QLMarkdown is a macOS Quick Look extension that enables preview of Markdown files and related formats directly in the system's file browser.
The tool solves the problem of viewing Markdown content without opening a dedicated editor or browser. It works by providing a Quick Look plugin that renders Markdown files with HTML conversion, alongside a graphical configuration interface for customizing preview display settings. The extension also includes a command-line executable for converting Markdown to HTML and an experimental Shortcut extension for the same conversion task. Beyond standard Markdown, it supports preview of R Markdown, MDX, Quarto, API Blueprint, Cursor Ruler, and Mermaid diagram files, as well as textbundle packages.
This tool is appropriate for macOS users who frequently browse Markdown files in Finder and want quick previews without launching an editor. It suits projects involving documentation, note-taking, or technical writing where rapid file inspection is valuable. The application is explicitly not intended as a standalone Markdown editor or viewer for extended reading or editing work. Installation requires launching the application once to register the Quick Look extension with the system, after which previews become available in System Preferences. The tool stores configuration and support files in a user library folder that can be removed during uninstall.
Development activity shows consistent maintenance with regular updates addressing user needs and expanding format support. The project maintains clear documentation of its capabilities and limitations, including explicit disclaimers about warranty and intended use scope. The maintainer actively incorporates feedback through feature additions like support for additional file formats and provides multiple installation methods including package management integration.
