Compare
TXT vs Markdown
TXT stores unformatted text, while Markdown adds lightweight notation for document structure. Both remain plain text, but Markdown's headings, links, and code markers need a compatible renderer to appear formatted.
Which format should you choose?
Use TXT for simple notes, settings, and logs; use Markdown for structured READMEs and technical documents, after checking the target platform's dialect.
Good fit for TXT
Short writing, notes, settings, and logs
- Simple character data without formatting
Good fit for Markdown
Technical documentation and README files
- Lightweight documents with headings, links, and code
Basic information
| Field | TXT | Markdown |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .txt | .md, .markdown |
| MIME type | text/plain | text/markdown |
| Common uses | Short writing, notes, settings, and logs | Technical documentation and README files |
| How to open | Open it in a text editor. If text is garbled, reopen it using the actual encoding, such as UTF-8, and check line endings if needed. | Open it in a text editor, Markdown editor, or repository preview. Check the target service's dialect and enabled extensions before publishing. |
| Export or convert | Before converting to Markdown, DOCX, or PDF, standardize encoding and explicitly add required headings, links, and tables. | Export to HTML or PDF with a suitable converter. Check the dialect, relative image and link paths, code blocks, and table support first. |
Choose by use case
Simple character data without formatting
Short writing, notes, settings, and logs
TXTLightweight documents with headings, links, and code
Technical documentation and README files
MarkdownKey point 1
TXT has no document styling beyond text encoding and line endings.
More on the differencesKey point 2
Markdown adds readable syntax for headings, links, and code, but rendering can vary by dialect.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Choose TXT when the content should remain literal and universally readable. Choose Markdown when structure and publishing matter, and preview it in the destination system.
- Markdown is plain text with markup conventions; it is not a rich-text document format.
- Viewing Markdown as ordinary TXT shows its markers instead of formatted headings or links.
- Markdown flavors differ in extensions such as tables and task lists.
Frequently asked questions
Is Markdown a type of TXT file?
It is plain text, commonly saved with .md, but it includes markup notation that renderers interpret.