Markdown Parser
Preview markdown syntax compiled live into standard styling.
What this tool does
Markdown is a lightweight markup language created by John Gruber in 2004 that uses plain text formatting syntax to produce structured HTML. It is the de facto standard for README files, blog posts, documentation, and static site content because it is readable as plain text yet renders to rich formatting. This parser supports GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM), which extends the original CommonMark spec with tables, task lists, strikethrough, and autolinks.
The tool compiles your input in real time using a streaming renderer, so you see the final styled output as you type. All processing happens client-side, making it safe to preview drafts containing private notes, internal documentation, or pre-publication content. The renderer escapes HTML by default, so accidental script tags or raw markup in your input will not execute.
Usage Example
# Hello World
Welcome to **Markdown**! Here is a quick reference:
## Lists
- Item one
- Item two
- Nested item
## Code
Inline `code` and blocks:
```js
function greet(name) {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
```
## Tables (GFM)
| Feature | Supported |
|---------|-----------|
| Tables | Yes |
| Tasks | Yes |Common Edge Cases
- Raw HTML embedded in markdown is passed through to the output by default, which can introduce XSS risks if the output is rendered for untrusted users.
- Indentation matters inside list items: 2 spaces for nested unordered, 3-4 for nested ordered. Misalignment breaks the list structure.
- Headings require a space after the hash character; #Heading renders as literal text rather than a heading.
- Code fences must be on their own line with no preceding indentation, or the renderer may treat them as indented code blocks instead.
- Reference-style links and footnotes are supported but require definitions elsewhere in the document, and broken references render as literal text.
FAQ
- Which Markdown flavor is used?
- The parser follows GitHub Flavored Markdown, which is a strict superset of CommonMark. This means all CommonMark documents render correctly, plus GFM extensions like tables and task lists.
- Can I use custom HTML or components?
- You can embed raw HTML, but it will be rendered as-is in the preview. For production sites, use a sanitization library like DOMPurify before injecting rendered HTML into the DOM.
- Does the tool support math equations?
- Not natively. To render LaTeX-style math, you would need to add a plugin like remark-math and KaTeX, which are not included in this minimal parser.