TL;DR: Tired of clunky split views for your markdown preview in VS Code? The Document Viewer Extension, a free VS Code extension for Markdown live editing, enables real-time editing in the preview pane, streamlining READMEs, API docs, and more. Download free from the VS Code Marketplace and grab our Markdown Workflow Cheat Sheet!
Imagine wrestling with split views, flipping between raw Markdown and previews, just to update a README . In 2025, with developers spending 20% of their time on documentation, a clunky markdown preview in VS Code can derail your flow. Enter the Syncfusion® Document Viewer Extension, a free VS Code extension for markdown live editing that transforms how you edit and preview markdown files. With seamless inline editing, syntax highlighting, and secure client-side rendering, this tool keeps your focus on content, not tabs. Ready to supercharge your workflow? Let’s dive into how this extension revolutionizes your markdown experience in VS Code.
Why choose a free VS Code extension for Markdown Live Editing?
The Document Viewer Extension integrates JavaScript Markdown editor, which allows developers to edit the files in the preview tab instead of constantly checking a separate preview. This approach allows you to focus on your content without the distraction of multiple windows. With features like syntax highlighting, text formatting, and instant rendering, you’ll find editing markdown more intuitive than ever.
Get started today!
The Document Viewer for Visual Studio Code is available on the VS Code Marketplace. To utilize Word document support, ensure your environment meets the below requirement:
Installation guide
- Open Visual Studio Code.
- Access the Extensions view by clicking the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar (or press Ctrl+Shift+X on Windows/Linux, Cmd+Shift+X on Mac).
- Search for Document Viewer in the search bar.
- Click Install to add the extension.
Once installed, you can start working with markdown files within Visual Studio Code.
Key features:
Live preview editing: Edit markdown files directly in the preview window, avoiding the split view of raw md and preview pane.
Centralized management: Keep project documentation, readme files within VS Code, streamlining your workspace.
View and edit: Easily view and edit markdown files, including text formatting, inserting images by providing a valid URL directly in Visual Studio Code.
Toggle for simplicity: To safeguard documents from unwanted alterations, turn on read-only mode in the VS Code status bar or extension settings.
Refer to blogs for further reading
To dive deeper into how the Document Viewer Extension enhances your Visual Studio Code experience, check out these insightful blog posts from Syncfusion®:
- Your VS Code Workflow Just Got Better: Document Viewer Now Supports PDF
- Syncfusion® Document Viewer for VS Code Now Supports Word Documents
- Introducing the Syncfusion® Document Viewer Extension for Visual Studio Code
FAQs
Q1: Can we edit and insert the images in Markdown files?
Yes, the Document Viewer extension allows you to effortlessly edit and add images by selecting the image icon and providing a valid image URL.
Q2: Is Markdown syntax highlighting supported?
Yes, the editor highlights Markdown syntax such as headers, lists, links, and code blocks for better readability.
Q3: Does the Document Viewer Extension upload or transfer my files to a remote server before rendering it in VS Code?
No. The extension uses Syncfusion’s pure-JavaScript Document Editor and Spreadsheet components to parse and render your files entirely on the client. Your document data never leaves your machine, and no internet connection or server-side processing is required.
Q4: Does the extension support keyboard shortcuts for editing documents?
Yes, common editing shortcuts like copy, paste, undo, redo, and formatting commands are supported to enhance productivity.
Q5: Can I use VS Code themes with the Document Viewer?
Yes, the viewer integrates with your VS Code environment, including theme preferences.
Conclusion
Why settle for a clunky markdown preview in VS Code when you can edit seamlessly? The Document Viewer Extension, a free VS Code extension for Markdown live editing, brings live editing, syntax highlighting, and secure rendering to your fingertips. Whether you’re managing API docs, READMEs, or project notes, it saves time and boosts productivity by keeping everything in VS Code. Don’t let split views slow you down in 2025.
Ready to simplify your workflow? Download the free VS Code extension for markdown live editing today and experience seamless markdown editing with Document Viewer
If you’re an existing customer, you can download the latest version of Essential Studio® from the license and downloads page. For those new to Syncfusion®, start your 30-day free trial today and experience seamless document editing in VS Code.
For queries, you can contact us through our support forum, support portal, or feedback portal. As always, we are happy to assist you!
Related Blogs
- Your VS Code Workflow Just Got Better: Document Viewer Now Supports PDF
- Syncfusion® Document Viewer for VS Code Now Supports Word Documents
- Introducing the Syncfusion® Document Viewer Extension for Visual Studio Code
- What’s New in Document Processing Libraries: 2025 Volume 1
This article was originally published at Syncfusion.com.
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