Synkdown is a VS Code Markdown editor that combines WYSIWYG editing with synchronized source mode, and supports image insertion via paste, drag-and-drop, or editor actions—embedding images directly as base64 data URLs.
Installation
Launch VS Code Quick Open (Ctrl+P), paste the following command, and press enter.
Synkdown is a Visual Studio Code Markdown editor extension focused on practical writing. It combines a clean WYSIWYG editing surface with synchronized Markdown source editing so users can draft visually, then switch to raw Markdown whenever they need precise syntax control.
Product Positioning
Synkdown is intended for users who write Markdown content in VS Code but do not want to stay in raw syntax all the time. It is suitable for general document authoring, knowledge-base writing, technical notes, project documentation, and mixed-content Markdown files that include formulas, diagrams, tables, and images.
Core Capabilities
WYSIWYG editing as the default authoring mode, with the editor canvas kept visually minimal.
Markdown source mode for direct editing of advanced syntax or fine-grained formatting.
Live synchronization between the editor surface and the underlying .md file in VS Code.
Export to standalone HTML files for document sharing, archival, or downstream publishing workflows.
Export to PDF through browser-based print rendering, preserving readable text and rendered diagrams in the output document.
Mermaid rendering for diagram blocks written with fenced mermaid code.
Image insertion by paste, drag-and-drop, or editor actions, with images embedded directly into Markdown as base64 data URLs.
Table authoring with optimized header styling for clear reading and editing.
Typical Workflow
Open a Markdown file in Visual Studio Code.
Run the command Synkdown: Open WYSIWYG Editor.
Edit content in the default WYSIWYG mode.
Switch to Markdown mode when exact syntax editing is needed.
Save the document through the normal VS Code save flow.
Supported Content Types
Headings, paragraphs, block quotes, lists, task lists, and code blocks.
Tables with visually distinct header cells.
Inline math with $...$ and block math with $$...$$.
Mermaid diagrams using fenced code blocks with the mermaid language tag.
Base64-embedded images stored directly inside the Markdown document.
Design Principles
Editing-first interface: keep the writing surface as the primary focus.
Dual-mode workflow: visual editing for speed, Markdown mode for precision.
File-native behavior: all edits remain part of the original Markdown file lifecycle.
Low-friction portability: embedded images avoid extra asset-file management during file transfer.
Known Boundaries
Large embedded images increase Markdown file size noticeably.
Highly customized or uncommon Markdown syntax is best adjusted in Markdown source mode.
Final rendering of very complex Mermaid or math content should still be reviewed in the target publishing environment.
