MARKDOWN File Extension

What is MARKDOWN file?

Full format name of files that use MARKDOWN extension is Markdown Documentation Format. John Gruber defined the Markdown Documentation Format format standard. MARKDOWN file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Linux, Mac OS, Web, Windows system platform. MARKDOWN file format, along with 1205 other file formats, belongs to the Developer Files category. Users are advised to use NotePad++ text editor software for managing MARKDOWN files, although 12 other programs can also handle this type of file. Software named NotePad++ text editor was created by Notepad++ Team. In order to find more detailed information on the software and MARKDOWN files, check the developer’s official website.

Programs which support MARKDOWN file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with MARKDOWN files, divided into 4 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with MARKDOWN extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with MARKDOWN extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening MARKDOWN files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Markdown Documentation Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with MARKDOWN files.

Step 1. Download and install NotePad++ text editor

Problems with opening and working with MARKDOWN files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with MARKDOWN files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install NotePad++ text editor or one to the listed programs: gVim, Daring Fireball Markdown, Windows Notepad. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download NotePad++ text editor installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Notepad++ Team website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of NotePad++ text editor

If you already have NotePad++ text editor installed on your systems and MARKDOWN files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why MARKDOWN files are not compatible with NotePad++ text editor. The latest version of NotePad++ text editor should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open MARKDOWN files to NotePad++ text editor

If you have the latest version of NotePad++ text editor installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage MARKDOWN on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the MARKDOWN file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the NotePad++ text editor installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open MARKDOWN files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected MARKDOWN file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with MARKDOWN extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the MARKDOWN is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper MARKDOWN file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. The MARKDOWN may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the MARKDOWN is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. MARKDOWN file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the MARKDOWN file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with MARKDOWN extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Markdown Documentation Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open NotePad++ text editor

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with MARKDOWN extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Markdown Documentation Format file. It may be the case that the MARKDOWN files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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