C
%Begin What Is a .MD File? (And How to Open One) GA
S
REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!
visibility
413 views
thumb_up
25 likes
D
Search Close GO Software & Apps > File Types
What Is an MD File?
How to open, edit, and convert MD files
By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 12, 2021 Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Reviewed by Jerrick Leger Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields.
thumb_up
23 likes
H
He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email File Types File Types Apps Windows MS Office Linux Google Drive Backup & Utilities Design Cryptocurrency
What to Know
Most MD files are Markdown Documentation files.Open one with MarkPad, Visual Studio Code, or another text editor.Convert to HTML, DOCX, TXT, PDF, and others with those programs or another like Dillinger.
thumb_up
30 likes
B
This article describes what MD files are, how to open the different types (there are several), and what you need to do to convert one to a different format.
What Is an MD File
There are several different file formats that utilize the MD file extension.
thumb_up
3 likes
S
It's important to recognize which format your file is in before you decide which program you need to open or convert it.
Markdown Documentation Files
A .MD or .MARKDOWN file might be a Markdown Documentation file. It's a plain text file that uses the Markdown language to describe how to format the document.
thumb_up
4 likes
S
README.md is a common MD file that holds text instructions.
SEGA Mega Drive ROM Files
SEGA Mega Drive ROM files use the MD file extension as well.
thumb_up
50 likes
N
They're a digital representation of a physical game from the SEGA Mega Drive console (called SEGA Genesis in North America). Emulation software uses the MD file to play the game on a computer.
Moneydance Financial Data Files
Another file format that uses the MD file extension is Moneydance Financial Data.
thumb_up
15 likes
N
The MD file stores transactions, budgets, stock information, bank accounts, and other related data for the Moneydance finance software. However, newer versions of the program use .MONEYDANCE files instead.
MDCD Files
When one or more files are compressed with MDCD compression, the result is called an MDCD Compressed Archive, also ending with MD.
thumb_up
17 likes
M
Machine Description Files
Yet another type of MD file is reserved for Machine Description files. These are programming files used on some Unix systems for compiling software programs.
thumb_up
48 likes
C
SharkPort Saved Game Files
SharkPort Saved Game files are stored with the MD file extension, too. They're saved PlayStation 2 games created by the SharkPort device and used for copying saved games to a computer.
thumb_up
45 likes
D
Considering the brevity of this file extension, it's also an abbreviation for a number of technology terms: mini disc, microdrive, machine-dependent, and manufacturer discontinued are a few examples. The md (make directory) Command Prompt command is another.
thumb_up
22 likes
H
However, none of those terms have anything to do with the file formats described on this page.
Open and Convert Markdown Documentation Files
Since these MD files are just plain text documents, you can open one with any text editor, like Notepad or WordPad in Windows. We have a list of other free text editors you can use instead.
thumb_up
31 likes
L
Here are some more specialized tools for opening and converting Markdown files: MarkPad is an editor/viewer that opens MD, MDOWN, MARKDOWN, and MKD files. You can convert MD to HTML with a program called Markdown.
thumb_up
24 likes
J
It's released by the creator of the Markdown language, John Gruber. Another MD-to-HTML converter is available through the Markdown Preview Plus extension for the Chrome browser. Convert MD to PDF with the free online Markdown converter at Markdowntopdf.com.
thumb_up
31 likes
S
Dillinger is an online MD editor that runs in your web browser. It also converts markdown files to HTML and PDF.
thumb_up
8 likes
M
Use CloudConvert to save the MD file to the DOCX MS Word format. Other text-based formats are supported, too, like HTML TXT, RTF, and PDF.
thumb_up
26 likes
D
Another online Markdown converter you can try is available at pandoc. It supports lots of formats, including DocBook v5, ICML, LaTeX, S5, and MediaWiki.
Open and Convert SEGA Genesis Mega Drive ROM Files
MD files in this format can be converted to BIN (the Sega Genesis Game ROM file format) using SBWin.
thumb_up
28 likes
S
Once in that format, you can open the ROM with Gens Plus! or Kega Fusion.
Open and Convert Moneydance Financial Data Files
Moneydance opens MD files that are created in that program.
thumb_up
36 likes
E
The program creates MONEYDANCE files by default, but since it replaces the older format, it's still able to open MD files. To convert the MD file to a format that makes it usable in other software like Intuit Quicken or Microsoft Money, use the File > Export menu in Moneydance. The supported export formats include QIF, TXT, and JSON.
thumb_up
34 likes
S
Microsoft Money has been discontinued since 2009, but you might have luck converting the MD file to a format usable by Microsoft's replacement for the software, called Money Plus Sunset, which has the .MNY file extension.
Open and Convert MDCD Compressed Archive Files
The mdcd10.arc file compression/decompression command-line software can open MDCD compressed files. Once the files are extracted, you can compress them again in a new format like ZIP, RAR or 7Z, using most file compression and unzip tools.
thumb_up
24 likes
T
This is essentially how you can "convert" this kind of MD file.
Open and Convert Machine Description Files
MD files that are Machine Description files are similar to Markdown Documentation files mentioned above in that they are plain text files that can be read with any text editor.
thumb_up
19 likes
H
You can use any of those text editors linked above to open these kinds of MD files. There's probably little reason to convert a Machine Description file to another format but if you need it to be in some other text-based format, the text editors will surely do.
Open and Convert SharkPort Saved Game Files
PS2 Save Builder is used to open MD files that are SharkPort Saved Game files.
thumb_up
0 likes
S
It can also open a number of other similar file formats like PWS, MAX, CBS, PSU, NPO, SPO, SPS, P2M, XPO, and XPS. The PS2 Save Builder tool can also be used to convert the MD file to some of those same formats.
thumb_up
39 likes
C
Still Can' t Open the File
It should be easy enough to get your file to open in one of the programs above, given the fact that there are several file formats that use an MD file. However, if you're misreading the file extension, it's very possible that none of these programs will work with your file.
thumb_up
8 likes
J
Read the file extension again, making sure that you aren't confusing it with one that's just spelled similarly. For example, MDB files won't work with the software from above since they're in the Microsoft Access file format.
thumb_up
19 likes
A
The same is true for others like MDW, MDD, DM, MDF, MDX, MDI, MNY, MDJ, and ND files. Research the actual letters and numbers that are appended to the end of the file to find out more about the file format, including which programs are able to open/play/read the file and how you can convert the file to a different format.
thumb_up
16 likes
A
FAQ What are MD files from GitHub? GitHub is a cloud-based online service for programmers and developers. It’s a place to manage, store, and track changes to their projects.
thumb_up
29 likes
V
Programmers and developers who work with GitHub often use the MD file extension for README files in the Markdown Documentation file format (readme.md). How do I create an MD file? To create a Markdown Documentation file, the most common MD file type, open a text editor, create the new file, then name the file something like Readme.md, or anything else that makes sense, using the .md extension.
thumb_up
28 likes
S
Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know!
thumb_up
35 likes
H
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire SVG Files: What They Are and How to Open & Convert Them 000 File (What It Is & How to Open One) MNY File (What It Is & How to Open One) MQ4 File (What It Is & How to Open One) WPD File (What It Is & How to Open One) DMC File (What It Is and How to Open One) AV File (What Is It & How to Open One) DDOC File (What It Is & How to Open One) ACV File (What It Is & How to Open One) What Is a DAT File?
thumb_up
33 likes
L
(And How to Open One) DRF File (What It Is & How to Open One) ESD File (What It Is & How to Open One) TEX File (What It Is and How to Open One) XAR File (What It Is and How to Open One) GRD File (What It Is & How to Open One) DYLIB File (What It Is & How to Open One) Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
48 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Former F1 driver says neither he nor Carlos Sainz ever liked Red Bull
-
Montpellier vs Strasbourg Prediction and Betting Tips September 17 2022
-
Pro Kabaddi 2022 Ranking all 12 teams based on their defenders
-
WATCH Video shows woman getting ambushed by armed robbers in Chicago neighborhood
-
I don t think it will be easy Chris Sutton makes bold predictions for Everton vs Liverpool
-
Chelsea player could still move to Fenerbahce after move to Premier League side collapsed on deadline day Reports
-
DGA vs FM Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Today s Playing 11 and Pitch Report for ICC Academy Summer Cup 2022 Match 13
-
For Independent Artist Spencer Crandall Putting Fans First Is Key To Success
-
Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 159 Spoilers Reddit Recap Release Date and Time The News Pocket
-
100+ Best Happy New Year Wishes Messages amp Quotes 2022 The News Pocket
-
Hof van Saksen App APK Download for Android
-
Frontier Airlines APK Download for Android
-
Estación del Centro FM 95 7 APK Download for Android
-
FIM Asia Digital Moto Champion APK Download for Android
-
Business Studies 11th Notes APK Download for Android
-
PSG Lionel Messi forfait pour d fier Benfica Psgben
-
Top 5 Calor KEF Bose les meilleurs bons plans du 11 10 2022 Bonplan Logitech
-
El cajero autom tico m s alto del mundo se encuentra en la cima de una monta a a 4 693 metros de altura Gonzoo Pakist n
-
A common respiratory virus is spreading at unusually high levels overwhelming children s hospitals Here s what parents need to know
-
Econom a incentiva el retorno de las stock options frente a las nuevas acciones fantasma Bme Growth
-
Listen to Across the Sky podcast episode 28 coming soon Dcc Wire
-
Venezuelans expelled from US decide next steps in Mexico
-
Murkowski and Tshibaka don t agree on a ton but both U S Senate candidates say they want to protect Arctic Alaska from Russia
-
Fortnite Use a Junk Rift in Wreck Ravine or Rocky Wreckage
-
Hey Pandas Share Some Really Cringy Pick Up Lines Closed
-
Hey Pandas Share Your Pets Cutest Or Funniest Photo
-
Meet Tim Bell the man who said Mantel should be investigated by police
-
Overwatch 2 release date trailers gameplay and more Digital Trends
-
The best rom coms on Hulu right now Digital Trends
-
How to See Snapchat Conversation History AirDroid