Format guide
What is Markdown?
Markdown is a plain-text format with lightweight markup for headings, lists, links, and code, created by John Gruber (2004). Markdown stays readable as raw text while previewing as structured HTML — perfect for README files and developer docs. Convert to PDF or HTML when stakeholders want a polished handout without learning the syntax.
Markdown format specifications
- Full name
- Markdown
- Kind
- plain text / markup
- File extension
- .md, .markdown
- MIME type
- text/markdown
- Developer / standard
- John Gruber · 2004
- Compression
- none or container
- Quality model
- Lossless / not lossy
- Container
- No / single bitstream typical
- Common codecs
- —
- Technical sources
- —
- Transparency
- Not supported
- Animation
- No (still / non-animated typical use)
- Typical size
- Tiny text files
- Browser support
- Rendered by many web apps; raw .md downloads as text
- Compatibility
- Previewed on Git hosts and most editors; flavors differ slightly
Markdown compression & quality
Markdown compression: none or container. Lossless (or non-destructive packaging) keeps reconstructable data — size savings come from packing efficiency, not throwing detail away. Typical size profile: Tiny text files. Quality note: Excellent for technical writing; limited page design control
Quality: Excellent for technical writing; limited page design control
Typical size: Tiny text files
Transparency & animation
Markdown does not support an alpha channel. Convert to PNG, WebP, AVIF, or SVG when you need transparent backgrounds.
Markdown is a still-media or non-animated format in typical use. Use GIF, APNG, video, or animated WebP when you need motion.
Markdown metadata
No structured metadata standard; encoding and line endings are the practical concerns.
Best use cases for Markdown
- GitHub/GitLab README files
- Static documentation sites
- Engineering notes and ADRs
- Changelogs in repos
- Draft posts before CMS paste
When to avoid Markdown
- Pixel-perfect print brochures
- Heavy brand layout
- Non-technical legal redlines (prefer DOCX)
- Complex multi-column magazines
Advantages
- Readable without a preview
- Git-friendly
- Fast to author
- Separates content from theme
Disadvantages
- Flavor differences
- Weak layout controls
- Awkward complex tables
- Images are linked unless your toolchain embeds them
Compatibility
Previewed on Git hosts and most editors; flavors differ slightly
Browsers: Rendered by many web apps; raw .md downloads as text
Software support
- VS Code
- Obsidian
- GitHub
- Typora
- Format Convertly
Device support
- Developer machines and note-taking apps
- Modern desktops
- Phones and tablets with compatible apps
How to open Markdown
Preview in VS Code, GitHub, or a Markdown app. Raw view works in any text editor.
How to convert Markdown
Export MD to PDF/HTML for stakeholders via Format Convertly (browser-side) when you need a shareable artifact from the same source notes.
Popular Markdown conversions
Convert to Markdown
Related formats
Markdown tools
Tools extend the format graph beyond one-off conversion — compression, metadata, and utilities for real workflows.
Markdown FAQ
What is a Markdown file?
Markdown is a plain-text format with lightweight markup for headings, lists, links, and code. Markdown stays readable as raw text while previewing as structured HTML — perfect for README files and developer docs. Convert to PDF or HTML when stakeholders want a polished handout without learning the syntax.
Is Markdown lossy or lossless?
Markdown is typically lossless or non-destructive in common use (none or container).
Does Markdown support transparency?
Markdown does not support an alpha channel. Convert to PNG, WebP, AVIF, or SVG when you need transparent backgrounds.
How do I open a Markdown file?
Preview in VS Code, GitHub, or a Markdown app. Raw view works in any text editor.
How do I convert Markdown privately?
Export MD to PDF/HTML for stakeholders via Format Convertly (browser-side) when you need a shareable artifact from the same source notes. Format Convertly keeps processing in your browser so files are not uploaded to a conversion server.
Are my Markdown files uploaded on Format Convertly?
No. Markdown conversion runs in your browser. Files are not sent to Format Convertly servers for processing.