Double-click .md files.
Read instantly.
One-click install, zero configuration. On Windows, mdview automatically associates with .md files after installation; double-click any Markdown file to preview it. On Android, install the APK and open Markdown files directly. Installer is only 1.6 MB.
Two ways to get it: Community Edition is free forever, or go Pro for a one-time $0.99 USD (includes Mermaid diagrams and math formulas).
mdview
A lightweight Markdown reader for Windows
Run the installer mdview-setup.exe
Auto-registers .md file association
Double-click any Markdown file to view
Focused on Markdown reading, done right
No heavy editor features—just a quiet, efficient reading window. The following features are available in both editions; the Pro Edition additionally offers Mermaid diagrams and math formula (KaTeX) rendering.
Live Reload
After saving a file, it automatically re-renders with no manual refresh needed. SSE push makes changes visible instantly.
Double-Click to Open
After installation, it auto-registers the .md file association. Then just double-click any Markdown file to preview.
Document Outline
Automatically extracts headings to generate a floating table of contents. Click to jump, and the current section is auto-highlighted as you scroll.
Jump to Source
Select text and press Ctrl+E to open your editor and jump directly to the corresponding line.
Local Images
Automatically loads local images in the same directory as the Markdown file, supporting PNG, JPG, SVG, GIF, and more.
Dark / Light Themes
Switch with one right-click. Outline and dialogs are fully adapted, and your preference is saved automatically.
Export PDF
Right-click to print/export, making it easy to archive or share documents with others.
Clean & Ad-Free
Runs locally; your files are never uploaded. No account needed, no tracking, privacy-first.
Just want to read? Why open an editor?
Every time you double-click a .md file, you probably just want to read it, not edit it.
VS Code / Typora
Takes 3–5 seconds to launch and loads tons of plugins and features. Overkill for just glancing at a README.
Browser + Extension
Can't directly double-click a local .md file; every time you have to drag or copy-paste—tedious.
mdview
Double-click to open, instant response. 1.6 MB installer, zero config, press Esc to exit—as handy 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 account, no tracking, no telemetry.
Three steps to reading
Simpler than setting up an environment, faster than opening a browser
Download the Installer
Download the mdview-setup.exe installer.
Recommended: save it to a common folder before running.
Run the Installer
Run the installer to automatically complete installation and .md file association registration,
and a welcome window will confirm the status.
Double-Click .md Files
From then on, double-click any Markdown file
to view it live.
Windows may show a SmartScreen prompt when installing or running mdview for the first time. Click More info → Run anyway. This software runs entirely locally and does not upload any data.
Questions you might have
Is mdview free?
What's the difference between the Community and Pro editions? Which should I choose?
· Most users choose the Pro Edition—it adds two core rendering features, unlocks permanently for $0.99, and future updates are free for existing purchasers.
· Need Mermaid diagrams / math formulas / want to support the developer? Choose Pro Edition, try it 100 times first, then decide.
Android only offers the free Community Edition.
Windows says "Windows protected your PC." Is it safe?
What are the system requirements?
Android: Android 7.0 and above.
How do I unassociate .md files?
Method 2: Run the command mdview --unbind.
Method 3: Run mdview --uninstall to also remove the context menu.
How is it different 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, here are practical articles to make Markdown easier.
How to Convert Documents to Markdown?
Convert Word / PDF / PPT to .md with markitdown and other methods compared.
Why I Built mdview
Just wanted to glance at Markdown—why open a full editor?
A User Tipped Us 20 Yuan for Bubble Tea
A bug was fixed the same day, and the user found us through DeepSeek.
How to Convert Markdown to PDF?
The simplest way to export with one click, compared across four methods.
How to Read Markdown Files on Your Phone?
A complete Android reading guide comparing three approaches.
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
A hands-on comparison of top Windows / Android tools with a detailed comparison table.
How to Open .md Files on Windows?
Three methods compared in detail to get you started with Markdown reading.
Choose the edition that fits you
Both editions share the same core features; the Pro Edition additionally supports Mermaid diagrams and math formulas, unlocked permanently for $0.99 USD. They are the same product and will overwrite each other during installation—choose one.
Community Edition
Great for most users, free forever with full core features.
- Full core reading features, no usage limits
- No ads, no account required
- Sponsor prompts can be closed anytime
- Windows + Android dual-platform
Mermaid diagrams and math formulas are Pro-exclusive
Pro Edition
$0.99 USD unlock foreverTry it 100 times, pay only if you like it, then use it forever.
- Math formula rendering (KaTeX, LaTeX syntax) Pro
- Mermaid diagram rendering (flowcharts / sequence diagrams / Gantt charts) Pro
- Includes all Community features
- 100 free trials
- Continue with "Remind me later" after trial
Windows only · Overwrites the Community Edition
Both editions are built from the same source and share the same core features (Pro adds Mermaid diagrams and math formulas). They overwrite each other during installation because they are the same product—choose one. Android only offers the free Community Edition.
Contact Us
Have a question or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you.
Send us your questions, suggestions, or partnership ideas and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
mdview-support@ml-smarttech.comGitHub
Follow the project, report issues, or contribute on GitHub.
github.com/mingyang-mlzq/mdview-en