Markdown Preview in Shape
Live Markdown preview and split view in the Shape IDE editor for .md and .mdx files.
Shape renders Markdown files with a built-in preview powered by the same tab you use for source editing. Switch between source, split, and preview without leaving the workbench.
Open a Markdown file
Open any .md or .mdx file from the Explorer or with Ctrl+P. Syntax highlighting applies in source mode.
Preview modes
Use the mode toggle on the tab bar to cycle views:
| Mode | What you see |
|---|---|
| Source | Raw Markdown in the Monaco editor |
| Split | Editor on one side, rendered preview on the other |
| Preview | Full-width rendered output |
Split view is useful when editing documentation and checking headings, links, and code blocks at the same time.
What the preview supports
The preview renders standard Markdown elements:
- Headings, paragraphs, and lists
- Links and images (relative paths resolve from the file location)
- Fenced code blocks with syntax highlighting
- Blockquotes and inline formatting
Complex MDX components used in Shape's own docs site may not render identically in the IDE preview. The preview targets common Markdown, not full MDX execution.
Scroll and edit workflow
In split mode, edit on the left and confirm layout on the right. Save with Ctrl+S to persist changes. The preview updates when the file content changes.
Tips
- Use Ctrl+Shift+P and run Change Language Mode… if a file is not detected as Markdown.
- For long docs, Zen Mode plus split preview gives a focused writing surface.
- Pair preview with Bookmarks to jump between sections you are revising.