Markdown vs Rich Text
Differences, use cases, and when to use each
Markdown uses plain-text symbols for formatting (readable without rendering). Rich text editors (WYSIWYG) show formatted output directly (like Google Docs or Word). Both produce formatted content but with different authoring experiences.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Markdown | Rich Text |
|---|---|---|
| Authoring Style | Plain text with symbols | WYSIWYG visual editing |
| Portability | Universal plain text files | Format-specific (HTML, docx) |
| Version Control | Git-friendly (text diffs) | Binary diffs (poor) |
| Learning Curve | Must learn syntax | Intuitive (bold button = bold) |
| Feature Set | Basic formatting + code blocks | Full formatting control |
When to Use Each
When to Use Markdown
Use Markdown for developer documentation, README files, and content that lives in Git repositories where text diffs and portability matter.
When to Use Rich Text
Use rich text editors for business documents, email composition, and contexts where non-technical users need intuitive formatting without learning syntax.
Pros & Cons
Markdown
Git-friendly plain text
Portable across any platform
Fast keyboard-driven formatting
Must learn syntax
Limited formatting options
Rich Text
Intuitive for non-technical users
Full formatting control
Immediate visual feedback
Vendor lock-in risk
Poor version control diffs
Verdict
Markdown for technical writing and developer workflows. Rich text for business communication and non-technical users. Many modern tools (Notion, Slite) blend both approaches.