Why this Markdown workflow breaks on iOS

iOS 26 Notes can import and export Markdown, but that is different from quickly previewing a downloaded .md file. Importing moves the content into Notes; it is not always the right path for AI notes, README files, code blocks, math, tables, or Mermaid diagrams.

The shortest answer

Install Md Preview, open the file from Files, the Share Sheet, or the source app, and preview it locally. The app has no subscriptions, no in-app purchases, and no ads.

The Apple Notes workflow

If you want the file inside Notes, use the Notes import or export flow. If you want to read the Markdown file itself, open it from Files or the Share Sheet, choose Md Preview, and preview the rendered document locally.

What to check before opening

Use Notes for note-library migration. Use Md Preview when the immediate job is to open, inspect, or share a Markdown file without converting it into a Notes entry.

Why local preview fits this job

Md Preview is focused on file preview. It avoids uploads, account setup, ad clutter, and heavy editing features when the user simply needs to read a Markdown file now.

If you also receive HTML files

AI and document workflows often produce both Markdown and HTML. Html Preview is the companion viewer for that file type.