Markdown to HTML Converter
Markdown has become the default writing format across much of the tech industry — and for good reason. Created in 2004 by John Gruber and Aaron Swartz, Markdown was designed to let people write for the web using plain text that is easy to read even before it is converted to HTML. The syntax is minimal: headings start with hash marks, bold text gets wrapped in double asterisks, and links follow a simple bracket-and-parenthesis pattern. The goal was to make the raw source nearly as readable as the rendered output.
Today, Markdown shows up everywhere. GitHub uses it for README files, pull request descriptions, and issue comments. Static site generators like Hugo, Jekyll, and Astro treat Markdown files as first-class content. Documentation platforms including GitBook, Notion, and Read the Docs all support it natively. Many developers even use Markdown for personal notes, blog drafts, and project planning because it keeps content portable and free from proprietary formatting.
This converter lets you write or paste Markdown into the input field and instantly see both the raw HTML output and a rendered visual preview. It is useful when you need to produce clean HTML from Markdown content — for a CMS that only accepts HTML, for embedding in an email template, or simply for double-checking how your syntax will render before you push it to a repository.
Convert Markdown to HTML with live preview. Write or paste your Markdown in the input area and see the rendered HTML output alongside a visual preview.
How to Use the Markdown Converter
Using the converter is straightforward. Type or paste your Markdown content into the Markdown Input textarea. As you write, the tool processes your input and produces two outputs simultaneously:
Raw HTML Output — this textarea displays the generated HTML markup corresponding to your Markdown. You can inspect the tags, verify the structure, and copy the code directly using the Copy button next to the label. The copied HTML is ready to paste into any editor, CMS, or codebase that accepts standard HTML.
Preview Panel — below the raw output, a live preview renders the HTML so you can see exactly how your content will look in a browser. This is especially helpful for verifying that headings, lists, links, images, and code blocks are formatted the way you intend.
If you are new to Markdown, here is a quick reference for the most common syntax elements. Headings are created with one to six hash characters (# through ######). Bold text uses double asterisks (**bold**), and italic text uses single asterisks (*italic*). Unordered lists start each line with a dash or asterisk, while ordered lists use numbers followed by a period. Links follow the format [link text](URL), and images use an exclamation mark before the same bracket pattern. Code blocks are fenced with triple backticks, and inline code uses single backticks.
Key Features
Live Preview — the rendered preview updates as you type, giving you immediate visual feedback without needing to switch between tabs or save a file.
Clean HTML Output — the converter generates well-structured, standards-compliant HTML that you can use in production without cleanup or post-processing.
One-Click Copy — the Copy button places the full HTML output on your clipboard so you can paste it wherever you need it, saving time on manual selection.
Full Markdown Syntax Support — the tool handles headings, emphasis, links, images, blockquotes, ordered and unordered lists, code blocks, inline code, horizontal rules, and more.
Runs in the Browser — all conversion happens client-side. Your content is never sent to a server, which means there are no privacy concerns and the tool works just as well offline as online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Markdown used for?
Markdown is used for writing structured content in plain text that can be easily converted to HTML or other formats. Developers use it for documentation, README files, and code comments. Writers and bloggers use it to draft articles without worrying about formatting toolbars. It is also the standard format for content in static site generators, knowledge bases, and many project management tools. Because Markdown files are just text, they work seamlessly with version control systems like Git, making them ideal for collaborative writing and documentation workflows.
Is Markdown better than writing HTML directly?
Markdown is not a replacement for HTML — it is a shorthand that makes writing common HTML structures faster and more readable. For straightforward content like articles, documentation, and blog posts, Markdown is far quicker to write and easier to scan than raw HTML. However, HTML gives you full control over attributes, classes, and complex layouts that Markdown does not cover. Many people use both: Markdown for the body content, and HTML for anything that requires precise structural control. The two formats complement each other well.
Can I use Markdown in WordPress?
WordPress does not support Markdown natively in its block editor, but there are several ways to use it. The Jetpack plugin includes a Markdown block that lets you write in Markdown within the editor. There are also standalone plugins dedicated to Markdown support. Another common approach is to write your content in Markdown externally, convert it to HTML using a tool like this one, and then paste the HTML into a Custom HTML block in WordPress. This gives you the speed of Markdown authoring with full compatibility in the WordPress editor.
What are some popular Markdown editors?
There are many dedicated Markdown editors available across platforms. On the desktop, Typora, Obsidian, and iA Writer are widely used for their clean interfaces and live preview features. Visual Studio Code is a popular choice among developers because it supports Markdown natively and has extensions for enhanced preview and linting. For web-based editing, StackEdit and Dillinger both offer full-featured Markdown environments that run in the browser. On mobile, iA Writer and 1Writer are well-regarded options. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize distraction-free writing, integration with other tools, or developer-oriented features like syntax highlighting and Git integration.