Here are several Markdown viewer options for Linux, ranging from simple dedicated viewers to terminal-based tools and editors with built-in preview. I’ve grouped them by type so you can choose based on how you want to use them:
Standalone Markdown Viewers (Lightweight, GUI)
MarkLite
- Lightweight markdown viewer with optional editing.
- Opens directly in viewer mode; you can also switch to edit. (MarkLite)
markdown-reader
- Minimal Qt5-based Markdown viewer.
- Fast start, image caching, simple file navigation. (PyPI)
mdview
- Standalone viewer that only renders Markdown (no heavy editor features).
- Available as AppImage or snap for easy installation. (AppImages)
Terminal-Based Markdown Viewers
These are excellent if you prefer working in a terminal or want a very lightweight solution:
Glow
- Renders Markdown nicely in the terminal with a TUI.
- Allows browsing local files and styled output. (GitHub)
Frogmouth
- Terminal Markdown browser/viewer with navigation, history, table of contents. (GitHub)
mandown
- Man-page inspired Markdown viewer that feels like
man. (Terminal Trove)
AMD Reader
- Python/Textual-based Markdown terminal viewer with navigation. (PyPI)
Editors with Built-In Live Preview
These are general editors or note apps that also work as Markdown viewers:
Typora
- Live rendered preview while you edit.
- Popular choice if you want GUI reading + writing. (Markdown Viewer Online)
Mark Text
- Open-source Markdown editor with split view or live preview. (Markdown Viewer Online)
VS Code
- Full code editor with Markdown preview pane (
Ctrl+Shift+V). - Ideal if you already use it for development. (Markdown Viewer Online)
Zettlr
- Markdown editor with preview and additional writing tools (citation support, docs). (Wikipedia)
Installation Hints (General)
-
AppImage (like mdview): Just download, make executable, run. (AppImages)
-
Snap (mdview, Glow, others):
sudo snap install <package>
(if snapd is set up) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- **Package managers / pipx** (Glow, markdown-reader, AMD Reader):
```bash
pipx install glow
pipx install markdown-reader
pipx install amdreader
(or via distro repositories if available) (GitHub)
Choosing the Right Tool
- Just view Markdown, minimal overhead: Terminal tools like Glow, Frogmouth, mandown.
- Simple GUI viewer: marklite, markdown-reader, mdview.
- Preview + editing: Typora, Mark Text, VS Code.