Markdown Live Editor
Real-Time Markdown Editing & Preview Tool
Overview
Markdown Live Editor is an open-source, React-based application for writing and previewing Markdown content in real time. It features syntax highlighting, document management using browser local storage, export options, and a clean, responsive interface designed for focused writing.
Project Goal
To provide developers and writers with an intuitive, distraction-free Markdown editor that supports real-time preview, efficient document management, and flexible export options without relying on backend services.
Key Features
- —Real-time Markdown preview while typing
- —Toolbar-based formatting (headings, bold, italic, lists)
- —Smart list and code block handling
- —Syntax highlighting with graceful fallback
- —Document creation, renaming, deletion, and auto-save using Local Storage
- —Markdown file import and export
- —PDF export of rendered content
- —Focus mode for distraction-free writing
- —Responsive layout with mobile-friendly behavior
- —Status bar showing cursor position and character count
Technical Challenges
Implementing real-time synchronized scrolling between editor and preview panes.
Handling Markdown edge cases such as nested lists and code blocks.
Managing document persistence and storage limits using browser Local Storage.
Ensuring responsive UI behavior across different screen sizes.
Exporting rendered Markdown content accurately to PDF format.
Key Learnings
Deepened understanding of controlled editors and rich text handling in React.
Learned efficient state management for multi-document workflows.
Improved UI/UX design skills for writing-focused applications.
Gained experience integrating third-party libraries for rendering, highlighting, and exporting content.
Understood client-side storage constraints and optimization techniques.
Personal Reflection
"I really should reflect on this project... One day, when I'm not too busy shipping code, I'll write something profound here. For now, just know that it was a journey, and I learned things. Many things. Definitely."
Want to Learn More About This Project?
I'm happy to discuss the technical architecture, challenges overcome, and lessons learned from this project.