Press Space on any .md file. See it rendered with headings, code blocks, tables, and diagrams. No app switch needed.
Download and install MacMD Viewer from the Mac App Store or via direct download. The QuickLook extension is included automatically.
Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Extensions > QuickLook. Make sure "MacMD Viewer" is checked.
Navigate to any Markdown file in Finder, on your Desktop, or in Spotlight results.
The standard macOS QuickLook panel opens with your Markdown rendered: headings, code blocks, tables, Mermaid diagrams, all formatted.
Replaces the default plain-text preview for .md files system-wide. Works alongside other QuickLook extensions.
QuickLook is the built-in macOS feature that lets you preview any file by selecting it in Finder and pressing the Space bar. It works for images, PDFs, videos, and — with MacMD Viewer installed — Markdown (.md) files.
Install MacMD Viewer on macOS, enable its QuickLook extension in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Extensions > QuickLook, then select any .md file in Finder and press Space. The file renders with headings, code blocks, tables, and Mermaid diagrams.
The QuickLook extension ships with MacMD Viewer ($19.99 one-time). Once you've bought the app, the extension is included — no additional charge, no subscription.
Yes. The QuickLook extension renders Mermaid diagrams (flowcharts, sequence, class, ER, Gantt) inline in the preview, same as the main app.
MacMD Viewer and its QuickLook extension support macOS 13 Ventura and later on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Yes — that's the point. Press Space on a .md file and it previews instantly. Press Space again or Esc to close. No app launch required.
The QuickLook extension is included with MacMD Viewer. See all features or learn how to open .md files on Mac.
Read the full QuickLook setup guide or see how we compare to other Markdown viewers.