How to open a .md file on iPhone (or iPad)

iOS treats .md files as plain text. Tapping one in the Files app shows you raw Markdown syntax (asterisks and hashes), not the rendered document. Two paths to fix this.

Fastest: drop on Vela Docs in Safari

Open Safari, navigate to docs.vela.partners. Tap the upload button. iOS opens the file picker; choose your .md file from iCloud or On-My-iPhone. The file renders with proper headings, lists, and emphasis. Tap Share for a URL you can send via Messages or Mail.

Free, no signup needed for viewing. Mobile Safari is a real browser; the editor + inline comments work fully. Long-form editing is constrained only by your patience with the touch keyboard.

Native app: iA Writer

iA Writer is the go-to Markdown app on iOS. Paid ($29 / year subscription or $49 one-time on iPadOS). Single-pane writing view, syntax-aware highlighting, iCloud / Dropbox sync. Worth it if you write Markdown on mobile regularly.

Free alternative: Working Copy + Quick Look plugin

Working Copy is a Git client for iOS that includes a Markdown preview. Free tier covers reading; paid for full editing. Overkill if you're not syncing to a Git repo.

When you got the file in an email or Slack

Tap the attachment. iOS gives you Preview, Save to Files, Open with.... Preview shows the raw text. Save to Files puts it in iCloud Drive's Downloads where you can open it in Vela Docs (above) or any registered Markdown app.

The smoothest single-tap path: tap Share → Open in Safari → docs.vela.partners if you've already got the editor open in a tab.

Common iOS gotchas

• iCloud Drive can be slow to sync. A .md file you just saved on your Mac may not appear in the Files app on iPhone for a minute or two. AirDrop is faster for urgent transfers.
• Files app preview is read-only. The long-press preview in Files shows raw text. To render, tap-to-open then use Share → Open in Safari (with Vela Docs).
• Private Browsing breaks IndexedDB.Vela Docs's local-first storage doesn't persist between tabs in Private Browsing. Open in regular Safari for the full anonymous flow.

One short takeaway

Mobile Safari + Vela Docs is the no-install path. iA Writer is the native option if you write Markdown on mobile a lot.