Markdown vs Normal Editors: Which One Should You Use for Writing?
Choosing the right writing tool can make your life easier. You might ask, “Should I use Markdown or just stick with a normal editor?” Here’s the answer, broken down simply.
What is Markdown?
Markdown is a way to write formatted text using plain words and simple symbols. You write in a plain text file. You use things like # for a heading or * for a list. When you save your file, you can turn it into HTML or a nicely formatted document.
Here’s an example:
# Heading
This is **bold** text.
- Item one
- Item two
Markdown started with programmers and writers who wanted to focus on writing, not formatting. It works in many places: readme files, notes, blogs, and technical documents.
What is a Normal Editor?
A normal editor is what you probably use at work or school. Think Microsoft Word or Google Docs. You see your text on the screen just how it will look when you print or share it. You click buttons to make text bold, add colors, or insert pictures.
You don’t need to remember any symbols or codes. You just type and click.
How Are They Different?
Here’s a quick comparison.
| Feature | Markdown | Normal Editor |
|---|---|---|
| How you format | Simple symbols | Menus and buttons |
| File type | Plain text | DOCX, RTF, etc. |
| What you see | Plain words | Looks finished |
| Learning curve | Takes a bit at first | Very easy |
| Portability | Works everywhere | Sometimes limited |
| Features | Basic formatting | Many formatting tools |
| File size | Small | Can be larger |
When Should You Use Markdown?
Markdown works well if you write a lot of notes, documentation, or blog posts. It’s also good if you want to keep your files simple and easy to move between computers. If you don’t like clicking around menus, you’ll probably like Markdown.
When Should You Use a Normal Editor?
Use a normal editor when you need to make documents that look a certain way. If your boss wants a report with a company logo and tables, Word or Google Docs is better. They also work well if you need to print documents or share them with people who aren’t familiar with Markdown.
What Tools Can You Try?
For Markdown, try VS Code, Obsidian, or Typora. They let you write and see the formatted result. For normal editors, you already know Word and Google Docs.
Final Thoughts
Markdown and normal editors both work. Your choice depends on what you want to do. If you like simple text and fewer distractions, use Markdown. If you want a lot of formatting options and a familiar look, use a normal editor.
Try both. See what fits your work best.
Bonus point: ConniePad is a unique note app that work for both work. It has normal editor, and will automatically format if user type markdown syntax.