How to Open .md Files on Mac: 3 Ways, Step by Step

Double-click a .md file on a Mac and it opens in TextEdit as raw text — every #, **, and | sitting there unformatted. That's not a bug: macOS has no built-in Markdown viewer, so it falls back to a plain-text editor.

Here are the three reliable ways to actually read Markdown on macOS, from zero-install to purpose-built — with a side-by-side comparison and the exact steps for each.

Short answer: For a quick look at the raw text, use TextEdit (already installed). If you write code, VS Code's preview (Shift+Command+V) renders it for free. If you mostly read Markdown — AI output, READMEs, notes exported from another app — a dedicated viewer gives you clean formatting plus a Finder QuickLook preview and live reload.

Why .md files open as plain text on Mac

A .md file is just plain text written in Markdown — a lightweight syntax where # Heading means a heading and **bold** means bold. Something has to interpret that syntax and draw the formatted result.

macOS doesn't ship an app that does. Its file database (LaunchServices) maps the .md extension to TextEdit, which faithfully shows you the characters you typed — including the # and * markers — instead of rendering them. So the file is fine; it just needs an app that knows how to render Markdown.

The 3 ways at a glance

	TextEdit	VS Code	Dedicated viewer (MacMD Viewer)
Cost	Free (built-in)	Free	$19.99 one-time
Renders Markdown	No — raw text	Yes (preview pane)	Yes
Mermaid diagrams	No	Yes (VS Code 1.121+)	Yes
QuickLook preview in Finder	No	No	Yes (press Space)
Live reload on save	No	Yes (in preview)	Yes
Built for reading	No	No — it's a code editor	Yes
Setup	None	Install VS Code	Install the app

Method 1 — TextEdit (free, built-in)

Best when you just need to glance at the source and don't care about formatting.

1. In Finder, right-click (or Control-click) the .md file.
2. Choose Open With → TextEdit.
3. The file opens as plain text — you'll read the raw Markdown, headings and bold markers included.

Caveat: TextEdit never renders Markdown. Tables, links, and diagrams stay as literal characters. It's a reader of last resort, not a viewer.

Method 2 — VS Code preview (free, if you already edit code)

Visual Studio Code has a built-in Markdown preview, so it's the best free option if you write code anyway.

1. Install VS Code, then open your .md file in it (drag the file onto the Dock icon, or File → Open).
2. Press Shift+Command+V to open the rendered preview in a new tab — or Command+K then V to show the preview side-by-side with the source.
3. Edit on the left; the preview updates as you type. Tables, code blocks, and Mermaid diagrams (since VS Code 1.121) all render.

Caveat: VS Code is a full code editor — overkill if all you want to do is read. The preview is a panel inside a developer tool, not a calm reading surface, and there's no Finder QuickLook integration.

Method 3 — A dedicated Markdown viewer (MacMD Viewer)

If reading Markdown is a regular part of your day — reviewing AI chat exports, READMEs, docs, or notes from Obsidian and friends — a purpose-built viewer is the smoothest path.

1. Download MacMD Viewer and drag it to Applications.
2. Double-click any .md file to open it fully rendered — headings, tables, syntax-highlighted code, and Mermaid diagrams.
3. Keep editing in your usual editor; the viewer live-reloads the moment you save the file externally, so it stays in sync without a manual refresh.

It's read-only by design (it never writes to your files), runs sandboxed and native, ships nine reading themes, and is $19.99 one-time — no subscription. See the full feature list for what's included.

Just need a one-off render and don't want to install anything? Paste your text into the free online Markdown preview tool and read it in the browser.

Bonus: preview a .md file in Finder without opening it

macOS QuickLook lets you peek at a file by selecting it and pressing the Space bar. On a stock Mac, QuickLook shows a .md file as raw text — but install a viewer that ships a QuickLook extension and that same Space-bar press renders the Markdown instead. It's the fastest way to skim a folder of notes without opening anything. See the Markdown QuickLook guide for setup details.

Make .md files always open in your viewer (set the default app)

Tired of "Open With" every time? Set a permanent default:

1. Right-click any .md file → Get Info.
2. Expand the Open with section and pick your app.
3. Click Change All… and confirm.

From now on, every .md file opens in that app on double-click.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does macOS have a built-in Markdown viewer?

No. macOS ships TextEdit, which opens .md files as plain text and shows the raw Markdown source rather than formatted output. To see headings, tables, and diagrams rendered, you need a code editor's preview (such as VS Code) or a dedicated Markdown viewer.

Why do .md files open as plain text on my Mac?

A .md file is plain-text Markdown, and macOS maps the extension to TextEdit by default. TextEdit displays the characters as-is, so you see #, *, and | instead of formatted text. Nothing is wrong with the file — it just needs an app that renders Markdown.

How do I open a .md file on Mac for free?

Two free options: open it in TextEdit to read the raw source, or install Visual Studio Code and press Shift+Command+V to render it. You can also paste the text into an online Markdown previewer. Dedicated reading apps are paid.

Can I preview a Markdown file in Finder without opening it?

Yes, if you install a viewer that includes a QuickLook extension. Select the .md file and press the Space bar — a viewer like MacMD Viewer renders the Markdown in the QuickLook panel. Stock macOS QuickLook shows only the raw text.

How do I make .md files always open in a specific app?

Right-click a .md file in Finder, choose Get Info, expand the "Open with" section, pick your app, then click "Change All…". macOS will use that app for every .md file from then on.

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On Windows or Linux too? This guide is macOS-specific. For the cross-platform rundown, see how to open an MD file on any OS.