---
title: Features
description: What makes Mdow special
category: Guide
order: 3
---

# Features

## Tabbed reading

Open multiple markdown files at once and switch between them from the tab bar. Close tabs with a click or keyboard shortcut, and reopen recent files from the sidebar.

![Mdow with multiple tabs open](/screenshots/sidebar-dark.webp)

## Syntax highlighting

Mdow uses Shiki for accurate, editor-quality syntax highlighting across 30+ languages. Both light and dark themes are supported.

![Mdow rendering a document with syntax highlighting and Mermaid](/screenshots/reading-light.webp)

## Mermaid diagrams

Mermaid diagram blocks are rendered inline — flowcharts, sequence diagrams, class diagrams, and more.

## Light and dark themes

Mdow follows your system preference automatically, or you can set a preference manually. The warm light theme uses stone/sand tones, while the dark theme is pure neutral gray.

## File tree sidebar

Open a folder and browse its contents in a collapsible tree view. Click any markdown file to view it instantly. Switch between Recents, Outline, and Folder views from the sidebar rail.

## Command palette

Press `Cmd+K` (or `Ctrl+K` on Windows/Linux) to open the command palette. Jump to files, toggle the sidebar, open settings, and more — without leaving the keyboard. See the [shortcuts page](/docs/shortcuts) for the full list.

## Find in document

Press `Cmd+F` to search within the current document. Matches are highlighted as you type, with keyboard navigation between results.

## Live file watching

When you edit a file in your text editor, mdow picks up changes automatically and refreshes the view.

## Wide reading mode

Hide chrome and expand the reading column when you want fewer distractions. Toggle wide mode from the toolbar or command palette.

## Drag and drop

Drop `.md`, `.markdown`, or `.mdx` files anywhere in the window to open them instantly.