Linux Markdown Viewer| 5 Powerful Tools You Must Try



Linux Markdown Viewer| Markdown is a lightweight markup language for formatting text. It is widely used in writing documentation, readme files, and even blog posts. While writing in Markdown is relatively easy, viewing Markdown files with the correct formatting can sometimes be tricky, especially on Linux.



This post will explore various Linux Markdown viewers, their features, installation, and usage so you can easily choose the right one for your needs.



What is Markdown?



Before we get to know Markdown's audience, it's essential to understand what Markdown is. Created by John Gruber in 2004, Markdown is a text-to-HTML conversion tool for web authors.



It allows people to write content using an easy-to-read and easy-to-write plain text format that can be converted to structured HTML. Its simplicity and readability make it popular among developers, writers, and content creators.



Common Markdown Syntax:




  • Headers: # for H1, ## for H2, and so on.


  • Bold: **bold text** or __bold text__


  • Italic: *italic text* or _italic text_


  • Lists: - Item for unordered lists, 1. Item for ordered lists.


  • Links: [Link](URL)


  • Images: ![alt text](image URL)





Why You Need a Markdown Viewer on Linux



Linux users often use Markdown files for documentation, readme files, and notes, especially in software development environments like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. While many text editors can open Markdown files, they don't render the formatting the way it would in a browser or rich text editor.



Markdown viewers solve this problem by offering a rendered preview of the Markdown file, allowing users to see precisely how the content will look when published online.



Read this post: Windows Markdown Viewer| 7 Powerful Tools You Must Try!



Top Markdown Viewers for Linux



Several Markdown viewers are available for Linux, each with unique features and functionalities. Here are the best options:



1. Typora



Typora is one of the most popular and well-known Markdown editors and viewers for Linux. It offers a seamless writing and reading experience and features a live preview mode, making it ideal for editing and viewing Markdown files.



Features of Typora:




  • Live Preview: It removes the need for split-screen modes, showing a live preview while you type.


  • Cross-platform: Available for Linux, Windows, and macOS.


  • Multiple Themes: You can switch between different themes or create custom ones.


  • Mathematical Notation Support: Supports LaTeX for rendering mathematical formulas.


  • Export Options: You can export your document to vormats, such as PDF, HTML, and Word.


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Installation:



To install Typora on Linux, follow these steps:




  1. Download the .deb or .rpm package from Typora’s official website.


  2. Use the following commands to install: bashCopyEditsudo dpkg -i typora.deb # For Debian/Ubuntu-based systems sudo rpm -i typora.rpm # For Fedora/Red Hat-based systems


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2. Mark Text



Mark Text is a free and open-source Markdown editor and viewer. It is simple, lightweight, and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for Linux users.



Features of Mark Text:




  • Real-time Preview: You can see the formatted text while writing.


  • GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM): It supports the GFM standard commonly used on GitHub.


  • Multiple File Formats: You can export Markdown files to HTML, PDF, and more.


  • Cross-platform: Available on Linux, Windows, and macOS.


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Installation:



To install Mark Text on Linux, use the following command (for Ubuntu-based systems):



bashCopyEditsudo snap install mark-text


Alternatively, you can download the .AppImage file from the GitHub page and run it directly.





3. Markdown Viewer (Browser Extension)



If you're looking for a simple solution, a browser extension like Markdown Viewer can render Markdown files directly in your browser. It’s convenient because you don’t have to leave your browser to view Markdown files.



Features of the Markdown Viewer Extension:




  • Browser-based: Works with most Chromium-based browsers such as Google Chrome and Firefox.


  • Simple to Use: Install the extension, and it will automatically render Markdown files.


  • No need for external applications: It displays the files using your browser, so you don't need to open a separate app.


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Installation:




  1. Google Chrome: Go to the Chrome Web Store and search for “Markdown Viewer.”


  2. Mozilla Firefox: Go to the Firefox Add-ons site and search for “Markdown Viewer.”





4. Visual Studio Code (VSCode)



Visual Studio Code is a versatile code editor with built-in support for viewing and editing Markdown files. It is especially popular among developers who work with different programming languages, and it has Markdown extensions that enhance its functionality.



Features of VSCode:




  • Live Preview: It has an integrated live preview feature for Markdown files.


  • Custom Extensions: You can install extensions like Markdown All in One for added functionality.


  • Syntax Highlighting: Provides syntax highlighting for code blocks within Markdown files.


  • Git Integration: Easily integrate with GitHub repositories for real-time updates.


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Installation:



You can install VSCode via a package manager apt or download it from the official website.



bashCopyEditsudo apt install code   # For Ubuntu-based systems




5. Zettlr



Zettlr is a powerful open-source Markdown editor designed for academic writing. It also works as an excellent Markdown viewer, perfect for users who want a distraction-free writing and reading Markdown environment.



Features of Zettlr:




  • Cross-platform: Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.


  • Citation Support: Ideal for academics, with built-in citation support.


  • Customizable: It offers a highly customizable interface.


  • Multi-document View: Allows you to work with multiple Markdown documents at once.


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Installation:



You can install Zettlr by downloading the Linux .AppImage Or use the following command for Ubuntu-based systems:



bashCopyEditsudo apt install zettlr




How to Choose the Best Markdown Viewer for Your Needs



With many options available, choosing the best Markdown viewer depends on your needs. Here are some factors to consider:



1. Ease of Use:



If you prefer something simple and easy to use, Mark Text and Typora are excellent choices. They provide a smooth experience with minimal setup.



2. Customization:



If you want something highly customizable and compatible with your workflow, Zettlr or Visual Studio Code might be more appropriate.



3. Additional Features:



Consider if you need features like LaTeX support (Typora), academic citation tools (Zettlr), or multi-format export options.



4. Platform Compatibility:



Ensure that the Markdown viewer works on your Linux distribution. If you require cross-platform support, check if it's also available on macOS and Windows.





What is the difference between a Markdown viewer and a Markdown editor?


A Markdown viewer renders a Markdown file as it will appear when published, while a Markdown editor lets you write and edit Markdown content and offers some live previews.



Can I use these viewers to edit Markdown files?


Most of the viewers listed here (such as Typora, Mark Text, and Visual Studio Code) also function as Markdown editors, allowing you to edit and save changes.



Are there free Markdown viewers for Linux?


Yes, most options listed here, such as Mark Text, JetlR, and the Markdown Viewer browser extension, are free and open-source.



Can I view Markdown files in my terminal?


You can use terminal-based Markdown viewers like Glow or MDless to render Markdown files directly in your terminal.



Which Markdown viewers support GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM)?


Mark Text and Visual Studio Code support GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM), including specific features like task lists and tables.




Conclusion



Linux users can choose from a variety of Markdown viewers, each with unique features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for a simple and lightweight solution or a feature-packed viewer with extra capabilities, there’s something for every need.



The viewers mentioned in this post — Typora, Mark Text, Visual Studio Code, and others — are great tools for improving your Markdown writing and viewing experience.