Markdown to Google Docs
Google Docs can now read Markdown itself. Here are the built-in methods, plus a preview-first converter for when you want more control.
Preview
Converted on your device: your Markdown is never uploaded.
Method 1: Paste from Markdown (built into Google Docs)
Google’s help center documents a paste command that converts Markdown as it goes in:
- Copy your Markdown text.
- Open a document in Google Docs on your computer.
- Right-click where you want it and choose Paste from Markdown.
Method 2: Import a .md file
You can also open a Markdown file as a Google Doc:
- From Google Docs: File > Open > Upload, then choose the .md file. It uploads and opens automatically.
- From Google Drive: upload the .md file, right-click it and choose Open with > Google Docs.
Method 3: Copy for Google Docs (this page)
Paste your Markdown into the editor above, check the preview, and press Copy for Google Docs. The clipboard gets formatted HTML (headings, lists, links, tables and monospaced code) instead of Markdown symbols, so you paste it with an ordinary Ctrl+V (⌘+V on a Mac). This is handy when the Markdown came from somewhere else and you want to see what it looks like before it goes into your document.
Method 4: Download a .docx and open it in Google Docs
Press Download .docx, then upload the file to Google Drive and double-click it: Google’s help center says Office files open in Google Docs this way. The same file also works in Microsoft Word, which helps if you’re sharing with people who use either.
Which method should you use?
| If you… | Use |
|---|---|
| Just want the text in a doc, quickly | Paste from Markdown (Method 1) |
| Have a .md file on your computer | Import it (Method 2) |
| Want to preview it and pick fonts first | This page: Copy or Download |
| Need the same document in Word and Google Docs | Download .docx (Method 4) |
Google’s help page for Markdown lists headings, bold, italic, strikethrough and links. It doesn’t list tables, code blocks or footnotes, so if those matter, check the result, and try the .docx route if they don’t come out the way you need: this converter turns them into Word tables, a monospaced code style and real footnotes.
Typing Markdown directly in Google Docs
Google Docs can also apply Markdown formatting as you type. Turn it on in Tools > Preferences by ticking Enable Markdown. Then, for example, typing # at the start of a paragraph makes a heading, **text** makes bold and ~text~ (a single tilde, per Google’s help page) makes strikethrough.
Going the other way, from a Google Doc to Markdown, use File > Download > Markdown (.md), or download it as .docx and use our DOCX to Markdown converter.
Frequently asked questions
Can Google Docs open Markdown files?
Yes. According to Google's help center, you can upload a .md file with File > Open > Upload in Google Docs, or upload it to Drive and choose Open with > Google Docs.
How do I paste Markdown into Google Docs with formatting?
Google Docs has a Paste from Markdown command: copy the Markdown, right-click in the document and choose Paste from Markdown. Alternatively, paste your Markdown into this page and use Copy for Google Docs, then paste normally.
How do I turn on Markdown in Google Docs?
Go to Tools > Preferences and tick Enable Markdown. Google's help center describes this setting as letting you type Markdown formatting, such as # for headings, directly in a document.
Can I export a Google Doc as Markdown?
Yes: File > Download > Markdown (.md). To copy part of a document as Markdown, select it, right-click and choose Copy as Markdown.
Why use this page instead of Google Docs' own import?
Use it when you want to see a preview and choose the font, size and page size first, when you also need the same document as a Word file, or when the built-in import doesn't give you the result you want for tables, code blocks or footnotes.
Is my text uploaded to this site?
No. The conversion runs in your browser. Your document only goes to Google if you upload it to Google Drive yourself.