting to various formats. Explore the VSCode extensions marketplace to find more useful add-ons.

How can I customize the Markdown preview style?

You can customize the preview style by creating a markdown.styles setting in your workspace settings. Add the path to your custom CSS file, and VSCode will apply those styles to the Markdown preview pane. This is especially useful for matching your documentation’s branding.

Is there a way to see real-time changes in Markdown?

Yes, VSCode supports real-time Markdown previews. Once the preview pane is open, any changes made to the .md file will automatically be reflected instantly. This feature allows for immediate feedback and helps in maintaining the document’s formatting.

How to enable syntax highlighting in Markdown files?

Syntax highlighting is usually enabled by default. If not, ensure the Markdown All in One extension is installed. Navigate to your VSCode settings and search for “syntax highlighting.” Enable it to have different code blocks visually distinct and easier to read.

Can I split the Markdown editor and preview panes?

Absolutely. Open your Markdown file and the preview pane. You can then drag the preview pane to split it vertically or horizontally. This side-by-side view ensures you can edit and see the rendered output simultaneously, enhancing productivity.

What are some useful keyboard shortcuts for viewing Markdown in VSCode?

Several shortcuts can streamline your workflow. Ctrl+Shift+V opens the preview pane, and Ctrl+K V opens the preview in a new editor group. You can navigate back to the editor with Ctrl+1. These shortcuts make toggling between edit and preview modes quicker.

How do I fix issues if Markdown preview is not working?

First, ensure you have the latest version of VSCode and any installed Markdown extensions. Sometimes, reloading the window (Ctrl+R) helps. Check the VSCode output panel for errors and ensure no conflicting extensions are installed. If persistent, reinstall VSCode.

Can I view Markdown inline images and links in the preview?

Yes, the Markdown preview supports inline images and links. Ensure your paths are correct and that the images are accessible. The preview renders links as clickable, and images will appear exactly as they will in the final document. External links can open in your default browser.

How can I toggle the preview off and on quickly?

To toggle the Markdown preview quickly, use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+V. This keystroke acts as a switch, letting you turn the preview pane off and on without navigating through menus. Efficient for those who frequently switch back and forth between views.

Conclusion

Learning how to view Markdown in VSCode streamlines your workflow and enhances productivity. By enabling the Markdown preview, using essential extensions like Markdown All in One and MarkdownLint, and customizing the preview style, you elevate the documentation process. Real-time changes and syntax highlighting make editing more efficient. If issues arise, check for updates, review settings, and examine the output panel for errors.

To get the best experience:

Enable Markdown preview with Ctrl+Shift+V
Customize preview styles through markdown.styles
Utilize helpful extensions

By following these steps, viewing and editing Markdown files becomes intuitive, allowing you to focus more on creating content rather than troubleshooting. Whether you’re writing technical documentation or formatting readme files, VSCode’s powerful features ensure your Markdown files look exactly how you need them to be.

Author
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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.