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Markdown is a versatile markup language.
What is Markdown?
With it, you add formatting elements but dont get a visible output.
However, its syntax is easy to learn, and you could master it with practice.
Also, many modern tools offer Markdown that doesnt require memorizing its syntax.
Is Markdown Good for Documentation?
Markdown is an ideal pick for writing technical documentation.
Thats because it offers the ability to merge changes across different documents.
However, everyone in your team must adopt Markdown as the markup language to make it successful.
Community support for Markdown is also strong.
Lets look at some examples.
GitHub, the leading cloud-based code hosting platform, usesMarkdown to document its product.
And it’s possible for you to use Markdown files to generate the documentation website.
You only need to connect your GitHub repository and push the files.
MkDocsandDocusarusare static site generators that let you quickly host Markdown files.
it’s possible for you to also use Jekyll, which takes markdown files to generate a website.
Finally, youll findonline software documentationtools that natively support Markdown.
you could also export Markdown in multiple formats, including web pages, PDF, or Rich Text Format.
Markdown editor is a specialized tool or web app for writing Markdown.
It enables writers to write content in a distraction-free mode.
Moreover, you also get access to live previews, keyboard shortcuts, and advanced formatting.
As a writer, look for the following things in a Markdown editor.
These include:
These features may or may not be present in the Markdown editor.
These text editors support Markdown by default, or you oughta rely on an extension or package.
Visual Studio Code offers native Markdown support.
You canwrite Markdown content directlyin it.
On top of that, you also have access to its extensions that further improve Markdown support and functionality.
The same is true for Atom.
Then, there is Sublime text, one of the most feature-rich code editors.
Lastly, you might enable and use Markdown with GNU Emacs, Notepad++, and Vim.
Now, we will discuss the best Markdown editors to write better documentation.
Ghostwriter
Ghostwriteris a KDE-based open-source Markdown editor.
It offers distraction-free writing with full-screen mode.
The interface is also clean, with the option to use themes.
Furthermore, it comes with a live preview that updates once you write some Markdown.
Also, you might copy the generated HTML to a blog post and publish it immediately without any changes.
Some of Ghostwriters notable features include:
Ghostwriter is available on Linux, MacOS, and Windows.
MarkText
MarkTextis a simple-to-use open-source Markdown editor.
It offers speed and focuses on usability.
You also get themes including Cadmium Light, Graphite Light, Material Dark, etc.
Typora
Typorais a pay-to-use Markdown editor.
As a writer, youll find Typora easy to use with a real-time preview feature.
Moreover, you also get custom themes that you’re free to customize using CSS.
Typoras key features include the following:
you might get Typora for a one-time payment starting at $14.99.
It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Ulysses
Ulyssesis a popular Mac-based writing app.
Youll also find Ulysses helpful if youre a technical writer, as it supports Markdown.
In short, pick Ulysses for less challenging technical work, as it needs full Markdown support.
iA Writer
Unlike Ulysses,iA Writercomes with full support for Markdown.
It is a popular Markdown editor and comes with excellent features and customization.
However, do not confuse it with artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Out-of-the-box, youll find iA Writer intuitive and easy to use.
It lets you link your notes and ideas for better structuring.
Apart from Android, you get iA Writer with a one-time payment.
This is whereObsidiancomes in.
It is a free-to-use knowledge-base Markdown editor which lets you create a custom solution to manage your knowledge base.
It is highly customizable, and you could customize how it looks, feels, and functions.
At the core of everything, you get full Markdown support.
Also, it is not cloud-based, so you have complete control over your data.
you’ve got the option to back up your data according to your choice.
Quiver
Quiveris best known as The Programmers Notebook.
If youre someone who programs and write documentation, youll find Quiver very useful.
It supports Markdown for easynote-takingand LaTeX for writing and editing code.
To help fasten productivity, it offers a live preview Markdown andLaTeX.
It also supports version control so that you’ve got the option to collaborate with your team.
Under the hood, Quiver uses Ace code editor to work with code and text effortlessly.
Quivers key features include:
It is Mac-based and available for $9.99.
LightPaper
If youre a Mac user, youre going to loveLightPaper.
It is a lightweight text editor with an excellent feature set for writing content, including documentation.
Out of the box, it offers a beautiful user interface.
Also, it provides a versatile sidebar that makes navigation easy and files accessible.
So, if youre researching, it’s possible for you to find this feature helpful.
Lastly, it supports different Markdown flavors, including GFM and MultiMarkdown(MM).
MindForger
MindForgeris an open-source markdown editor for note-taking.
This can help technical writers arrange knowledge to help them write better documentation.
MindForger key features include the following:
It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Final Words
Documentation requires the right tools to be successful.
Next, check out the best tools and resources to become a professional writer.
