Tips to open MARKDOWN file

Can't open the MARKDOWN file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open MARKDOWN files as well as a list of programs that support MARKDOWN files.

MARKDOWN file extension

File Name Markdown Documentation Format
File Developer John Gruber
File Category Developer Files

The MARKDOWN file is supported on 4 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MARKDOWN files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MARKDOWN file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MARKDOWN file?

The MARKDOWN file has been categorized as Developer Files. The author of this format is John Gruber. Developer Files consists of 1205 similar files. Markdown Documentation Format is most often found on 4 operating systems. The file will work on Linux, Mac OS, Web, Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The TextMate application is recommended to open the file. It was released by MacroMates Ltd.. This file type can also be opened by 12 other programs. The gVim, Daring Fireball Markdown, Windows Notepad, NotePad++ text editor programs will also handle the file when the TextMate program does not fulfill its role.

How to open MARKDOWN file?

An often recurring problem with Markdown Documentation Format is that MARKDOWN is not associated with the correct program file. This causes the file MARKDOWN to open by system applications not designed for this purpose, or to display a message that there is no associated program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MARKDOWN file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install TextMate

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that TextMate is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name TextMate into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file MARKDOWN with TextMate. Below is a list of programs that support the file MARKDOWN.

Programs to open MARKDOWN file

Remember to download programs supporting MARKDOWN files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of TextMate with MARKDOWN files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the MARKDOWN file to open in the TextMate application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the MARKDOWN file with the TextMate application.

Step 3. Update TextMate to the latest version

If, despite the association of the TextMate program with the Markdown Documentation Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the MacroMates Ltd. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the MARKDOWN file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The MARKDOWN file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to MARKDOWN files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. If this is not possible, you can use the online scanner. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the MARKDOWN file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected MARKDOWN file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
This can happen especially when the program is dynamically developed and the structure of the MARKDOWN files changes over time. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. The repair method must be adapted to the type of file and damage. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair MARKDOWN file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use John Gruber help.
The program indicates that the file is encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted MARKDOWN files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the MARKDOWN file to another location.
This problem only occurs with more complex files. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the MARKDOWN file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.