Why I Stopped Writing Markdown in VS Code (and What I Built Instead) 🚀

Markdown is the backbone of the web, but let’s be honest—traditional editors are boring. They are basically text boxes with a side-by-side preview. Boring, static, and often a distraction.

I wanted something more. I wanted a Writing Studio, not just an editor.

That’s why I built Markdown Weaver, and today, I’m thrilled to announce v1.3.0—the most ambitious update yet. We’ve turned “just another editor” into a visual brainstorming and presentation powerhouse.

Hey everyone! 👋

A while back, I teased a project I was building while procrastinating on my developer analytics tool. Well, that “side project” just grew up.

Markdown Weaver v1.3.0 is finally here, and it changes the game for anyone who lives in markdown. This isn’t just about bold text and headers; it’s about visualizing your thoughts and presenting your ideas instantly.

Here is why you might want to ditch your current markdown workflow.

1. 🧠 Visualizing Your Thoughts (Mind Map Mode)

Most markdown editors let you see your text. Markdown Weaver lets you understand its structure.

With one click, your document transforms into an Interactive Mind Map. Powered by Markmap, it takes your headers and turns them into a node-based visual hierarchy.

  • Brainstorming: See the gaps in your logic visually.
  • Navigation: Click a node to jump to that section in the editor.
  • Export: Grab it as an SVG and put it in your presentations or documentation.

2. 📺 From Notes to Slides in 0.5 Seconds

Writing slides is a chore. Formatting them is even worse.

In v1.3.0, we’ve introduced Presentation Mode. Just write your content, use --- to separate your ideas, and hit play.

  • Instant Slides: Beautiful, responsive, and clean.
  • AI-Slide Logic: Let the integrated AI suggest slide breaks and summaries for you.
  • Productivity: Zero time spent on PPT or Google Slides. Just write and present.

3. ⌨️ The Command Palette (Power User Heaven)

If you love VS Code or Obsidian, you’ll feel right at home. Press Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K) to open the Command Palette.

  • Instant Search: Find any document by title or content instantly.
  • Fast Actions: Toggle dark mode, export to PDF, or switch views without ever touching your mouse.
  • Universal Search: It’s the “Magic Bar” for your entire writing workspace.

4. ✨ The “Magic Menu” (AI Assistant That Actually Works)

We didn’t just slap a chatbot in the sidebar. We integrated AI into the Magic Menu.

  1. Highlight some text.
  2. Watch the floating menu appear.
  3. Choose: Fix Grammar, Improve Clarity, Change Tone, or Continue Writing.

It’s like having an editor sitting next to you, helping you polish your work as you type.

5. 🏠 A Workspace That Grows With You

The new Project Dashboard and Welcome Experience make managing 50+ documents a breeze.

  • Trash System: Deleted a masterpiece? Restore it from the trash.
  • Statistics: Track your writing streaks and Wordcounts.
  • Templates: Start with battle-tested templates for READMEs, Blog Posts, and Meeting Notes.

🛠️ Technical Polish (v1.3.0 Highlights)

Under the hood, we’ve moved to TypeScript 5.8 and a more robust Project-based Storage System. This means:

  • Real-time Cross-tab Sync: Open five tabs, edit in one, see it in all.
  • Drag & Drop: Drop any .md file to import it instantly.
  • Offline First: Your data stays local, private, and fast.

Ready to Level Up Your Writing?

Markdown Weaver is open-source, free, and built for people who love the simplicity of markdown but crave the power of a modern studio.

Check it out and let’s make writing fun again!

🔗 Live Demo: https://markdown-weaver.netlify.app/

📦 Source Code: GitHub Repo

Happy writing! 📝

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