---
title: Getting Started
description: Get up and running with Mdow in minutes
category: Basics
order: 1
---

# Getting Started

Mdow is a quiet, beautiful markdown viewer for Mac, Windows, and Linux. Open any `.md`, `.markdown`, or `.mdx` file and read it the way it was meant to be read.

## Quick start

1. [Download Mdow](/download) for your platform
2. Install and launch the app
3. Open a markdown file, open a folder, or drag files into the window

> **Note:** Mdow is a viewer, not an editor. Pair it with your favorite text editor for the best workflow.

## Supported formats

- `.md` — standard Markdown
- `.markdown` — alternative extension
- `.mdx` — MDX files (rendered as Markdown)

## Keyboard shortcuts

| Action           | macOS   | Windows / Linux |
| ---------------- | ------- | --------------- |
| Command palette  | `Cmd+K` | `Ctrl+K`        |
| Find in document | `Cmd+F` | `Ctrl+F`        |
| Toggle sidebar   | `Cmd+B` | `Ctrl+B`        |
| Settings         | `Cmd+,` | `Ctrl+,`        |
| Close tab        | `Cmd+W` | `Ctrl+W`        |

Press `Cmd+?` (or `Ctrl+?`) inside the app to see the full shortcuts list, or read the [keyboard shortcuts guide](/docs/shortcuts).