---
title: "Your first document"
description: "Write a short note, see it take shape, and save it somewhere familiar."
canonical: https://editmd.app/docs/first-document/
markdown: https://editmd.app/docs/first-document.md
status: pre-release, waiting list open
generated: editmd-website
---

# Your first document

Write a short note, see it take shape, and save it somewhere familiar.

## 1. Create a place for your note

Open editmd. Choose **File → New File…** and use a name such as **first-note.md**. Choose a folder you can find again. A folder called **Notes** is a simple place to start.

If you already have a Markdown file, choose **File → Open File…** instead. Opening a file does not import it into a separate document library.

## 2. Write a heading and a paragraph

Type this into the editor. Leave a blank line between the heading and the paragraph:

```markdown
# My first note

A little space to think clearly.

## Next steps

- Write the first idea
- Add one useful detail
```

The `#` and `##` create two levels of heading. The hyphens create a list. You can type the marks yourself or use the formatting bar.

## 3. See the result

Choose **Split** to show your Markdown and its preview together. Change “My first note” to a title of your own. The preview updates as you write.

Choose **Editor** when you want to focus on the source. Choose **Preview** when you want to read the formatted document. Changing the view does not convert or replace your file.

## 4. Make a small edit

Select a few words and use **Bold** in the formatting bar, or press **⌘B**. The words are wrapped in `**` in the source and appear bold in the preview. Use **Undo** if you want to reverse the change.

## 5. Save and reopen

Choose **File → Save** or press **⌘S**. Find the file in the folder you selected. Reopen it through **File → Open File…** and check that your changes are there.

**You have finished your first document:** a readable **.md** file that you can keep, share or open in another editor. Make saving a habit; recovery helps with interruptions but does not replace a saved file or a backup.

Group: Start here. Handbook index: https://editmd.app/docs.md