MarkFlow Pro — Auto Open Markdown Preview
The Markdown preview that actually follows your active file.
Auto-opens a live Markdown preview whenever you open a .md file, tracks your active editor across all split groups, and re-opens automatically if you close it. Plus Pro features: export to PDF, export to HTML, custom themes, and an outline sidebar with drag-to-reorder.
See it in action
Why MarkFlow Pro?
Every other Markdown preview extension has the same problem: the preview panel gets stuck on the wrong file, dies when you close it manually, or conflicts with Copilot and Prettier.
MarkFlow Pro fixes all of that — for free. Then adds the Pro features VS Code users have been requesting for years.
Free Features
- ✅ Auto-open preview when you open any
.md file
- ✅ Preview follows your active file — across all editor groups and split panes
- ✅ Re-opens automatically after you manually close it
- ✅ Smart auto-close (optional) — closes preview when you leave markdown
- ✅ Layout modes — side-by-side, below, or tab
- ✅ Zero conflicts — Copilot Tab and Prettier work perfectly
Pro Features
| Feature |
Free |
Pro |
| Auto-open preview |
✅ |
✅ |
| Multi-file tracking |
✅ |
✅ |
| Layout modes |
✅ |
✅ |
| Custom themes (GitHub, Notion, Bear…) |
❌ |
✅ |
| Export to HTML |
❌ |
✅ |
| Export to PDF |
❌ |
✅ |
| Outline sidebar with drag-to-reorder |
❌ |
✅ |
| Word count + reading time |
❌ |
✅ |
Upgrade to Pro →
Settings
| Setting |
Default |
Description |
markflowPro.enabled |
true |
Enable auto-preview |
markflowPro.layout |
sideBySide |
Layout: sideBySide, below, tab |
markflowPro.autoClose |
false |
Close preview when leaving markdown |
markflowPro.pro.theme |
default |
Preview theme (Pro) — default, github, githubDark, notion, bear |
Perfect For
- Note-taking in VS Code — write Markdown notes with a live preview always visible
- README and documentation writing — preview your docs as you type, no manual refresh
- Technical writing — keep the rendered output in view while editing long documents
- Obsidian or Notion migrants — get the always-on preview experience you're used to
- GitHub Flavored Markdown — preview GFM tables, task lists, and code blocks instantly
Replacing "Auto-Open Markdown Preview"?
If you used the popular Auto-Open Markdown Preview extension (639k installs, last updated 2017) you'll feel right at home — MarkFlow Pro is the maintained, modern replacement that fixes all the known issues:
| Problem with old extension |
MarkFlow Pro |
| Preview gets stuck on wrong file |
✅ Fixed — tracks active editor globally |
| Breaks with split editor groups |
✅ Fixed — works across all groups |
| Doesn't re-open after manual close |
✅ Fixed — auto-reopens on next .md file |
| Conflicts with Copilot / Prettier |
✅ Fixed — zero keybinding conflicts |
| No longer maintained |
✅ Actively developed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it work with split editor groups?
Yes. The preview updates whenever you click any .md file, regardless of which editor group it's in.
Does it conflict with GitHub Copilot?
No. MarkFlow Pro doesn't register Tab, Ctrl+Enter, or any Copilot keybindings.
Can I export my Markdown to PDF?
Yes — with a Pro licence. Use the Command Palette (MarkFlow Pro: Export to PDF) or right-click any .md file in the Explorer.
Can I export to HTML?
Yes — with a Pro licence. Exports a self-contained .html file with CSS inlined, ready to share.
Does it support custom themes?
Yes — Pro includes GitHub Light, GitHub Dark, Notion-style, and Bear themes.
Will the preview steal focus from my editor?
No. The preview opens without stealing focus so you can keep typing immediately.
Does it work with frontmatter / YAML metadata?
Yes. Frontmatter is rendered visually in the preview panel.
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