Markdown is the standard format for documentation, READMEs, and simple website content. But without a preview, it is easy to mis-format lists, tables, and code blocks. This guide explains how Markdown rendering works and why the ToolOrbit Markdown Previewer is useful for writing with confidence.
Markdown basics
- Use # headings, - or * lists, and fenced code blocks for readability.
- Links are written as [text](url).
- Tables are created with pipes and dashes.
- Task lists support - [ ] and - [x] in GitHub-flavoured Markdown.
Common formatting pitfalls
- Missing blank lines before or after lists.
- Fenced code blocks without the closing triple backticks.
- Incorrect table column alignment or missing pipe separators.
- Inline HTML that breaks Markdown parsing in some renderers.
Preview and HTML output
ToolOrbit renders your Markdown live while also generating the equivalent HTML. That makes it easy to check whether the formatted result matches your intent, and to copy the HTML into a web page or CMS if needed.
Tip: Use the preview to verify tables and nested lists. Those are the most common areas where Markdown appears correct in the editor but renders incorrectly.
