Instant Quick Look previews
Preview a Markdown file directly in Finder with Spacebar, without launching a separate app window.
Marked QL
Marked QL is a macOS Quick Look extension for Markdown files that previews supported documents in Finder with Spacebar. It is aimed at users who want fast rendered Markdown viewing, including advanced syntax, without opening a full editor.
Overview
Marked QL is a macOS Quick Look extension for Markdown files. It lets you preview supported documents in Finder with the Spacebar and renders them with Apex, a unified Markdown processor.
The extension is designed for fast reading and checking of Markdown content without opening a full editor. It supports advanced syntax such as math, diagrams, syntax highlighting, tables, footnotes, task lists, callouts, and Quarto files, and it can hand off to Marked 3 when you want the fuller preview app.
Features
Unified Markdown processing
Apex combines multiple Markdown flavors into one rendering engine, so the preview is consistent across supported syntax variants.
Math and diagram support
Render LaTeX math with MathJax and create flowcharts or sequence diagrams with Mermaid.
Syntax highlighting
Display code blocks with highlight.js and choose from available syntax themes.
Open in Marked
Open a preview in Marked 3 when you need the full app for further work.
Configurable appearance
Choose preview styles, Apex processing mode, and optional custom CSS, with styles that can follow Dark Mode.
Use Cases
Quick file review
Open a Markdown file in Finder and inspect the rendered result immediately, without switching to a separate preview app.
Review advanced Markdown
Check documents that rely on math, Mermaid diagrams, tables, or extended Markdown syntax to confirm they render as intended.
Hand off to the full app
Jump from a Quick Look preview into Marked 3 when you need a fuller working environment for export or deeper editing tasks.
Navigate long documents
Browse longer Markdown documents using the built-in table of contents navigation to move between headings.
Work with Quarto files
Preview .qmd files with Apex’s Quarto mode when working on Pandoc-style Markdown documents.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works directly in Finder with Spacebar for fast previewing.
- Supports advanced Markdown rendering through Apex, including math and Mermaid diagrams.
- Can share preview styles with Marked 3 and open files in the full app when needed.
- Supports configurable styles, Apex processing mode, and optional custom CSS.
- Provides Quick Look navigation for longer documents through a table of contents view.
Cons
- Requires macOS 13.0 or later.
- Marked QL is a separate app from Marked 3, so it must be installed and launched separately.
- The troubleshooting page notes that other Quick Look extensions can take precedence, so setup may require resolving conflicts on some Macs.
FAQ
Do I need Marked 3 to use Marked QL?
No. Marked QL works on its own as a Quick Look extension for Markdown files. If you also use Marked 3, it can share preview styles and provides an Open in Marked button.
How do I get Marked QL working in Finder?
Install Marked Quick Look, launch it once from /Applications, and then preview a supported Markdown file in Finder by pressing Spacebar. If Quick Look is not showing the expected preview, the troubleshooting guide recommends checking registration and extension conflicts.
Which macOS versions are supported?
Marked QL requires macOS 13.0 or later.
What Markdown features does Marked QL support?
Marked QL uses Apex, which supports CommonMark, GitHub Flavored Markdown, MultiMarkdown, Kramdown, and other syntax. The page specifically calls out tables, footnotes, MathJax math, Mermaid diagrams, syntax highlighting, task lists, callouts, and Quarto files.
How does Marked QL relate to Marked 3?
Marked QL is the lightweight Quick Look companion for instant previews, while Marked 3 is the full app for live preview, proofreading, export, and deeper editor integration. They are separate products and can be used together.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Developer Tool
- Platform
- macOS 13.0 or later
- Product type
- Quick Look extension for Markdown files
- Core renderer
- Apex
- Related app
- Marked 3
- Source domain
- markedapp.com
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