DotMDPreview a .md file on your Macwith Space in Finder.
Select a Markdown file in Finder and press Space. DotMD's Quick Look extension shows a finished page instead of raw text.
macOS 14 or later. Reading is free; editing and reviews are one payment.
Quick answer
To preview a Markdown file on a Mac, select it in Finder and press Space. DotMD's Quick Look preview shows tables, code, callouts, Mermaid diagrams and formulas. It is free and starts working after you have opened DotMD once. If you see plain text instead, switch DotMD's Quick Look on in System Settings.
How to preview Markdown in Finder
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Open DotMD once
Start DotMD after you install it. The preview starts working after that.
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Press Space on a .md file
Select the file in Finder and press Space. The preview looks like DotMD's reading mode, with tables, callouts, diagrams and formulas.
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Open the full page
Press Open with DotMD in the preview to read the page complete, with the images stored next to the file.
What the preview shows
- Text: headings, lists, task lists, quotes and links.
- Tables and code with syntax colours.
- Mermaid diagrams and KaTeX formulas, drawn on your Mac.
- Callouts such as
> [!NOTE], and the properties block at the top of a file.
Quick Look may only read the file itself, so images stored next to it (for example in an assets folder) show as a small placeholder with their name. Images from the web appear.
The preview works for files ending in .md, .markdown, .mdown, .mkd and .mkdn.
If Finder shows plain text or another app's preview
- Switch DotMD's Quick Look on in System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions (macOS 15 and later) or System Settings → Privacy & Security → Extensions → Quick Look (macOS 14).
- Check that DotMD opens .md files: select one in Finder, press ⌘I, choose DotMD under Open with and click Change All….
- Open DotMD once if you have just installed it.
Markdown preview is free
Reading and previewing Markdown cost nothing, with no account. DotMD Editor ($14.99 once) adds editing, search across files, export and version history, and DotMD Reviewer ($39.99 once) adds comments and reviews with AI agents.
Next: open and read .md files in DotMD, or see how Mermaid diagrams are drawn.
Questions about Markdown preview on a Mac
How do I preview a Markdown file on a Mac?
Select it in Finder and press Space. With DotMD installed and opened once, the preview shows the rendered page.
Why does Quick Look show plain text for my .md file?
DotMD's Quick Look is probably switched off, or another app's preview is chosen. Switch it on in System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions (macOS 15 and later) or Privacy & Security → Extensions (macOS 14).
Is the Markdown preview in Finder free?
Yes. Quick Look, reading, folders and tabs are free, forever.
Why don't my images show in the preview?
Quick Look may only read the file itself, so images stored next to it show as a small placeholder. Images from the web appear. Press Open with DotMD to see the page complete.