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Editing Markdown files in Preview

Box Preview enables you to edit Markdown (.md) files.  Box Preview’s Markdown editor is a native, cloud-based editor built directly into Box.  Whether you’re documenting technical specifications, creating agents.md files, drafting structured notes, or managing knowledge bases, the Box Markdown editor enables you to create and edit Markdown files without leaving Box. While you edit a Markdown file in Box Preview, Box applies a lock to the file to prevent other people from also editing the file. Box Markdown editor is available to all Box users. You can begin creating and editing Markdown files immediately upon accessing your Box account.

Creating a new Markdown file

To create a new Markdown file in any folder:
  1. Navigate to the folder where you want to create the file.
  2. Click the New+ button in the top-right corner of the folder view.
  3. Select Markdown from the dropdown menu.
  4. Enter the name for the Markdown file and click Create.
The Box Markdown editor opens in a new tab, ready for you to begin typing.

Choosing your view mode

Box Markdown editor provides three distinct working modes to match your preferred writing and reviewing style. You can switch between modes at any time using the controls at the bottom of the editor toolbar.
  • Code view: Write and edit raw Markdown syntax directly. Ideal for precision, structural control, and experienced Markdown authors.
  • Preview mode: See a fully rendered output of your Markdown. Perfect for reviewing formatting and sharing polished content.
  • Split view: Write in code view on the left while seeing a live rendered preview on the right, simultaneously, in real time.
Tip: Split view is particularly useful when working with complex tables, headers, or nested lists, as it lets you catch formatting errors as you type without switching modes.

Editing Markdown files

To begin editing a Markdown file in Box Preview:
  1. In your Box Files window, click the name of the file.  Box displays the file’s contents in Preview.
  2. In the Preview window, click Edit.  Box displays the file’s contents in Markdown form, along with an editing menubar.
  3. After editing the file, click Save.  Box displays the file’s new contents in Preview.