Edit Markdown visually on Mac

A README, project plan or meeting note should be easy to read and update. Balise lets you work on the formatted document in visual mode and inspect its Markdown syntax in source mode. Both modes edit the same file on your Mac.

1. Start with a short note

Open a .md file or create a Markdown document in Balise. For this example, prepare a launch note with a heading, a sentence describing the goal and two tasks. Its source might look like this:

# Project launch

Prepare a first version for people to try.

## Checklist

- [ ] Review the home page
- [ ] Test the download

## Reference

[Project plan](plan.md)

The link to plan.md assumes that this file exists in the same folder. Replace it with the name of one of your own notes if needed.

2. Write in visual mode

Switch to visual mode to see the formatted heading, tasks and link. Edit the goal directly in the document. Use the formatting controls to add a heading, a list or bold text.

The document updates as you write: visual mode supports editing as well as reading. You can also insert a table or an image when your explanation needs one.

3. Check the source when you need it

Switch to source mode to inspect the Markdown markers or check a link destination. Then return to visual mode to continue writing. Switching modes does not require exporting the document.

For documents with complex Markdown extensions, use source mode and check your changes before saving. Visual edits do not guarantee that every extended syntax will be preserved.

4. Save and reuse the note

Save with ⌘S. The result remains a Markdown file you can reopen in Balise or use with your other project tools. Linked files and images need to remain accessible at their referenced locations.

When several notes describe work in progress, you can organize them with a Kanban board. For more commands, see the Markdown chapter of the manual, available in French.