Copy, export and share

Keep the Markdown original

Your .md file is the editable source. Export creates another representation for a particular use. Keep the original and its attachments so you can return to the writing later.

Choose the right output

Destination	Use	What to check
Another Markdown editor	Markdown	Include local attachments and preserve relative paths.
A text field or message	Plain text copy	Formatting becomes ordinary readable text.
Pasting into a web editor	HTML copy	Structure is preserved; destination styling may change it.
A styled web document	HTML file export	Includes highlighted code, math and diagrams.
A rich-text app	RTF copy	A practical subset; not every block is preserved identically.
A document to read or print	PDF	Check page breaks, wide tables and diagrams.
An image of the document	PNG	One image of the whole document. Check size and small text.
An ebook reader	ePub	Check layout in the target reader.
A word-processing workflow	DOCX	Review conversion of complex formatting.

Copy offers Markdown, plain text, HTML and RTF. Export offers HTML, Markdown, PDF, PNG, ePub and DOCX. The two menus do not offer the same formats.

Understand rich output

Rich output carries formatting or a rendered appearance along with your words. Choose it when a recipient needs to read, print or reuse the finished document. Keep Markdown when they need to continue working with its source.

Format	What it gives you	Important differences
HTML copy	Headings, paragraphs, lists and other document structure for pasting	Mermaid stays as source code. Syntax-highlighting styles are not embedded. The receiving app controls how pasted HTML looks.
HTML file	A styled web document with highlighted code, KaTeX math and Mermaid diagrams	Check it in a browser, including any images. It is a separate exported file.
PDF	A document for reading and printing, with styled code, math and diagrams	Created through the system print dialog. Page breaks and wide content need a final check.
PNG	One image of the whole rendered document	There is no per-block or per-diagram image export; crop the image if you need part of it. The recipient cannot edit its words as document text; share a text version when they need one.
RTF copy	Basic rich text for a compatible destination	Tables, images, math, diagrams, footnotes and alerts may be flattened or omitted.
DOCX	A document to continue editing in a word processor	A basic conversion: tables, images, math, diagrams, links and alerts may be simplified or omitted.
ePub	An ebook with styled prose and inline Mermaid SVG diagrams	Math and SVG support depend on the ebook reader. Test in the intended reader.

For example, export a PDF for a meeting handout, a DOCX for a colleague who will revise the prose, or HTML for a styled technical note containing code and diagrams. For a slide, export a PNG of the document and crop to the part you need; check that diagram labels stay readable. For reusable source, share Markdown with its local attachments.

Preview features and file formats

Tables, task lists, code highlighting, KaTeX math, Mermaid diagrams, footnotes, alerts and highlighted text are features of a document’s content. HTML, PDF and DOCX are output formats. A feature that works in editmd’s preview does not necessarily have an equivalent in every output format.

Use Write and format to create these blocks, then choose the output above for your recipient. A Mermaid block is diagram source inside a Markdown file; it is not a separate export-menu format.

Export a document

1. Save the Markdown source.
2. Open the Share menu and choose an export format.
3. Read any format-specific guidance shown by the app.
4. Choose a destination and finish saving the output.
5. Open that output in the app your recipient will use and check it before sending.

For PDF, use the macOS print dialog and choose its PDF saving option. Inspect the print preview before saving.

Images and advanced blocks

Remote resources are blocked during export, even if remote preview images are enabled. Use local attachments when an image must be included, then verify the resulting file.

Math, diagrams, wide tables and custom highlights are worth checking in every target format. DOCX and RTF are practical conversions rather than promises of an identical preview layout.

Share intentionally

Saving or exporting does not send the document to another person. Attach the output to your chosen message or sharing tool. Check that the document contains only the information you intend to share.