
## Installation

Feather is available for Windows through two installation methods.

### Microsoft Store

1. Open [Feather in Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9MTFTX3CKMN0?hl=en-us&gl=US&ocid=pdpshare)
2. Click **Install**
3. Launch Feather to begin the full-featured 14-day trial

Microsoft Store provides the trial and installation, but does not sell the
Feather license. If you keep Feather after the trial, purchase the $9.99
license from Ventana Tools through Lemon Squeezy.

### Direct Download (Sideload)

1. Visit [ventana.tools/feather](https://ventana.tools/products/feather) and download the `.appinstaller` file
2. Double-click the downloaded file to install
3. Feather will launch automatically after installation

The sideload version checks for updates automatically on each launch (at most every 12 hours) and prompts you when a new version is available.

## System Requirements

- **Windows 10** version 1809 or later (build 17763)
- **Windows 11** (all versions)
- **.NET 10 runtime** (bundled with the app)

## First Launch

When you first open Feather, you'll see a full-screen welcome overlay with animated feature highlights. After dismissing the overlay, a 6-step tooltip tour walks you through the essentials:

1. **Toolbar** — formatting buttons, view mode toggle, and settings
2. **Smart editing** — auto-close pairs, list continuation, and selection wrapping
3. **View modes** — switch between Edit, Split, and Preview
4. **Tabs** — open multiple files, each with independent state
5. **Compact mode** — hide tabs and toolbar for a minimal writing view
6. **Settings** — themes, fonts, and preferences

You can skip the tour at any time and revisit it from Settings.

## Setting Feather as Your Default Editor

To open markdown files with Feather by default:

1. Right-click any `.md` file in File Explorer
2. Select **Open with** > **Choose another app**
3. Select **Feather Markdown Editor**
4. Check **Always use this app to open .md files**

Feather supports `.md`, `.mdx`, `.markdown`, and `.txt` file associations.

## Free Trial

The 14-day trial starts on first launch. No Ventana registration or account is
needed. All features are fully unlocked during the trial period. See [Trial &
Licensing](/docs/feather/trial-and-license/) for details on what happens after
the trial ends, including how reinstalling affects it.

## Next Steps

- **[Trial & Licensing](/docs/feather/trial-and-license/)**: Purchase options and activation
- **[Editing Basics](/docs/feather/editing-basics/)**: Tabs, view modes, find & replace
- **[Smart Editing](/docs/feather/smart-editing/)**: Auto-close, list continuation, and more
- **[Workspace Panel](/docs/feather/workspace/)**: Browse and manage project files
- **[Scratchpads](/docs/feather/scratchpads/)**: Floating quick-note windows
- **[AI Integration](/docs/feather/ai-integration/)**: Connect Claude, Copilot, Cursor, and other AI tools

## Getting Help

- **Documentation**: [ventana.tools/docs/feather](https://ventana.tools/docs/feather/)
- **Support Email**: support@ventana.tools


<h2>Installation</h2>
<p>Feather is available for Windows through two installation methods.</p>
<h3>Microsoft Store</h3>
<ol>
<li>Open <a href="https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9MTFTX3CKMN0?hl=en-us&#x26;gl=US&#x26;ocid=pdpshare">Feather in Microsoft Store</a></li>
<li>Click <strong>Install</strong></li>
<li>Launch Feather to begin the full-featured 14-day trial</li>
</ol>
<p>Microsoft Store provides the trial and installation, but does not sell the
Feather license. If you keep Feather after the trial, purchase the $9.99
license from Ventana Tools through Lemon Squeezy.</p>
<h3>Direct Download (Sideload)</h3>
<ol>
<li>Visit <a href="https://ventana.tools/products/feather">ventana.tools/feather</a> and download the <code>.appinstaller</code> file</li>
<li>Double-click the downloaded file to install</li>
<li>Feather will launch automatically after installation</li>
</ol>
<p>The sideload version checks for updates automatically on each launch (at most every 12 hours) and prompts you when a new version is available.</p>
<h2>System Requirements</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Windows 10</strong> version 1809 or later (build 17763)</li>
<li><strong>Windows 11</strong> (all versions)</li>
<li><strong>.NET 10 runtime</strong> (bundled with the app)</li>
</ul>
<h2>First Launch</h2>
<p>When you first open Feather, you'll see a full-screen welcome overlay with animated feature highlights. After dismissing the overlay, a 6-step tooltip tour walks you through the essentials:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Toolbar</strong> — formatting buttons, view mode toggle, and settings</li>
<li><strong>Smart editing</strong> — auto-close pairs, list continuation, and selection wrapping</li>
<li><strong>View modes</strong> — switch between Edit, Split, and Preview</li>
<li><strong>Tabs</strong> — open multiple files, each with independent state</li>
<li><strong>Compact mode</strong> — hide tabs and toolbar for a minimal writing view</li>
<li><strong>Settings</strong> — themes, fonts, and preferences</li>
</ol>
<p>You can skip the tour at any time and revisit it from Settings.</p>
<h2>Setting Feather as Your Default Editor</h2>
<p>To open markdown files with Feather by default:</p>
<ol>
<li>Right-click any <code>.md</code> file in File Explorer</li>
<li>Select <strong>Open with</strong> > <strong>Choose another app</strong></li>
<li>Select <strong>Feather Markdown Editor</strong></li>
<li>Check <strong>Always use this app to open .md files</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>Feather supports <code>.md</code>, <code>.mdx</code>, <code>.markdown</code>, and <code>.txt</code> file associations.</p>
<h2>Free Trial</h2>
<p>The 14-day trial starts on first launch. No Ventana registration or account is
needed. All features are fully unlocked during the trial period. See <a href="/docs/feather/trial-and-license/">Trial &#x26;
Licensing</a> for details on what happens after
the trial ends, including how reinstalling affects it.</p>
<h2>Next Steps</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="/docs/feather/trial-and-license/">Trial &#x26; Licensing</a></strong>: Purchase options and activation</li>
<li><strong><a href="/docs/feather/editing-basics/">Editing Basics</a></strong>: Tabs, view modes, find &#x26; replace</li>
<li><strong><a href="/docs/feather/smart-editing/">Smart Editing</a></strong>: Auto-close, list continuation, and more</li>
<li><strong><a href="/docs/feather/workspace/">Workspace Panel</a></strong>: Browse and manage project files</li>
<li><strong><a href="/docs/feather/scratchpads/">Scratchpads</a></strong>: Floating quick-note windows</li>
<li><strong><a href="/docs/feather/ai-integration/">AI Integration</a></strong>: Connect Claude, Copilot, Cursor, and other AI tools</li>
</ul>
<h2>Getting Help</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Documentation</strong>: <a href="https://ventana.tools/docs/feather/">ventana.tools/docs/feather</a></li>
<li><strong>Support Email</strong>: <a href="mailto:support@ventana.tools">support@ventana.tools</a></li>
</ul>



## Free Trial

Feather includes a 14-day free trial that starts on first launch. Install it
from [Microsoft Store](https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9MTFTX3CKMN0?hl=en-us&gl=US&ocid=pdpshare)
or use the direct installer from the Feather product page. No Ventana
registration or account is required. Every feature is fully unlocked during
the trial.

Microsoft Store provides the trial and app installation only. It does not sell
the Feather license.

### After the Trial

When the trial expires, Feather switches to **read-only mode**. You can still:

- Open and view files
- Copy text from documents
- Browse your recent files

You will **not** be able to:

- Edit or save files
- Export to PDF, HTML, or DOCX
- Use formatting commands

Purchase a license to restore full access.

### Reinstalling Feather

Your trial start date is remembered on your computer, so reinstalling Feather picks up the trial you already started rather than starting a new one. If the 14 days already ran out, Feather stays in read-only mode after a reinstall until you activate a license.

Feather never sends your trial information anywhere — the record stays on your machine alongside your other local app data.

## License Tiers

| | Individual | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| **Seats** | 1 key, 2 personal devices | Custom, bulk seat activations |
| **Pricing** | One-time, $9.99 | Custom, volume discounts |
| **Best for** | Personal use | Teams, departments, and organizations |
| **Support** | Standard | Priority |
| **Billing** | Individual receipt | Consolidated billing and invoicing |

Both tiers include lifetime updates for all 1.x releases. A future major version (e.g., Feather 2) would be a separate purchase.

## Purchasing a License

### Individual

1. Visit the [Feather product page](https://ventana.tools/products/feather/) and click **Buy license**
2. Complete checkout through Lemon Squeezy (a Stripe company)
3. Your license key will be emailed to you immediately

The $9.99 Individual license is purchased from Ventana Tools through Lemon
Squeezy, not through Microsoft Store.

To manage orders, view receipts, or download invoices, visit [app.lemonsqueezy.com/my-orders](https://app.lemonsqueezy.com/my-orders).

### Enterprise

For volume licensing across a team, department, or organization, email **support@ventana.tools** with the subject "Feather Enterprise License" and include your expected seat count. We'll reply with a quote, consolidated invoicing options, and activation instructions.

## Activating Your License

1. Open Feather and go to **Settings** > **License** (or click the banner button if your trial has expired)
2. Paste your license key
3. Click **Activate**

Activation requires an internet connection. Once activated, your device is registered against the key.

## Device Management

Individual licenses are limited to 2 devices per key. Enterprise licenses include bulk seat activations sized to your order. If you need to move Feather to a new device:

1. Open Feather on the device you want to remove
2. Go to **Settings** > **License**
3. Click **Deactivate** to free the slot
4. Activate on your new device

## Offline Use

Feather performs a background license check on launch if more than 24 hours have passed since the last validation. If your device is offline:

- **Grace period**: Feather continues to work normally for up to 7 days without an internet connection
- **After 7 days**: Feather switches to read-only mode until a connection is restored and the license is re-validated

No data is lost. Your files remain on disk and are accessible as soon as you reconnect.

## Getting Help

If you have trouble activating your license, need to transfer a key, or have billing questions, contact **support@ventana.tools**.


<h2>Free Trial</h2>
<p>Feather includes a 14-day free trial that starts on first launch. Install it
from <a href="https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9MTFTX3CKMN0?hl=en-us&#x26;gl=US&#x26;ocid=pdpshare">Microsoft Store</a>
or use the direct installer from the Feather product page. No Ventana
registration or account is required. Every feature is fully unlocked during
the trial.</p>
<p>Microsoft Store provides the trial and app installation only. It does not sell
the Feather license.</p>
<h3>After the Trial</h3>
<p>When the trial expires, Feather switches to <strong>read-only mode</strong>. You can still:</p>
<ul>
<li>Open and view files</li>
<li>Copy text from documents</li>
<li>Browse your recent files</li>
</ul>
<p>You will <strong>not</strong> be able to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Edit or save files</li>
<li>Export to PDF, HTML, or DOCX</li>
<li>Use formatting commands</li>
</ul>
<p>Purchase a license to restore full access.</p>
<h3>Reinstalling Feather</h3>
<p>Your trial start date is remembered on your computer, so reinstalling Feather picks up the trial you already started rather than starting a new one. If the 14 days already ran out, Feather stays in read-only mode after a reinstall until you activate a license.</p>
<p>Feather never sends your trial information anywhere — the record stays on your machine alongside your other local app data.</p>
<h2>License Tiers</h2>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th>Individual</th>
<th>Enterprise</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Seats</strong></td>
<td>1 key, 2 personal devices</td>
<td>Custom, bulk seat activations</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Pricing</strong></td>
<td>One-time, $9.99</td>
<td>Custom, volume discounts</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Best for</strong></td>
<td>Personal use</td>
<td>Teams, departments, and organizations</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Support</strong></td>
<td>Standard</td>
<td>Priority</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Billing</strong></td>
<td>Individual receipt</td>
<td>Consolidated billing and invoicing</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p>Both tiers include lifetime updates for all 1.x releases. A future major version (e.g., Feather 2) would be a separate purchase.</p>
<h2>Purchasing a License</h2>
<h3>Individual</h3>
<ol>
<li>Visit the <a href="https://ventana.tools/products/feather/">Feather product page</a> and click <strong>Buy license</strong></li>
<li>Complete checkout through Lemon Squeezy (a Stripe company)</li>
<li>Your license key will be emailed to you immediately</li>
</ol>
<p>The $9.99 Individual license is purchased from Ventana Tools through Lemon
Squeezy, not through Microsoft Store.</p>
<p>To manage orders, view receipts, or download invoices, visit <a href="https://app.lemonsqueezy.com/my-orders">app.lemonsqueezy.com/my-orders</a>.</p>
<h3>Enterprise</h3>
<p>For volume licensing across a team, department, or organization, email <strong><a href="mailto:support@ventana.tools">support@ventana.tools</a></strong> with the subject "Feather Enterprise License" and include your expected seat count. We'll reply with a quote, consolidated invoicing options, and activation instructions.</p>
<h2>Activating Your License</h2>
<ol>
<li>Open Feather and go to <strong>Settings</strong> > <strong>License</strong> (or click the banner button if your trial has expired)</li>
<li>Paste your license key</li>
<li>Click <strong>Activate</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>Activation requires an internet connection. Once activated, your device is registered against the key.</p>
<h2>Device Management</h2>
<p>Individual licenses are limited to 2 devices per key. Enterprise licenses include bulk seat activations sized to your order. If you need to move Feather to a new device:</p>
<ol>
<li>Open Feather on the device you want to remove</li>
<li>Go to <strong>Settings</strong> > <strong>License</strong></li>
<li>Click <strong>Deactivate</strong> to free the slot</li>
<li>Activate on your new device</li>
</ol>
<h2>Offline Use</h2>
<p>Feather performs a background license check on launch if more than 24 hours have passed since the last validation. If your device is offline:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Grace period</strong>: Feather continues to work normally for up to 7 days without an internet connection</li>
<li><strong>After 7 days</strong>: Feather switches to read-only mode until a connection is restored and the license is re-validated</li>
</ul>
<p>No data is lost. Your files remain on disk and are accessible as soon as you reconnect.</p>
<h2>Getting Help</h2>
<p>If you have trouble activating your license, need to transfer a key, or have billing questions, contact <strong><a href="mailto:support@ventana.tools">support@ventana.tools</a></strong>.</p>



## Creating and Opening Files

- **New file**: `Ctrl+N` creates a new untitled tab
- **Open file**: `Ctrl+O` opens a file picker
- **Save**: `Ctrl+S` saves the current file
- **Save As**: `Ctrl+Shift+S` saves to a new location
- **Revert**: Reload the file from disk, discarding unsaved changes
- **Recent files**: **File** > **Open Recent** shows your last 20 files

You can also drag and drop `.md` files directly onto the Feather window to open them.

## Multi-Tab Editing

Each tab maintains its own independent state, including cursor position, scroll position, view mode, and undo history. Unsaved changes are indicated by a dot on the tab title.

### Pristine Tab Replacement

If you open a file while the only tab is an empty, untitled document, Feather replaces that tab instead of adding a new one alongside it.

### Renaming Tabs

Double-click a tab title to rename it. If the tab is backed by a file on disk, this renames the actual file and updates your recent files list.

## View Modes

Feather has three view modes, accessible from the toolbar or keyboard:

| Mode | Shortcut | Description |
|------|----------|-------------|
| **Edit** | `Ctrl+1` | Full-width text editor |
| **Split** | `Ctrl+2` | Side-by-side editor and live preview |
| **Preview** | `Ctrl+3` | Full-width rendered preview |

In Split mode, scrolling is synchronized between the editor and preview. You can toggle sync scrolling from the toolbar.

## Find & Replace

### Find (`Ctrl+F`)

1. Press `Ctrl+F` to open the find bar
2. Type your search term
3. Press `Enter` to jump to the next match, `Shift+Enter` for the previous match
4. The match counter shows your position (e.g., "3 of 12")
5. Toggle **case sensitivity** with the button in the find bar

### Replace (`Ctrl+H`)

1. Press `Ctrl+H` to open find and replace
2. Enter your search term and replacement text
3. Click **Replace** to replace the current match, or **Replace All** to replace every occurrence

## Smart Paste

Feather detects what you're pasting and formats it automatically:

- **Rich text**: Copy from Google Docs, Word, or a web page and Feather converts it to clean markdown — headings, emphasis, links, lists, tables, and code blocks included
- **URL + selected text**: If you have text selected and paste a URL, Feather creates a markdown link `[selected text](url)`
- **Media URL**: Pasting an image or video URL inserts a markdown image `![](url)`
- **Plain text**: `Ctrl+Shift+V` (**Edit** > **Paste as Plain Text**) or right-click > **Paste as plain text** skips all of it and pastes exactly what's on the clipboard

See [Smart Editing](/docs/feather/smart-editing/#paste-as-markdown) for the full conversion list and the Settings toggle.

## Edit in Preview

Double-click any rendered block in the preview pane to edit its raw markdown inline. This lets you make targeted edits without switching to the editor. See [Edit in Preview](/docs/feather/edit-in-preview/) for details.

## Document Outline

Toggle the outline panel from the toolbar to see a table of contents generated from your headings. Click any heading to jump to it. See [Outline Panel](/docs/feather/outline/) for details.

## Getting Help

- **Documentation**: [ventana.tools/docs/feather](https://ventana.tools/docs/feather/)
- **Support Email**: support@ventana.tools


<h2>Creating and Opening Files</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>New file</strong>: <code>Ctrl+N</code> creates a new untitled tab</li>
<li><strong>Open file</strong>: <code>Ctrl+O</code> opens a file picker</li>
<li><strong>Save</strong>: <code>Ctrl+S</code> saves the current file</li>
<li><strong>Save As</strong>: <code>Ctrl+Shift+S</code> saves to a new location</li>
<li><strong>Revert</strong>: Reload the file from disk, discarding unsaved changes</li>
<li><strong>Recent files</strong>: <strong>File</strong> > <strong>Open Recent</strong> shows your last 20 files</li>
</ul>
<p>You can also drag and drop <code>.md</code> files directly onto the Feather window to open them.</p>
<h2>Multi-Tab Editing</h2>
<p>Each tab maintains its own independent state, including cursor position, scroll position, view mode, and undo history. Unsaved changes are indicated by a dot on the tab title.</p>
<h3>Pristine Tab Replacement</h3>
<p>If you open a file while the only tab is an empty, untitled document, Feather replaces that tab instead of adding a new one alongside it.</p>
<h3>Renaming Tabs</h3>
<p>Double-click a tab title to rename it. If the tab is backed by a file on disk, this renames the actual file and updates your recent files list.</p>
<h2>View Modes</h2>
<p>Feather has three view modes, accessible from the toolbar or keyboard:</p>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Mode</th>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Edit</strong></td>
<td><code>Ctrl+1</code></td>
<td>Full-width text editor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Split</strong></td>
<td><code>Ctrl+2</code></td>
<td>Side-by-side editor and live preview</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Preview</strong></td>
<td><code>Ctrl+3</code></td>
<td>Full-width rendered preview</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p>In Split mode, scrolling is synchronized between the editor and preview. You can toggle sync scrolling from the toolbar.</p>
<h2>Find &#x26; Replace</h2>
<h3>Find (<code>Ctrl+F</code>)</h3>
<ol>
<li>Press <code>Ctrl+F</code> to open the find bar</li>
<li>Type your search term</li>
<li>Press <code>Enter</code> to jump to the next match, <code>Shift+Enter</code> for the previous match</li>
<li>The match counter shows your position (e.g., "3 of 12")</li>
<li>Toggle <strong>case sensitivity</strong> with the button in the find bar</li>
</ol>
<h3>Replace (<code>Ctrl+H</code>)</h3>
<ol>
<li>Press <code>Ctrl+H</code> to open find and replace</li>
<li>Enter your search term and replacement text</li>
<li>Click <strong>Replace</strong> to replace the current match, or <strong>Replace All</strong> to replace every occurrence</li>
</ol>
<h2>Smart Paste</h2>
<p>Feather detects what you're pasting and formats it automatically:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Rich text</strong>: Copy from Google Docs, Word, or a web page and Feather converts it to clean markdown — headings, emphasis, links, lists, tables, and code blocks included</li>
<li><strong>URL + selected text</strong>: If you have text selected and paste a URL, Feather creates a markdown link <code>[selected text](url)</code></li>
<li><strong>Media URL</strong>: Pasting an image or video URL inserts a markdown image <code>![](url)</code></li>
<li><strong>Plain text</strong>: <code>Ctrl+Shift+V</code> (<strong>Edit</strong> > <strong>Paste as Plain Text</strong>) or right-click > <strong>Paste as plain text</strong> skips all of it and pastes exactly what's on the clipboard</li>
</ul>
<p>See <a href="/docs/feather/smart-editing/#paste-as-markdown">Smart Editing</a> for the full conversion list and the Settings toggle.</p>
<h2>Edit in Preview</h2>
<p>Double-click any rendered block in the preview pane to edit its raw markdown inline. This lets you make targeted edits without switching to the editor. See <a href="/docs/feather/edit-in-preview/">Edit in Preview</a> for details.</p>
<h2>Document Outline</h2>
<p>Toggle the outline panel from the toolbar to see a table of contents generated from your headings. Click any heading to jump to it. See <a href="/docs/feather/outline/">Outline Panel</a> for details.</p>
<h2>Getting Help</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Documentation</strong>: <a href="https://ventana.tools/docs/feather/">ventana.tools/docs/feather</a></li>
<li><strong>Support Email</strong>: <a href="mailto:support@ventana.tools">support@ventana.tools</a></li>
</ul>



Smart editing provides automatic text helpers that speed up writing in Feather. All smart editing features are **on by default** and can be toggled in **Settings**.

## Auto-Close Pairs

When you type an opening character, Feather automatically inserts the matching closer:

- `(` inserts `()`
- `[` inserts `[]`
- `{` inserts `{}`
- `"` inserts `""`
- `` ` `` inserts ``` `` ```

The cursor is placed between the pair so you can type the contents immediately.

## Skip-Over

If the cursor is directly before a closing character (`)`, `]`, `}`, `"`, `` ` ``), pressing that character jumps past it instead of inserting a duplicate. This lets you type naturally without worrying about extra closing characters.

## Tab-to-Exit

Press `Tab` when the cursor is immediately before a closing bracket or quote to jump past the closing character and insert a space. This is useful for quickly moving out of a pair and continuing to type.

## Selection Wrapping

Select text and then type an opening character to wrap the selection:

1. Select the word `hello`
2. Type `[`
3. Result: `[hello]`

This works with `(`, `[`, `{`, `"`, and `` ` ``.

## Matching Pair Deletion

Press `Backspace` between an empty pair (e.g., `()`, `[]`, `{}`, `""`) to delete both characters at once.

## List Continuation

Feather automatically continues lists when you press `Enter`:

- **Unordered lists**: After `- item`, pressing `Enter` adds a new `- ` on the next line
- **Numbered lists**: After `1. item`, pressing `Enter` adds `2. ` and auto-increments subsequent numbers
- **Task lists**: After `- [ ] task`, pressing `Enter` adds a new `- [ ] ` on the next line
- **Exit a list**: Press `Enter` on an empty list marker (a line with just `- ` or `1. `) to remove the marker and exit the list
- **Turn existing lines into a list**: select them and use a list command or shortcut — see [Lists](/docs/feather/formatting/#lists)

## Blockquote Continuation

When your cursor is inside a blockquote (`> text`), pressing `Enter` automatically adds the `> ` prefix on the next line so you can keep writing within the quote.

## Smart Indent

- **Tab**: Inserts 4 spaces at the cursor position
- **Shift+Tab**: Removes up to 4 spaces of indentation from the current line

## Word Selection

Double-clicking a word selects just the word without including any trailing space. This makes it easier to copy or format individual words precisely.

## Paste as Markdown

When you copy rich text from Google Docs, Word, or a web page, Feather converts it to clean markdown on paste — headings, bold, italic, strikethrough, links, images, nested lists, task checkboxes, tables, blockquotes, and code blocks all come across as markdown source instead of styled text.

- **Content without real formatting** — syntax-colored code from an IDE, for example — pastes as plain text with its whitespace intact
- **Ctrl+Shift+V** (**Edit** > **Paste as Plain Text**) or right-click > **Paste as plain text** always pastes the clipboard's plain text verbatim, with no conversion. The shortcut works in the main editor and while editing a block in the preview; the right-click command is available anywhere the editor is, including scratchpads
- **Toggle it** in **Settings** > **Editor** > **Paste formatted text as Markdown**. It's on by default

## Getting Help

- **Documentation**: [ventana.tools/docs/feather](https://ventana.tools/docs/feather/)
- **Support Email**: support@ventana.tools


<p>Smart editing provides automatic text helpers that speed up writing in Feather. All smart editing features are <strong>on by default</strong> and can be toggled in <strong>Settings</strong>.</p>
<h2>Auto-Close Pairs</h2>
<p>When you type an opening character, Feather automatically inserts the matching closer:</p>
<ul>
<li><code>(</code> inserts <code>()</code></li>
<li><code>[</code> inserts <code>[]</code></li>
<li><code>{</code> inserts <code>{}</code></li>
<li><code>"</code> inserts <code>""</code></li>
<li><code>`</code> inserts <code>``</code></li>
</ul>
<p>The cursor is placed between the pair so you can type the contents immediately.</p>
<h2>Skip-Over</h2>
<p>If the cursor is directly before a closing character (<code>)</code>, <code>]</code>, <code>}</code>, <code>"</code>, <code>`</code>), pressing that character jumps past it instead of inserting a duplicate. This lets you type naturally without worrying about extra closing characters.</p>
<h2>Tab-to-Exit</h2>
<p>Press <code>Tab</code> when the cursor is immediately before a closing bracket or quote to jump past the closing character and insert a space. This is useful for quickly moving out of a pair and continuing to type.</p>
<h2>Selection Wrapping</h2>
<p>Select text and then type an opening character to wrap the selection:</p>
<ol>
<li>Select the word <code>hello</code></li>
<li>Type <code>[</code></li>
<li>Result: <code>[hello]</code></li>
</ol>
<p>This works with <code>(</code>, <code>[</code>, <code>{</code>, <code>"</code>, and <code>`</code>.</p>
<h2>Matching Pair Deletion</h2>
<p>Press <code>Backspace</code> between an empty pair (e.g., <code>()</code>, <code>[]</code>, <code>{}</code>, <code>""</code>) to delete both characters at once.</p>
<h2>List Continuation</h2>
<p>Feather automatically continues lists when you press <code>Enter</code>:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Unordered lists</strong>: After <code>- item</code>, pressing <code>Enter</code> adds a new <code>- </code> on the next line</li>
<li><strong>Numbered lists</strong>: After <code>1. item</code>, pressing <code>Enter</code> adds <code>2. </code> and auto-increments subsequent numbers</li>
<li><strong>Task lists</strong>: After <code>- [ ] task</code>, pressing <code>Enter</code> adds a new <code>- [ ] </code> on the next line</li>
<li><strong>Exit a list</strong>: Press <code>Enter</code> on an empty list marker (a line with just <code>- </code> or <code>1. </code>) to remove the marker and exit the list</li>
<li><strong>Turn existing lines into a list</strong>: select them and use a list command or shortcut — see <a href="/docs/feather/formatting/#lists">Lists</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Blockquote Continuation</h2>
<p>When your cursor is inside a blockquote (<code>> text</code>), pressing <code>Enter</code> automatically adds the <code>> </code> prefix on the next line so you can keep writing within the quote.</p>
<h2>Smart Indent</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Tab</strong>: Inserts 4 spaces at the cursor position</li>
<li><strong>Shift+Tab</strong>: Removes up to 4 spaces of indentation from the current line</li>
</ul>
<h2>Word Selection</h2>
<p>Double-clicking a word selects just the word without including any trailing space. This makes it easier to copy or format individual words precisely.</p>
<h2>Paste as Markdown</h2>
<p>When you copy rich text from Google Docs, Word, or a web page, Feather converts it to clean markdown on paste — headings, bold, italic, strikethrough, links, images, nested lists, task checkboxes, tables, blockquotes, and code blocks all come across as markdown source instead of styled text.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Content without real formatting</strong> — syntax-colored code from an IDE, for example — pastes as plain text with its whitespace intact</li>
<li><strong>Ctrl+Shift+V</strong> (<strong>Edit</strong> > <strong>Paste as Plain Text</strong>) or right-click > <strong>Paste as plain text</strong> always pastes the clipboard's plain text verbatim, with no conversion. The shortcut works in the main editor and while editing a block in the preview; the right-click command is available anywhere the editor is, including scratchpads</li>
<li><strong>Toggle it</strong> in <strong>Settings</strong> > <strong>Editor</strong> > <strong>Paste formatted text as Markdown</strong>. It's on by default</li>
</ul>
<h2>Getting Help</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Documentation</strong>: <a href="https://ventana.tools/docs/feather/">ventana.tools/docs/feather</a></li>
<li><strong>Support Email</strong>: <a href="mailto:support@ventana.tools">support@ventana.tools</a></li>
</ul>



## Keyboard Shortcuts

Feather supports standard formatting shortcuts. Select text first, then press the shortcut to wrap it in the appropriate markdown syntax.

| Shortcut | Format | Syntax |
|----------|--------|--------|
| **Ctrl+B** | Bold | `**text**` |
| **Ctrl+I** | Italic | `*text*` |
| **Ctrl+Shift+X** | Strikethrough | `~~text~~` |
| **Ctrl+Shift+H** | Heading cycle | `#` / `##` / `###` / plain |
| **Ctrl+`** | Inline code | `` `text` `` |
| **Ctrl+K** | Link | `[text](url)` |
| **Ctrl+Shift+I** | Image | `![alt](url)` |
| **Ctrl+Shift+8** | Bulleted list | `- item` |
| **Ctrl+Shift+7** | Numbered list | `1. item` |
| **Ctrl+Shift+9** | Task list | `- [ ] item` |

### Additional Syntax

- **Highlight**: `==text==` renders with a colored background (color matches your preview theme)
- **Subscript**: `~text~`
- **Superscript**: `^text^`

### Heading Cycle

Pressing **Ctrl+Shift+H** cycles through heading levels on the current line:

1. First press: `# Heading 1`
2. Second press: `## Heading 2`
3. Third press: `### Heading 3`
4. Fourth press: Plain text (heading removed)

## Format Toggle

Applying a format shortcut to already-formatted text removes the formatting instead of doubling it.

- **Bold text** + Ctrl+B = plain text (removes `**`)
- **Italic text** + Ctrl+I = plain text (removes `*`)
- **Links**: Pressing Ctrl+K on `[link](url)` unwraps it back to plain text
- **Images**: Pressing Ctrl+Shift+I on `![alt](url)` unwraps it the same way

This works for all toggle-style formats: bold, italic, strikethrough, code, links, and images. List commands toggle the same way — see [Lists](#lists) below.

## Lists

Select any number of lines and apply **Bulleted**, **Numbered**, or **Task List** — every selected line gets a marker, not just the first one.

- **Convert between kinds**: applying a different list type to an existing list swaps the markers (bullets to numbers, numbers to tasks, and back)
- **Remove markers**: apply the same list type again to strip the markers off
- **Numbered lists renumber themselves** sequentially, and continue an ordered list that sits directly above your selection
- The whole change is a single undo step, so `Ctrl+Z` puts it back exactly as it was

List commands are also available while editing a block in the preview. See [Edit in Preview](/docs/feather/edit-in-preview/).

### The Lists Toolbar Button

The toolbar's **Lists** button is a split button. Click the button to re-apply the last list type you used — the icon and tooltip follow it, so it always shows what a click will do. Click the chevron for the full menu: **Bulleted List**, **Numbered List**, **Task List**, and **Definition List**.

## Prettify (Markdown Formatter)

Prettify cleans up your markdown in three tiers, each building on the previous one.

### Tier 1: Format Tables (Ctrl+Shift+P)

- Aligns table columns with consistent padding
- Preserves alignment markers (`:---:`, `---:`, `:---`)
- Only affects tables, leaves everything else unchanged

### Tier 2: Clean Up Document

Everything in Format Tables, plus:

- Normalizes list markers to dashes (`-`)
- Trims trailing whitespace from all lines
- Ensures blank lines around headings and block elements

### Tier 3: Full Format

Everything in Clean Up Document, plus:

- Normalizes indentation
- Collapses three or more consecutive blank lines down to two

### Auto-Format Table on Tab

When your cursor is inside a table row, pressing **Tab** will:

1. Auto-format the entire table (align columns, add padding)
2. Move the cursor to the next cell

This lets you build and format tables as you type without running Prettify manually.


<h2>Keyboard Shortcuts</h2>
<p>Feather supports standard formatting shortcuts. Select text first, then press the shortcut to wrap it in the appropriate markdown syntax.</p>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Format</th>
<th>Syntax</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+B</strong></td>
<td>Bold</td>
<td><code>**text**</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+I</strong></td>
<td>Italic</td>
<td><code>*text*</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+Shift+X</strong></td>
<td>Strikethrough</td>
<td><code>~~text~~</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+Shift+H</strong></td>
<td>Heading cycle</td>
<td><code>#</code> / <code>##</code> / <code>###</code> / plain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+`</strong></td>
<td>Inline code</td>
<td><code>`text`</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+K</strong></td>
<td>Link</td>
<td><code>[text](url)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+Shift+I</strong></td>
<td>Image</td>
<td><code>![alt](url)</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+Shift+8</strong></td>
<td>Bulleted list</td>
<td><code>- item</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+Shift+7</strong></td>
<td>Numbered list</td>
<td><code>1. item</code></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Ctrl+Shift+9</strong></td>
<td>Task list</td>
<td><code>- [ ] item</code></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h3>Additional Syntax</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Highlight</strong>: <code>==text==</code> renders with a colored background (color matches your preview theme)</li>
<li><strong>Subscript</strong>: <code>~text~</code></li>
<li><strong>Superscript</strong>: <code>^text^</code></li>
</ul>
<h3>Heading Cycle</h3>
<p>Pressing <strong>Ctrl+Shift+H</strong> cycles through heading levels on the current line:</p>
<ol>
<li>First press: <code># Heading 1</code></li>
<li>Second press: <code>## Heading 2</code></li>
<li>Third press: <code>### Heading 3</code></li>
<li>Fourth press: Plain text (heading removed)</li>
</ol>
<h2>Format Toggle</h2>
<p>Applying a format shortcut to already-formatted text removes the formatting instead of doubling it.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Bold text</strong> + Ctrl+B = plain text (removes <code>**</code>)</li>
<li><strong>Italic text</strong> + Ctrl+I = plain text (removes <code>*</code>)</li>
<li><strong>Links</strong>: Pressing Ctrl+K on <code>[link](url)</code> unwraps it back to plain text</li>
<li><strong>Images</strong>: Pressing Ctrl+Shift+I on <code>![alt](url)</code> unwraps it the same way</li>
</ul>
<p>This works for all toggle-style formats: bold, italic, strikethrough, code, links, and images. List commands toggle the same way — see <a href="#lists">Lists</a> below.</p>
<h2>Lists</h2>
<p>Select any number of lines and apply <strong>Bulleted</strong>, <strong>Numbered</strong>, or <strong>Task List</strong> — every selected line gets a marker, not just the first one.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Convert between kinds</strong>: applying a different list type to an existing list swaps the markers (bullets to numbers, numbers to tasks, and back)</li>
<li><strong>Remove markers</strong>: apply the same list type again to strip the markers off</li>
<li><strong>Numbered lists renumber themselves</strong> sequentially, and continue an ordered list that sits directly above your selection</li>
<li>The whole change is a single undo step, so <code>Ctrl+Z</code> puts it back exactly as it was</li>
</ul>
<p>List commands are also available while editing a block in the preview. See <a href="/docs/feather/edit-in-preview/">Edit in Preview</a>.</p>
<h3>The Lists Toolbar Button</h3>
<p>The toolbar's <strong>Lists</strong> button is a split button. Click the button to re-apply the last list type you used — the icon and tooltip follow it, so it always shows what a click will do. Click the chevron for the full menu: <strong>Bulleted List</strong>, <strong>Numbered List</strong>, <strong>Task List</strong>, and <strong>Definition List</strong>.</p>
<h2>Prettify (Markdown Formatter)</h2>
<p>Prettify cleans up your markdown in three tiers, each building on the previous one.</p>
<h3>Tier 1: Format Tables (Ctrl+Shift+P)</h3>
<ul>
<li>Aligns table columns with consistent padding</li>
<li>Preserves alignment markers (<code>:---:</code>, <code>---:</code>, <code>:---</code>)</li>
<li>Only affects tables, leaves everything else unchanged</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tier 2: Clean Up Document</h3>
<p>Everything in Format Tables, plus:</p>
<ul>
<li>Normalizes list markers to dashes (<code>-</code>)</li>
<li>Trims trailing whitespace from all lines</li>
<li>Ensures blank lines around headings and block elements</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tier 3: Full Format</h3>
<p>Everything in Clean Up Document, plus:</p>
<ul>
<li>Normalizes indentation</li>
<li>Collapses three or more consecutive blank lines down to two</li>
</ul>
<h3>Auto-Format Table on Tab</h3>
<p>When your cursor is inside a table row, pressing <strong>Tab</strong> will:</p>
<ol>
<li>Auto-format the entire table (align columns, add padding)</li>
<li>Move the cursor to the next cell</li>
</ol>
<p>This lets you build and format tables as you type without running Prettify manually.</p>



## Overview

Feather supports GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) plus several extensions. Your markdown renders in real time in the preview pane using the Markdig parsing library.

## Standard Markdown

- **Headings**: `#` through `######` (H1 through H6)
- **Bold**: `**text**` or `__text__`
- **Italic**: `*text*` or `_text_`
- **Bold + Italic**: `***text***`
- **Ordered lists**: Lines starting with `1.`, `2.`, etc.
- **Unordered lists**: Lines starting with `-`, `*`, or `+`
- **Links**: `[text](url)`
- **Images**: `![alt text](url)`
- **Blockquotes**: Lines starting with `>`
- **Horizontal rules**: `---`, `***`, or `___`
- **Inline code**: `` `code` ``
- **Fenced code blocks**: Triple backticks with optional language for syntax highlighting

### Syntax Highlighting

Fenced code blocks support language-specific highlighting via highlight.js. Specify the language after the opening backticks:

````
```javascript
const greeting = "Hello, world!";
```
````

## GFM Extensions

### Tables

Pipe-delimited tables with optional column alignment:

```
| Left | Center | Right |
|:-----|:------:|------:|
| a    |   b    |     c |
```

### Task Lists

```
- [x] Completed item
- [ ] Unchecked item
```

### Strikethrough

`~~deleted text~~` renders as struck-through text.

### Footnotes

Reference footnotes inline with `[^1]` and define them anywhere in the document:

```
This has a footnote[^1].

[^1]: The footnote content appears at the bottom.
```

### Autolinks

URLs are automatically converted to clickable links without needing `[text](url)` syntax.

### Emoji Shortcodes

Use `:emoji_name:` to insert emoji. For example, `:smile:` renders as a smiley face, `:rocket:` renders as a rocket.

## Additional Extensions

### Alert Blocks

Styled callout boxes using blockquote syntax:

```
> [!NOTE]
> Informational note.

> [!TIP]
> Helpful suggestion.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Key information.

> [!WARNING]
> Potential issue.

> [!CAUTION]
> Dangerous action.
```

Each alert type renders with a distinct icon and color in the preview.

### Definition Lists

```
Term
: Definition of the term.
```

### Highlight / Mark

`==highlighted text==` renders with a background color that matches your current preview theme.

## File Linking

- Relative links to `.md` or `.mdx` files open in new tabs within Feather
- Use the back/forward buttons (or **Alt+Left** / **Alt+Right**) to navigate between linked files


<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Feather supports GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) plus several extensions. Your markdown renders in real time in the preview pane using the Markdig parsing library.</p>
<h2>Standard Markdown</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Headings</strong>: <code>#</code> through <code>######</code> (H1 through H6)</li>
<li><strong>Bold</strong>: <code>**text**</code> or <code>__text__</code></li>
<li><strong>Italic</strong>: <code>*text*</code> or <code>_text_</code></li>
<li><strong>Bold + Italic</strong>: <code>***text***</code></li>
<li><strong>Ordered lists</strong>: Lines starting with <code>1.</code>, <code>2.</code>, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Unordered lists</strong>: Lines starting with <code>-</code>, <code>*</code>, or <code>+</code></li>
<li><strong>Links</strong>: <code>[text](url)</code></li>
<li><strong>Images</strong>: <code>![alt text](url)</code></li>
<li><strong>Blockquotes</strong>: Lines starting with <code>></code></li>
<li><strong>Horizontal rules</strong>: <code>---</code>, <code>***</code>, or <code>___</code></li>
<li><strong>Inline code</strong>: <code>`code`</code></li>
<li><strong>Fenced code blocks</strong>: Triple backticks with optional language for syntax highlighting</li>
</ul>
<h3>Syntax Highlighting</h3>
<p>Fenced code blocks support language-specific highlighting via highlight.js. Specify the language after the opening backticks:</p>
<pre><code>```javascript
const greeting = "Hello, world!";
```
</code></pre>
<h2>GFM Extensions</h2>
<h3>Tables</h3>
<p>Pipe-delimited tables with optional column alignment:</p>
<pre><code>| Left | Center | Right |
|:-----|:------:|------:|
| a    |   b    |     c |
</code></pre>
<h3>Task Lists</h3>
<pre><code>- [x] Completed item
- [ ] Unchecked item
</code></pre>
<h3>Strikethrough</h3>
<p><code>~~deleted text~~</code> renders as struck-through text.</p>
<h3>Footnotes</h3>
<p>Reference footnotes inline with <code>[^1]</code> and define them anywhere in the document:</p>
<pre><code>This has a footnote[^1].

[^1]: The footnote content appears at the bottom.
</code></pre>
<h3>Autolinks</h3>
<p>URLs are automatically converted to clickable links without needing <code>[text](url)</code> syntax.</p>
<h3>Emoji Shortcodes</h3>
<p>Use <code>:emoji_name:</code> to insert emoji. For example, <code>:smile:</code> renders as a smiley face, <code>:rocket:</code> renders as a rocket.</p>
<h2>Additional Extensions</h2>
<h3>Alert Blocks</h3>
<p>Styled callout boxes using blockquote syntax:</p>
<pre><code>> [!NOTE]
> Informational note.

> [!TIP]
> Helpful suggestion.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Key information.

> [!WARNING]
> Potential issue.

> [!CAUTION]
> Dangerous action.
</code></pre>
<p>Each alert type renders with a distinct icon and color in the preview.</p>
<h3>Definition Lists</h3>
<pre><code>Term
: Definition of the term.
</code></pre>
<h3>Highlight / Mark</h3>
<p><code>==highlighted text==</code> renders with a background color that matches your current preview theme.</p>
<h2>File Linking</h2>
<ul>
<li>Relative links to <code>.md</code> or <code>.mdx</code> files open in new tabs within Feather</li>
<li>Use the back/forward buttons (or <strong>Alt+Left</strong> / <strong>Alt+Right</strong>) to navigate between linked files</li>
</ul>



## Overview

Feather can render Mermaid diagrams and KaTeX math expressions directly in the preview pane. Both features are toggleable in **Settings > Diagrams & Math**.

## Mermaid Diagrams

Use fenced code blocks with the language set to `mermaid`:

````
```mermaid
graph TD
    A[Start] --> B{Decision}
    B -->|Yes| C[Do something]
    B -->|No| D[Do something else]
```
````

### Supported Diagram Types

- Flowcharts (`graph TD`, `graph LR`)
- Sequence diagrams
- State diagrams
- Gantt charts
- Pie charts
- Class diagrams
- Entity relationship diagrams
- Any other Mermaid-supported diagram type

### Theme Integration

- Diagram colors automatically match your current preview theme
- Each of the 9 built-in themes has its own set of Mermaid color variables
- Diagrams render with transparent backgrounds so they blend with the preview

### Export

Mermaid diagrams are included when exporting to PDF or HTML. They render as inline SVG in the output.

## KaTeX Math

Feather supports LaTeX math notation via KaTeX.

### Inline Math

Wrap expressions in single dollar signs:

```
The equation $E = mc^2$ describes mass-energy equivalence.
```

### Block / Display Math

Wrap expressions in double dollar signs on their own lines:

```
$$
\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2} dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}
$$
```

### Supported Notation

KaTeX covers standard LaTeX math, including:

- Fractions: `\frac{a}{b}`
- Integrals: `\int`, `\sum`, `\prod`
- Matrices: `\begin{bmatrix}...\end{bmatrix}`
- Greek letters: `\alpha`, `\beta`, `\gamma`, etc.
- Operators, subscripts, superscripts, and more

For the full list, see the [KaTeX supported functions](https://katex.org/docs/supported).

### Export

- **PDF and HTML**: Math renders fully in the output
- **Word (DOCX)**: Math is converted to formatted text where possible


<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Feather can render Mermaid diagrams and KaTeX math expressions directly in the preview pane. Both features are toggleable in <strong>Settings > Diagrams &#x26; Math</strong>.</p>
<h2>Mermaid Diagrams</h2>
<p>Use fenced code blocks with the language set to <code>mermaid</code>:</p>
<pre><code>```mermaid
graph TD
    A[Start] --> B{Decision}
    B -->|Yes| C[Do something]
    B -->|No| D[Do something else]
```
</code></pre>
<h3>Supported Diagram Types</h3>
<ul>
<li>Flowcharts (<code>graph TD</code>, <code>graph LR</code>)</li>
<li>Sequence diagrams</li>
<li>State diagrams</li>
<li>Gantt charts</li>
<li>Pie charts</li>
<li>Class diagrams</li>
<li>Entity relationship diagrams</li>
<li>Any other Mermaid-supported diagram type</li>
</ul>
<h3>Theme Integration</h3>
<ul>
<li>Diagram colors automatically match your current preview theme</li>
<li>Each of the 9 built-in themes has its own set of Mermaid color variables</li>
<li>Diagrams render with transparent backgrounds so they blend with the preview</li>
</ul>
<h3>Export</h3>
<p>Mermaid diagrams are included when exporting to PDF or HTML. They render as inline SVG in the output.</p>
<h2>KaTeX Math</h2>
<p>Feather supports LaTeX math notation via KaTeX.</p>
<h3>Inline Math</h3>
<p>Wrap expressions in single dollar signs:</p>
<pre><code>The equation $E = mc^2$ describes mass-energy equivalence.
</code></pre>
<h3>Block / Display Math</h3>
<p>Wrap expressions in double dollar signs on their own lines:</p>
<pre><code>$$
\int_0^\infty e^{-x^2} dx = \frac{\sqrt{\pi}}{2}
$$
</code></pre>
<h3>Supported Notation</h3>
<p>KaTeX covers standard LaTeX math, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Fractions: <code>\frac{a}{b}</code></li>
<li>Integrals: <code>\int</code>, <code>\sum</code>, <code>\prod</code></li>
<li>Matrices: <code>\begin{bmatrix}...\end{bmatrix}</code></li>
<li>Greek letters: <code>\alpha</code>, <code>\beta</code>, <code>\gamma</code>, etc.</li>
<li>Operators, subscripts, superscripts, and more</li>
</ul>
<p>For the full list, see the <a href="https://katex.org/docs/supported">KaTeX supported functions</a>.</p>
<h3>Export</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>PDF and HTML</strong>: Math renders fully in the output</li>
<li><strong>Word (DOCX)</strong>: Math is converted to formatted text where possible</li>
</ul>



## App Theme

Feather supports three app-wide theme modes:

- **System default** — follows your Windows light/dark setting
- **Light**
- **Dark**

On Windows 11, the app uses the Mica backdrop for a translucent material effect behind the window.

To change the app theme:

1. Open **Settings** (gear icon or **Ctrl+,**)
2. Go to **Appearance**
3. Select your preferred theme

## Preview Themes

The preview theme controls how your markdown renders in the preview pane. It is independent of the app theme.

### Preview Theme Mode

Choose how the preview theme responds to light and dark:

- **Follow app** — matches the current app theme
- **Always light** — preview always uses the light variant
- **Always dark** — preview always uses the dark variant

### Built-in Themes

Feather includes 9 preview themes:

| Theme | Description |
|-------|-------------|
| **Default** | Clean, balanced styling |
| **GitHub** | Mimics GitHub's markdown rendering |
| **Academic** | Serif fonts with a scholarly feel |
| **Newsletter** | Editorial, magazine-style layout |
| **Minimal** | Stripped-down, distraction-free |
| **Night Owl** | Dark theme with warm colors |
| **Catppuccin** | Pastel dark theme |
| **Windows 98** | Retro nostalgic look |
| **Windows XP** | Classic Windows styling |

Each theme includes matching colors for highlight marks (`==text==`) and Mermaid diagrams.

## Custom CSS

You can replace the built-in preview stylesheet with your own CSS file.

1. Open **Settings > Preview**
2. Under **Custom CSS**, select your `.css` file
3. The preview pane will immediately use your stylesheet

Your custom CSS controls all preview rendering: headings, paragraphs, code blocks, tables, blockquotes, and more. To revert to the built-in themes, remove the custom CSS file from settings.

## Editor Font

- Open **Settings > Editor** to change the editing font
- A searchable font picker lists all installed system fonts
- Default font: **Cascadia Code**
- Monospace fonts are recommended for markdown editing

## Preview Font

- Optionally override the default font used by the preview theme
- Set in **Settings > Preview**
- Uses the same system font picker as the editor font setting

## Font Size

- Adjustable from **12pt to 24pt** via a slider in Settings
- Applies to the editor pane
- Preview font size follows the selected preview theme


<h2>App Theme</h2>
<p>Feather supports three app-wide theme modes:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>System default</strong> — follows your Windows light/dark setting</li>
<li><strong>Light</strong></li>
<li><strong>Dark</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>On Windows 11, the app uses the Mica backdrop for a translucent material effect behind the window.</p>
<p>To change the app theme:</p>
<ol>
<li>Open <strong>Settings</strong> (gear icon or <strong>Ctrl+,</strong>)</li>
<li>Go to <strong>Appearance</strong></li>
<li>Select your preferred theme</li>
</ol>
<h2>Preview Themes</h2>
<p>The preview theme controls how your markdown renders in the preview pane. It is independent of the app theme.</p>
<h3>Preview Theme Mode</h3>
<p>Choose how the preview theme responds to light and dark:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Follow app</strong> — matches the current app theme</li>
<li><strong>Always light</strong> — preview always uses the light variant</li>
<li><strong>Always dark</strong> — preview always uses the dark variant</li>
</ul>
<h3>Built-in Themes</h3>
<p>Feather includes 9 preview themes:</p>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Theme</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Default</strong></td>
<td>Clean, balanced styling</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>GitHub</strong></td>
<td>Mimics GitHub's markdown rendering</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Academic</strong></td>
<td>Serif fonts with a scholarly feel</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Newsletter</strong></td>
<td>Editorial, magazine-style layout</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Minimal</strong></td>
<td>Stripped-down, distraction-free</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Night Owl</strong></td>
<td>Dark theme with warm colors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Catppuccin</strong></td>
<td>Pastel dark theme</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Windows 98</strong></td>
<td>Retro nostalgic look</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Windows XP</strong></td>
<td>Classic Windows styling</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p>Each theme includes matching colors for highlight marks (<code>==text==</code>) and Mermaid diagrams.</p>
<h2>Custom CSS</h2>
<p>You can replace the built-in preview stylesheet with your own CSS file.</p>
<ol>
<li>Open <strong>Settings > Preview</strong></li>
<li>Under <strong>Custom CSS</strong>, select your <code>.css</code> file</li>
<li>The preview pane will immediately use your stylesheet</li>
</ol>
<p>Your custom CSS controls all preview rendering: headings, paragraphs, code blocks, tables, blockquotes, and more. To revert to the built-in themes, remove the custom CSS file from settings.</p>
<h2>Editor Font</h2>
<ul>
<li>Open <strong>Settings > Editor</strong> to change the editing font</li>
<li>A searchable font picker lists all installed system fonts</li>
<li>Default font: <strong>Cascadia Code</strong></li>
<li>Monospace fonts are recommended for markdown editing</li>
</ul>
<h2>Preview Font</h2>
<ul>
<li>Optionally override the default font used by the preview theme</li>
<li>Set in <strong>Settings > Preview</strong></li>
<li>Uses the same system font picker as the editor font setting</li>
</ul>
<h2>Font Size</h2>
<ul>
<li>Adjustable from <strong>12pt to 24pt</strong> via a slider in Settings</li>
<li>Applies to the editor pane</li>
<li>Preview font size follows the selected preview theme</li>
</ul>



## Overview

Feather can export your markdown to three formats: PDF, HTML, and Word (.docx). All exports are available from **File > Export**.

Export requires an active license. If your trial has expired and you haven't purchased a license, export options are disabled.

## PDF Export

1. Go to **File > Export > PDF**
2. Choose a save location and filename
3. Click **Save**

PDF exports:

- Render using light-mode styling regardless of your current theme
- Wrap code blocks properly (no horizontal overflow)
- Include Mermaid diagrams and KaTeX math
- Preserve tables, images, and all formatting

## HTML Export

1. Go to **File > Export > HTML**
2. Choose a theme for the export: Light, Dark, or your current preview style
3. Choose a save location and filename
4. Click **Save**

HTML exports:

- Generate a standalone file with all CSS embedded (no external dependencies)
- Can be opened in any browser, shared, or hosted
- Include syntax highlighting, diagrams, and math rendering
- Are fully self-contained — no internet connection needed to view

## Word (.docx) Export

1. Go to **File > Export > Word**
2. Choose a save location and filename
3. Click **Save**

Word exports support the following formatting:

- **Headings** — H1 through H6 mapped to Word heading styles
- **Inline formatting** — bold, italic, strikethrough
- **Code blocks** — rendered as formatted text
- **Tables** — proper table structure preserved
- **Lists** — ordered and unordered
- **Blockquotes**
- **Footnotes**
- **Math** — converted to formatted text where possible

## Tips

- Use Split or Preview mode to check your document's appearance before exporting
- PDF export always uses light styling, so verify your content looks good in the Default or GitHub preview theme
- HTML export with the Dark theme option is useful for sharing documents intended for dark-mode readers


<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Feather can export your markdown to three formats: PDF, HTML, and Word (.docx). All exports are available from <strong>File > Export</strong>.</p>
<p>Export requires an active license. If your trial has expired and you haven't purchased a license, export options are disabled.</p>
<h2>PDF Export</h2>
<ol>
<li>Go to <strong>File > Export > PDF</strong></li>
<li>Choose a save location and filename</li>
<li>Click <strong>Save</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>PDF exports:</p>
<ul>
<li>Render using light-mode styling regardless of your current theme</li>
<li>Wrap code blocks properly (no horizontal overflow)</li>
<li>Include Mermaid diagrams and KaTeX math</li>
<li>Preserve tables, images, and all formatting</li>
</ul>
<h2>HTML Export</h2>
<ol>
<li>Go to <strong>File > Export > HTML</strong></li>
<li>Choose a theme for the export: Light, Dark, or your current preview style</li>
<li>Choose a save location and filename</li>
<li>Click <strong>Save</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>HTML exports:</p>
<ul>
<li>Generate a standalone file with all CSS embedded (no external dependencies)</li>
<li>Can be opened in any browser, shared, or hosted</li>
<li>Include syntax highlighting, diagrams, and math rendering</li>
<li>Are fully self-contained — no internet connection needed to view</li>
</ul>
<h2>Word (.docx) Export</h2>
<ol>
<li>Go to <strong>File > Export > Word</strong></li>
<li>Choose a save location and filename</li>
<li>Click <strong>Save</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>Word exports support the following formatting:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Headings</strong> — H1 through H6 mapped to Word heading styles</li>
<li><strong>Inline formatting</strong> — bold, italic, strikethrough</li>
<li><strong>Code blocks</strong> — rendered as formatted text</li>
<li><strong>Tables</strong> — proper table structure preserved</li>
<li><strong>Lists</strong> — ordered and unordered</li>
<li><strong>Blockquotes</strong></li>
<li><strong>Footnotes</strong></li>
<li><strong>Math</strong> — converted to formatted text where possible</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tips</h2>
<ul>
<li>Use Split or Preview mode to check your document's appearance before exporting</li>
<li>PDF export always uses light styling, so verify your content looks good in the Default or GitHub preview theme</li>
<li>HTML export with the Dark theme option is useful for sharing documents intended for dark-mode readers</li>
</ul>



## Focus Mode

Focus Mode is a distraction-free, fullscreen writing environment. All window chrome is hidden so you can concentrate on your writing.

### Entering Focus Mode

- Press **F11**, or
- Go to **View > Focus Mode**

### How It Works

- The editor goes fullscreen with all UI elements hidden
- Your text is centered on screen at a configurable width
- Typewriter scrolling keeps the active line centered vertically as you type
- Focus Mode works in Edit view mode only

### Configuring Width

You can adjust how wide the editor area is in Focus Mode:

1. Open **Settings > Focus Mode**
2. Use the width slider to set a value between 600px and 1400px
3. Changes apply immediately

### Exiting Focus Mode

- Press **F11** or **Escape** to return to the normal editor

## Compact Mode

Compact Mode gives you a minimal interface without going fullscreen. It's useful when you want less UI clutter but still need access to other windows.

### Entering Compact Mode

- Go to **View > Compact Mode**

### What Changes

- The title bar, toolbar, and tab strip are hidden
- A minimal control bar appears with a view mode toggle
- The window stays at its current size and position

### Exiting Compact Mode

- Press **Escape** to return to the normal interface

## Good to Know

- Both modes preserve your document state — nothing is lost when entering or exiting
- Compact Mode is useful for small windows or secondary displays where screen space is limited
- Focus Mode is best for longer writing sessions where you want zero distractions


<h2>Focus Mode</h2>
<p>Focus Mode is a distraction-free, fullscreen writing environment. All window chrome is hidden so you can concentrate on your writing.</p>
<h3>Entering Focus Mode</h3>
<ul>
<li>Press <strong>F11</strong>, or</li>
<li>Go to <strong>View > Focus Mode</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>How It Works</h3>
<ul>
<li>The editor goes fullscreen with all UI elements hidden</li>
<li>Your text is centered on screen at a configurable width</li>
<li>Typewriter scrolling keeps the active line centered vertically as you type</li>
<li>Focus Mode works in Edit view mode only</li>
</ul>
<h3>Configuring Width</h3>
<p>You can adjust how wide the editor area is in Focus Mode:</p>
<ol>
<li>Open <strong>Settings > Focus Mode</strong></li>
<li>Use the width slider to set a value between 600px and 1400px</li>
<li>Changes apply immediately</li>
</ol>
<h3>Exiting Focus Mode</h3>
<ul>
<li>Press <strong>F11</strong> or <strong>Escape</strong> to return to the normal editor</li>
</ul>
<h2>Compact Mode</h2>
<p>Compact Mode gives you a minimal interface without going fullscreen. It's useful when you want less UI clutter but still need access to other windows.</p>
<h3>Entering Compact Mode</h3>
<ul>
<li>Go to <strong>View > Compact Mode</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>What Changes</h3>
<ul>
<li>The title bar, toolbar, and tab strip are hidden</li>
<li>A minimal control bar appears with a view mode toggle</li>
<li>The window stays at its current size and position</li>
</ul>
<h3>Exiting Compact Mode</h3>
<ul>
<li>Press <strong>Escape</strong> to return to the normal interface</li>
</ul>
<h2>Good to Know</h2>
<ul>
<li>Both modes preserve your document state — nothing is lost when entering or exiting</li>
<li>Compact Mode is useful for small windows or secondary displays where screen space is limited</li>
<li>Focus Mode is best for longer writing sessions where you want zero distractions</li>
</ul>



## File Operations

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Ctrl+N | New file |
| Ctrl+O | Open file |
| Ctrl+S | Save |
| Ctrl+Shift+S | Save As |
| Ctrl+W | Close tab |

## Formatting

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Ctrl+B | Bold |
| Ctrl+I | Italic |
| Ctrl+Shift+X | Strikethrough |
| Ctrl+Shift+H | Cycle heading level |
| Ctrl+` | Inline code |
| Ctrl+K | Insert/toggle link |
| Ctrl+Shift+I | Insert/toggle image |
| Ctrl+Shift+8 | Bulleted list |
| Ctrl+Shift+7 | Numbered list |
| Ctrl+Shift+9 | Task list |

## View Modes

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Ctrl+1 | Edit mode |
| Ctrl+2 | Split mode |
| Ctrl+3 | Preview mode |
| F11 | Toggle Focus Mode |

## Find & Replace

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Ctrl+F | Find |
| Ctrl+H | Find & Replace |
| Enter | Next match |
| Shift+Enter | Previous match |
| Escape | Close find bar |

## Prettify

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Ctrl+Shift+P | Format Tables |

## Editor

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Tab | Insert 4 spaces / auto-format table |
| Shift+Tab | Remove indentation |
| Ctrl+Shift+V | Paste as plain text |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo |
| Ctrl+Y | Redo |
| Ctrl+Enter | Save edit (in preview edit mode) |
| Escape | Cancel edit (in preview edit mode) |

## Scratchpads

| Shortcut | Action |
|----------|--------|
| Ctrl+Alt+N | New scratchpad (global, works when Feather is in background) |


<h2>File Operations</h2>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Action</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+N</td>
<td>New file</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+O</td>
<td>Open file</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+S</td>
<td>Save</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+S</td>
<td>Save As</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+W</td>
<td>Close tab</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h2>Formatting</h2>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Action</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+B</td>
<td>Bold</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+I</td>
<td>Italic</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+X</td>
<td>Strikethrough</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+H</td>
<td>Cycle heading level</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+`</td>
<td>Inline code</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+K</td>
<td>Insert/toggle link</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+I</td>
<td>Insert/toggle image</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+8</td>
<td>Bulleted list</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+7</td>
<td>Numbered list</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+9</td>
<td>Task list</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h2>View Modes</h2>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Action</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+1</td>
<td>Edit mode</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+2</td>
<td>Split mode</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+3</td>
<td>Preview mode</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F11</td>
<td>Toggle Focus Mode</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h2>Find &#x26; Replace</h2>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Action</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+F</td>
<td>Find</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+H</td>
<td>Find &#x26; Replace</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Enter</td>
<td>Next match</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shift+Enter</td>
<td>Previous match</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Escape</td>
<td>Close find bar</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h2>Prettify</h2>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Action</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+P</td>
<td>Format Tables</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h2>Editor</h2>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Action</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Tab</td>
<td>Insert 4 spaces / auto-format table</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shift+Tab</td>
<td>Remove indentation</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Shift+V</td>
<td>Paste as plain text</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Z</td>
<td>Undo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Y</td>
<td>Redo</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Enter</td>
<td>Save edit (in preview edit mode)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Escape</td>
<td>Cancel edit (in preview edit mode)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h2>Scratchpads</h2>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Shortcut</th>
<th>Action</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ctrl+Alt+N</td>
<td>New scratchpad (global, works when Feather is in background)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>



The workspace panel is a collapsible sidebar that gives you a file browser for your project folders, right inside Feather. Add one or more folders, browse their contents, and open files without leaving the editor.

## Opening the Workspace Panel

Toggle the workspace panel from the **toolbar button** at the far left of the toolbar (the open/close pane icon), or enable it in **Settings > Appearance > Workspace panel**.

The panel opens on the left side of the window at 260px wide.

## Adding Folders

Click the **Add folder** button at the top of the workspace panel to add a root folder. You can add multiple folders to create a multi-root workspace. All added folders persist across sessions.

## Browsing Files

The workspace displays a lazy-loaded directory tree. Click a folder to expand it, and click any markdown file (`.md`, `.mdx`, `.markdown`, `.txt`) to open it in a new tab.

The tree automatically updates when files change on disk (via file system watcher with 300ms debounce), so changes made in Explorer or other tools appear in real time.

## File Operations

Right-click any file or folder in the workspace to access these operations:

| Action | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| **New File** | Create a new file in the selected folder |
| **New Folder** | Create a new subfolder |
| **Rename** | Rename the file or folder (also updates any open tabs and recent files) |
| **Move to Recycle Bin** | Delete the file or folder (recoverable) |
| **Reveal in Explorer** | Open the containing folder in Windows Explorer |
| **Copy Path** | Copy the full file path to clipboard |
| **Copy Name** | Copy just the file name to clipboard |
| **Change Icon** | Choose a custom icon for folders |
| **Move Up / Move Down** | Reorder root folders |
| **Remove from workspace** | Remove a root folder (does not delete files) |

## Inline Rename

Double-click a file or folder name (or use the right-click menu) to rename it inline. The file name stem is pre-selected so you can type a new name immediately. Press **Enter** to confirm or **Escape** to cancel.

If the file is open in a tab, the tab updates automatically to reflect the new name. Recent files are also updated.

## Custom Folder Icons

Right-click any folder and select **Change Icon** to open the icon picker. Choose from 85 icons across 9 categories:

- **Folders** — Standard folder variants
- **General** — Common glyphs (star, heart, flag, etc.)
- **Education & Research** — Academic and science icons
- **Writing & Media** — Content and publishing icons
- **Infrastructure** — Server and networking icons
- **Cloud Drives** — Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc.
- **Self-Hosted** — Nextcloud, Syncthing, etc.
- **AI Tools** — OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.
- **Dev Tools** — GitHub, GitLab, Docker, VS Code, etc.

Icons are a mix of Segoe MDL2 glyphs and SVG brand icons. Your icon choices persist across sessions.

## Drag and Drop

The workspace supports full drag-and-drop:

- **Reorder root folders** by dragging them up or down
- **Move files and folders** between directories by dragging
- **Open files** by dragging them onto a tab or the editor area
- **Import files** by dragging from Windows Explorer into a workspace folder

## Search

Use the search box at the top of the workspace panel to filter the file tree by name. This searches across all root folders.

## Settings

The workspace panel has a master on/off switch at **Settings > Appearance > Workspace panel**. When disabled, the toolbar toggle button is hidden and the panel stays closed. Your visibility preference is preserved when toggled back on.


<p>The workspace panel is a collapsible sidebar that gives you a file browser for your project folders, right inside Feather. Add one or more folders, browse their contents, and open files without leaving the editor.</p>
<h2>Opening the Workspace Panel</h2>
<p>Toggle the workspace panel from the <strong>toolbar button</strong> at the far left of the toolbar (the open/close pane icon), or enable it in <strong>Settings > Appearance > Workspace panel</strong>.</p>
<p>The panel opens on the left side of the window at 260px wide.</p>
<h2>Adding Folders</h2>
<p>Click the <strong>Add folder</strong> button at the top of the workspace panel to add a root folder. You can add multiple folders to create a multi-root workspace. All added folders persist across sessions.</p>
<h2>Browsing Files</h2>
<p>The workspace displays a lazy-loaded directory tree. Click a folder to expand it, and click any markdown file (<code>.md</code>, <code>.mdx</code>, <code>.markdown</code>, <code>.txt</code>) to open it in a new tab.</p>
<p>The tree automatically updates when files change on disk (via file system watcher with 300ms debounce), so changes made in Explorer or other tools appear in real time.</p>
<h2>File Operations</h2>
<p>Right-click any file or folder in the workspace to access these operations:</p>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Action</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>New File</strong></td>
<td>Create a new file in the selected folder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>New Folder</strong></td>
<td>Create a new subfolder</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Rename</strong></td>
<td>Rename the file or folder (also updates any open tabs and recent files)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Move to Recycle Bin</strong></td>
<td>Delete the file or folder (recoverable)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Reveal in Explorer</strong></td>
<td>Open the containing folder in Windows Explorer</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Copy Path</strong></td>
<td>Copy the full file path to clipboard</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Copy Name</strong></td>
<td>Copy just the file name to clipboard</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Change Icon</strong></td>
<td>Choose a custom icon for folders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Move Up / Move Down</strong></td>
<td>Reorder root folders</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Remove from workspace</strong></td>
<td>Remove a root folder (does not delete files)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h2>Inline Rename</h2>
<p>Double-click a file or folder name (or use the right-click menu) to rename it inline. The file name stem is pre-selected so you can type a new name immediately. Press <strong>Enter</strong> to confirm or <strong>Escape</strong> to cancel.</p>
<p>If the file is open in a tab, the tab updates automatically to reflect the new name. Recent files are also updated.</p>
<h2>Custom Folder Icons</h2>
<p>Right-click any folder and select <strong>Change Icon</strong> to open the icon picker. Choose from 85 icons across 9 categories:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Folders</strong> — Standard folder variants</li>
<li><strong>General</strong> — Common glyphs (star, heart, flag, etc.)</li>
<li><strong>Education &#x26; Research</strong> — Academic and science icons</li>
<li><strong>Writing &#x26; Media</strong> — Content and publishing icons</li>
<li><strong>Infrastructure</strong> — Server and networking icons</li>
<li><strong>Cloud Drives</strong> — Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Self-Hosted</strong> — Nextcloud, Syncthing, etc.</li>
<li><strong>AI Tools</strong> — OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.</li>
<li><strong>Dev Tools</strong> — GitHub, GitLab, Docker, VS Code, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>Icons are a mix of Segoe MDL2 glyphs and SVG brand icons. Your icon choices persist across sessions.</p>
<h2>Drag and Drop</h2>
<p>The workspace supports full drag-and-drop:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Reorder root folders</strong> by dragging them up or down</li>
<li><strong>Move files and folders</strong> between directories by dragging</li>
<li><strong>Open files</strong> by dragging them onto a tab or the editor area</li>
<li><strong>Import files</strong> by dragging from Windows Explorer into a workspace folder</li>
</ul>
<h2>Search</h2>
<p>Use the search box at the top of the workspace panel to filter the file tree by name. This searches across all root folders.</p>
<h2>Settings</h2>
<p>The workspace panel has a master on/off switch at <strong>Settings > Appearance > Workspace panel</strong>. When disabled, the toolbar toggle button is hidden and the panel stays closed. Your visibility preference is preserved when toggled back on.</p>



Scratchpads are lightweight, always-on-top floating windows for quick markdown notes. They live outside your main document tabs, so you can jot down ideas, outlines, or reference material without disrupting your workflow.

## Creating a Scratchpad

There are three ways to open a new scratchpad:

- **Global hotkey**: Press `Ctrl+Alt+N` from anywhere (even when Feather doesn't have focus)
- **Menu**: **File > New Scratchpad**
- **System tray**: Right-click the Feather tray icon and select **New Scratchpad**

The global hotkey can be customized in **Settings > Background & Shortcuts**.

## How Scratchpads Work

Each scratchpad is a floating window with its own markdown editor. Scratchpads support Feather's smart editing features: auto-close pairs, list continuation, selection wrapping, formatting shortcuts, and more.

Pasting rich text into a scratchpad converts it to markdown, the same as the main editor. A scratchpad reads the **Settings** > **Editor** > **Paste formatted text as Markdown** preference when the window opens — if you change that setting, close and reopen the pad to pick it up. To paste without conversion, use `Ctrl+Shift+V` or right-click > **Paste as plain text**, both of which work inside scratchpads too.

Key behaviors:

- **Always-on-top** by default (toggleable via the pin icon in the title bar)
- **Auto-save** on every keystroke (500ms debounce) so you never lose a note
- **Persistent** across app restarts. Each scratchpad is saved as an `.md` file in your local app data
- **Multiple windows** can be open simultaneously

## Scratchpad Controls

Each scratchpad window has a minimal title bar with these controls:

| Icon | Action |
|------|--------|
| **Pin** | Toggle always-on-top |
| **Open in Feather** | Open the scratchpad content as a full tab in the main Feather window |
| **Save** | Export a snapshot of the scratchpad to a file location of your choice |
| **Delete** | Permanently delete the scratchpad and its backing file |
| **Close** | Close the window (content is preserved on disk for later) |

## Run in Background

To use the global hotkey when Feather's main window is closed, enable **Run in background** in **Settings > Background & Shortcuts**. This keeps Feather alive in the system tray so the hotkey works at any time.

When background mode is on:

- Closing the main window hides it instead of quitting
- A system tray icon appears with options for **New Scratchpad**, **Show Feather**, and **Exit**
- Use **Exit Feather** from the tray to fully quit

## Tips

- Use scratchpads for meeting notes, quick outlines, or reference snippets while working on your main documents
- The scratchpad title is automatically derived from the first line of content
- Close a scratchpad to dismiss the window. Your content is saved and the file remains on disk
- Delete a scratchpad when you're done with it to clean up


<p>Scratchpads are lightweight, always-on-top floating windows for quick markdown notes. They live outside your main document tabs, so you can jot down ideas, outlines, or reference material without disrupting your workflow.</p>
<h2>Creating a Scratchpad</h2>
<p>There are three ways to open a new scratchpad:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Global hotkey</strong>: Press <code>Ctrl+Alt+N</code> from anywhere (even when Feather doesn't have focus)</li>
<li><strong>Menu</strong>: <strong>File > New Scratchpad</strong></li>
<li><strong>System tray</strong>: Right-click the Feather tray icon and select <strong>New Scratchpad</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>The global hotkey can be customized in <strong>Settings > Background &#x26; Shortcuts</strong>.</p>
<h2>How Scratchpads Work</h2>
<p>Each scratchpad is a floating window with its own markdown editor. Scratchpads support Feather's smart editing features: auto-close pairs, list continuation, selection wrapping, formatting shortcuts, and more.</p>
<p>Pasting rich text into a scratchpad converts it to markdown, the same as the main editor. A scratchpad reads the <strong>Settings</strong> > <strong>Editor</strong> > <strong>Paste formatted text as Markdown</strong> preference when the window opens — if you change that setting, close and reopen the pad to pick it up. To paste without conversion, use <code>Ctrl+Shift+V</code> or right-click > <strong>Paste as plain text</strong>, both of which work inside scratchpads too.</p>
<p>Key behaviors:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Always-on-top</strong> by default (toggleable via the pin icon in the title bar)</li>
<li><strong>Auto-save</strong> on every keystroke (500ms debounce) so you never lose a note</li>
<li><strong>Persistent</strong> across app restarts. Each scratchpad is saved as an <code>.md</code> file in your local app data</li>
<li><strong>Multiple windows</strong> can be open simultaneously</li>
</ul>
<h2>Scratchpad Controls</h2>
<p>Each scratchpad window has a minimal title bar with these controls:</p>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Icon</th>
<th>Action</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Pin</strong></td>
<td>Toggle always-on-top</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Open in Feather</strong></td>
<td>Open the scratchpad content as a full tab in the main Feather window</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Save</strong></td>
<td>Export a snapshot of the scratchpad to a file location of your choice</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Delete</strong></td>
<td>Permanently delete the scratchpad and its backing file</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Close</strong></td>
<td>Close the window (content is preserved on disk for later)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<h2>Run in Background</h2>
<p>To use the global hotkey when Feather's main window is closed, enable <strong>Run in background</strong> in <strong>Settings > Background &#x26; Shortcuts</strong>. This keeps Feather alive in the system tray so the hotkey works at any time.</p>
<p>When background mode is on:</p>
<ul>
<li>Closing the main window hides it instead of quitting</li>
<li>A system tray icon appears with options for <strong>New Scratchpad</strong>, <strong>Show Feather</strong>, and <strong>Exit</strong></li>
<li>Use <strong>Exit Feather</strong> from the tray to fully quit</li>
</ul>
<h2>Tips</h2>
<ul>
<li>Use scratchpads for meeting notes, quick outlines, or reference snippets while working on your main documents</li>
<li>The scratchpad title is automatically derived from the first line of content</li>
<li>Close a scratchpad to dismiss the window. Your content is saved and the file remains on disk</li>
<li>Delete a scratchpad when you're done with it to clean up</li>
</ul>



Feather includes a built-in [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](https://modelcontextprotocol.io) server that lets AI tools on your computer access your open documents, workspace files, and scratchpads. MCP is an open standard supported by a growing list of AI tools.

Everything runs locally on your machine. No API keys, no cloud services, no data leaves your computer.

## Supported AI Tools

Any MCP-compatible client works with Feather, including:

- **Claude Desktop** and **Claude Code**
- **Cursor**
- **VS Code Copilot** (Agent mode)
- **Windsurf**
- **JetBrains IDEs**
- **Zed**
- **Amazon Q Developer**

## Quick Setup

1. Open **Settings > AI Integration** in Feather
2. Toggle the **MCP server** on
3. Click **Configure** next to your AI tool (Claude Desktop, Cursor)
4. **Restart the AI tool** for the changes to take effect
5. Start a conversation in your AI tool and it will have access to Feather

For tools not listed (like Claude Code or VS Code Copilot), click **Copy path** under "Other AI tools" and add it to your tool's MCP configuration manually.

## What AI Tools Can Do

Once connected, your AI tool can interact with Feather in these ways:

### Read Your Documents

- List all open tabs with file names, paths, and word counts
- Read the full content of any open tab
- Get the heading outline of a document
- See which tab is currently active

### Edit Your Documents

- Insert text at any position in a tab
- Replace a range of text in a tab
- Apply markdown formatting (bold, italic, headings, links, etc.)

### Work With Your Files

- Browse workspace folders and files
- Search across all workspace files for specific text
- Open files in new tabs
- Create, rename, and delete files in workspace folders

### Read Your Scratchpads

- List all scratchpads with titles and open/closed status
- Read the content of any scratchpad, including live unsaved content from open scratchpads

## Manual Configuration

If you prefer to set up the connection manually, or your AI tool isn't in the auto-configure list, add Feather's MCP server to your tool's config file.

The server executable path is:

```
C:\Users\<your-username>\AppData\Local\Feather\feather-mcp.exe
```

You can copy this path from **Settings > AI Integration > Other AI tools > Copy path**.

### Claude Desktop

Add to `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Feather": {
      "command": "C:\\Users\\<you>\\AppData\\Local\\Feather\\feather-mcp.exe"
    }
  }
}
```

### Claude Code

Add to `.mcp.json` in your project root:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Feather": {
      "command": "C:\\Users\\<you>\\AppData\\Local\\Feather\\feather-mcp.exe"
    }
  }
}
```

### Cursor

Add to `%USERPROFILE%\.cursor\mcp.json`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Feather": {
      "command": "C:\\Users\\<you>\\AppData\\Local\\Feather\\feather-mcp.exe"
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code Copilot

Add to `.vscode/mcp.json` in your project. Note: MCP tools only appear when Agent mode is active.

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "Feather": {
      "command": "C:\\Users\\<you>\\AppData\\Local\\Feather\\feather-mcp.exe"
    }
  }
}
```

## Troubleshooting

### AI tool shows "disconnected" or can't connect

- Make sure Feather is running and the MCP server is toggled **on** in Settings
- Check that the status indicator shows a green checkmark
- **Restart the AI tool** after making config changes

### Tools not appearing

- **VS Code Copilot**: MCP tools only appear in Agent mode
- **Windsurf**: Has a limit of 100 tools across all MCP servers
- Make sure there are no JSON syntax errors in your config file

### Server path not found

The MCP bridge executable is automatically deployed to `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Feather\` when you enable the MCP server. If the file is missing, toggle the MCP server off and on again in Settings.

## Privacy & Security

- **Local only**: All communication happens over a local pipe on your machine. Nothing is sent to the internet.
- **No API keys**: MCP is a local protocol. No accounts or authentication needed.
- **You control access**: MCP is off by default. You choose when to enable it and which AI tools to connect.
- **File operations are scoped**: AI tools can only access files in your workspace folders and open tabs.
- **Deletions are recoverable**: File deletions go to the Windows Recycle Bin.


<p>Feather includes a built-in <a href="https://modelcontextprotocol.io">Model Context Protocol (MCP)</a> server that lets AI tools on your computer access your open documents, workspace files, and scratchpads. MCP is an open standard supported by a growing list of AI tools.</p>
<p>Everything runs locally on your machine. No API keys, no cloud services, no data leaves your computer.</p>
<h2>Supported AI Tools</h2>
<p>Any MCP-compatible client works with Feather, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Claude Desktop</strong> and <strong>Claude Code</strong></li>
<li><strong>Cursor</strong></li>
<li><strong>VS Code Copilot</strong> (Agent mode)</li>
<li><strong>Windsurf</strong></li>
<li><strong>JetBrains IDEs</strong></li>
<li><strong>Zed</strong></li>
<li><strong>Amazon Q Developer</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2>Quick Setup</h2>
<ol>
<li>Open <strong>Settings > AI Integration</strong> in Feather</li>
<li>Toggle the <strong>MCP server</strong> on</li>
<li>Click <strong>Configure</strong> next to your AI tool (Claude Desktop, Cursor)</li>
<li><strong>Restart the AI tool</strong> for the changes to take effect</li>
<li>Start a conversation in your AI tool and it will have access to Feather</li>
</ol>
<p>For tools not listed (like Claude Code or VS Code Copilot), click <strong>Copy path</strong> under "Other AI tools" and add it to your tool's MCP configuration manually.</p>
<h2>What AI Tools Can Do</h2>
<p>Once connected, your AI tool can interact with Feather in these ways:</p>
<h3>Read Your Documents</h3>
<ul>
<li>List all open tabs with file names, paths, and word counts</li>
<li>Read the full content of any open tab</li>
<li>Get the heading outline of a document</li>
<li>See which tab is currently active</li>
</ul>
<h3>Edit Your Documents</h3>
<ul>
<li>Insert text at any position in a tab</li>
<li>Replace a range of text in a tab</li>
<li>Apply markdown formatting (bold, italic, headings, links, etc.)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Work With Your Files</h3>
<ul>
<li>Browse workspace folders and files</li>
<li>Search across all workspace files for specific text</li>
<li>Open files in new tabs</li>
<li>Create, rename, and delete files in workspace folders</li>
</ul>
<h3>Read Your Scratchpads</h3>
<ul>
<li>List all scratchpads with titles and open/closed status</li>
<li>Read the content of any scratchpad, including live unsaved content from open scratchpads</li>
</ul>
<h2>Manual Configuration</h2>
<p>If you prefer to set up the connection manually, or your AI tool isn't in the auto-configure list, add Feather's MCP server to your tool's config file.</p>
<p>The server executable path is:</p>
<pre><code>C:\Users\&#x3C;your-username>\AppData\Local\Feather\feather-mcp.exe
</code></pre>
<p>You can copy this path from <strong>Settings > AI Integration > Other AI tools > Copy path</strong>.</p>
<h3>Claude Desktop</h3>
<p>Add to <code>%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json</code>:</p>
<pre><code class="language-json">{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Feather": {
      "command": "C:\\Users\\&#x3C;you>\\AppData\\Local\\Feather\\feather-mcp.exe"
    }
  }
}
</code></pre>
<h3>Claude Code</h3>
<p>Add to <code>.mcp.json</code> in your project root:</p>
<pre><code class="language-json">{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Feather": {
      "command": "C:\\Users\\&#x3C;you>\\AppData\\Local\\Feather\\feather-mcp.exe"
    }
  }
}
</code></pre>
<h3>Cursor</h3>
<p>Add to <code>%USERPROFILE%\.cursor\mcp.json</code>:</p>
<pre><code class="language-json">{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Feather": {
      "command": "C:\\Users\\&#x3C;you>\\AppData\\Local\\Feather\\feather-mcp.exe"
    }
  }
}
</code></pre>
<h3>VS Code Copilot</h3>
<p>Add to <code>.vscode/mcp.json</code> in your project. Note: MCP tools only appear when Agent mode is active.</p>
<pre><code class="language-json">{
  "servers": {
    "Feather": {
      "command": "C:\\Users\\&#x3C;you>\\AppData\\Local\\Feather\\feather-mcp.exe"
    }
  }
}
</code></pre>
<h2>Troubleshooting</h2>
<h3>AI tool shows "disconnected" or can't connect</h3>
<ul>
<li>Make sure Feather is running and the MCP server is toggled <strong>on</strong> in Settings</li>
<li>Check that the status indicator shows a green checkmark</li>
<li><strong>Restart the AI tool</strong> after making config changes</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tools not appearing</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>VS Code Copilot</strong>: MCP tools only appear in Agent mode</li>
<li><strong>Windsurf</strong>: Has a limit of 100 tools across all MCP servers</li>
<li>Make sure there are no JSON syntax errors in your config file</li>
</ul>
<h3>Server path not found</h3>
<p>The MCP bridge executable is automatically deployed to <code>%LOCALAPPDATA%\Feather\</code> when you enable the MCP server. If the file is missing, toggle the MCP server off and on again in Settings.</p>
<h2>Privacy &#x26; Security</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Local only</strong>: All communication happens over a local pipe on your machine. Nothing is sent to the internet.</li>
<li><strong>No API keys</strong>: MCP is a local protocol. No accounts or authentication needed.</li>
<li><strong>You control access</strong>: MCP is off by default. You choose when to enable it and which AI tools to connect.</li>
<li><strong>File operations are scoped</strong>: AI tools can only access files in your workspace folders and open tabs.</li>
<li><strong>Deletions are recoverable</strong>: File deletions go to the Windows Recycle Bin.</li>
</ul>



Feather Web Clipper lets you capture web content and send it straight into Feather as clean Markdown. It works with Chrome, Edge, Brave, Arc, Vivaldi, and Firefox.

Everything stays local. The extension communicates with Feather over localhost on your machine. No data is sent to any server, no account required.

## Install the Extension

- [Chrome Web Store](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/feather-web-clipper/dgaeafhibbikjhplkkdepdgeobgbbbgb)
- [Edge Add-ons](https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/feather-web-clipper/) (pending approval)
- [Firefox Add-ons](https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/feather-web-clipper/) (pending approval)

## Setup

1. Open **Settings > Local integrations** in Feather
2. Toggle **Browser extension** on
3. Install the extension from your browser's store
4. Click the extension icon to confirm it connects

## What You Can Do

### Send Page

Extracts the article content from the current page, strips ads and navigation, and opens it as a new Markdown tab in Feather. Uses smart per-site handling for GitHub (fetches raw Markdown), Stack Overflow (preserves Q&A structure), and Readability for everything else.

**Shortcut:** `Ctrl+Shift+F`

### Save Link

Adds the page title, URL, and timestamp to a running Saved Links file in Feather. A fast way to bookmark things right alongside your notes. The file is created automatically on first use.

**Shortcut:** `Ctrl+Shift+L`

### Clip Selection

Highlight any text on a page and send it to a floating Feather scratchpad. Great for grabbing quotes, code snippets, or reference material while you browse.

**Shortcut:** `Ctrl+Shift+Y`

## YAML Frontmatter

When enabled in the extension's options, clipped pages automatically get YAML frontmatter with metadata pulled from the page's OpenGraph tags, Twitter Card tags, and standard HTML meta tags:

```yaml
---
title: How to Build a Markdown Editor
url: https://example.com/post/markdown-editor
author: Jane Smith
published: 2026-04-10T09:00:00Z
captured: 2026-04-17 14:32
description: A step-by-step guide to building a Markdown editor from scratch.
---
```

Fields with no value on the page are omitted automatically.

## Template Rules

You can customize which frontmatter fields are included for specific websites. In the extension's options page, add rules with a domain and a comma-separated field list:

| Domain | Fields |
|---|---|
| `dev.to` | title, url, author, published, captured, keywords |
| `github.com` | title, url, captured |
| `arxiv.org` | title, url, author, published, description |

Available fields: `title`, `url`, `author`, `published`, `captured`, `description`, `image`, `site_name`, `type`, `keywords`, `language`, `canonical`.

When no rule matches, the default set (title, url, author, published, captured, description) is used.

## Privacy and Security

- **Localhost only**: The extension talks to Feather over `127.0.0.1`. Nothing is sent to the internet.
- **Origin-checked**: Feather only accepts requests from browser extension origins. Web pages cannot connect.
- **Sanitized content**: All clipped HTML is sanitized through DOMPurify before conversion to Markdown.
- **No data collection**: No browsing tracking, no history storage, no analytics.
- **No accounts**: No sign-in or API keys required.

## Learn More

Visit the [Feather Web Clipper page](/products/feather/extension) for a quick overview, browser-specific install links, and setup walkthrough.


<p>Feather Web Clipper lets you capture web content and send it straight into Feather as clean Markdown. It works with Chrome, Edge, Brave, Arc, Vivaldi, and Firefox.</p>
<p>Everything stays local. The extension communicates with Feather over localhost on your machine. No data is sent to any server, no account required.</p>
<h2>Install the Extension</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/feather-web-clipper/dgaeafhibbikjhplkkdepdgeobgbbbgb">Chrome Web Store</a></li>
<li><a href="https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/feather-web-clipper/">Edge Add-ons</a> (pending approval)</li>
<li><a href="https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/feather-web-clipper/">Firefox Add-ons</a> (pending approval)</li>
</ul>
<h2>Setup</h2>
<ol>
<li>Open <strong>Settings > Local integrations</strong> in Feather</li>
<li>Toggle <strong>Browser extension</strong> on</li>
<li>Install the extension from your browser's store</li>
<li>Click the extension icon to confirm it connects</li>
</ol>
<h2>What You Can Do</h2>
<h3>Send Page</h3>
<p>Extracts the article content from the current page, strips ads and navigation, and opens it as a new Markdown tab in Feather. Uses smart per-site handling for GitHub (fetches raw Markdown), Stack Overflow (preserves Q&#x26;A structure), and Readability for everything else.</p>
<p><strong>Shortcut:</strong> <code>Ctrl+Shift+F</code></p>
<h3>Save Link</h3>
<p>Adds the page title, URL, and timestamp to a running Saved Links file in Feather. A fast way to bookmark things right alongside your notes. The file is created automatically on first use.</p>
<p><strong>Shortcut:</strong> <code>Ctrl+Shift+L</code></p>
<h3>Clip Selection</h3>
<p>Highlight any text on a page and send it to a floating Feather scratchpad. Great for grabbing quotes, code snippets, or reference material while you browse.</p>
<p><strong>Shortcut:</strong> <code>Ctrl+Shift+Y</code></p>
<h2>YAML Frontmatter</h2>
<p>When enabled in the extension's options, clipped pages automatically get YAML frontmatter with metadata pulled from the page's OpenGraph tags, Twitter Card tags, and standard HTML meta tags:</p>
<pre><code class="language-yaml">---
title: How to Build a Markdown Editor
url: https://example.com/post/markdown-editor
author: Jane Smith
published: 2026-04-10T09:00:00Z
captured: 2026-04-17 14:32
description: A step-by-step guide to building a Markdown editor from scratch.
---
</code></pre>
<p>Fields with no value on the page are omitted automatically.</p>
<h2>Template Rules</h2>
<p>You can customize which frontmatter fields are included for specific websites. In the extension's options page, add rules with a domain and a comma-separated field list:</p>
<div class="table-wrapper"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Domain</th>
<th>Fields</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><code>dev.to</code></td>
<td>title, url, author, published, captured, keywords</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>github.com</code></td>
<td>title, url, captured</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><code>arxiv.org</code></td>
<td>title, url, author, published, description</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div>
<p>Available fields: <code>title</code>, <code>url</code>, <code>author</code>, <code>published</code>, <code>captured</code>, <code>description</code>, <code>image</code>, <code>site_name</code>, <code>type</code>, <code>keywords</code>, <code>language</code>, <code>canonical</code>.</p>
<p>When no rule matches, the default set (title, url, author, published, captured, description) is used.</p>
<h2>Privacy and Security</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Localhost only</strong>: The extension talks to Feather over <code>127.0.0.1</code>. Nothing is sent to the internet.</li>
<li><strong>Origin-checked</strong>: Feather only accepts requests from browser extension origins. Web pages cannot connect.</li>
<li><strong>Sanitized content</strong>: All clipped HTML is sanitized through DOMPurify before conversion to Markdown.</li>
<li><strong>No data collection</strong>: No browsing tracking, no history storage, no analytics.</li>
<li><strong>No accounts</strong>: No sign-in or API keys required.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Learn More</h2>
<p>Visit the <a href="/products/feather/extension">Feather Web Clipper page</a> for a quick overview, browser-specific install links, and setup walkthrough.</p>



Edit in Preview lets you double-click any block in the rendered preview to edit its raw markdown inline, without switching to the editor pane. This is useful for making quick fixes to specific sections while reading through your document.

## Enabling Edit in Preview

This feature is enabled by default. You can toggle it in **Settings > Preview > Edit in preview**.

## How It Works

1. Switch to **Split** or **Preview** mode so the rendered preview is visible
2. **Double-click** any rendered block (paragraph, heading, list, code block, table, etc.)
3. The block is replaced with a text area containing its raw markdown source
4. Edit the markdown directly
5. Click **Save** (or press `Ctrl+Enter`) to apply your changes
6. Click **Cancel** (or press `Escape`) to discard changes

Your changes are spliced back into the full document at the exact source position, so the rest of the document is unaffected.

## Supported Blocks

You can double-click and edit any rendered element:

- Paragraphs
- Headings (H1 through H6)
- Lists (ordered, unordered, task lists)
- Blockquotes
- Code blocks (fenced and indented)
- Tables
- Horizontal rules

## Smart Editing in Preview

The preview text area supports most of the main editor's smart editing features:

- **Auto-close pairs** for brackets, quotes, and backticks
- **List and blockquote continuation** when pressing Enter
- **List commands** — select lines and apply Bulleted, Numbered, or Task List, same as in the editor
- **Tab-to-exit** to jump past closing characters
- **Smart indent** with Tab and Shift+Tab
- **Selection wrapping** with brackets and formatting characters
- **Smart paste** (URL + selection = markdown link)
- **Paste as plain text** with `Ctrl+Shift+V`

Paste as Markdown (rich-text conversion) applies to the main editor only.

## Formatting Toolbar

While a preview edit is active, toolbar formatting commands (Bold, Italic, Link, Lists, etc.) are routed to the preview text area instead of the main editor. This means you can use `Ctrl+B`, `Ctrl+I`, `Ctrl+K`, the list shortcuts, and other shortcuts while editing in the preview.

## Tips

- Edit in Preview works best for targeted fixes. For heavy editing, the main editor pane is more efficient
- The preview suppresses background re-renders while an edit is active, so your edit area won't jump around
- Use `Ctrl+Enter` to quickly save and return to reading


<p>Edit in Preview lets you double-click any block in the rendered preview to edit its raw markdown inline, without switching to the editor pane. This is useful for making quick fixes to specific sections while reading through your document.</p>
<h2>Enabling Edit in Preview</h2>
<p>This feature is enabled by default. You can toggle it in <strong>Settings > Preview > Edit in preview</strong>.</p>
<h2>How It Works</h2>
<ol>
<li>Switch to <strong>Split</strong> or <strong>Preview</strong> mode so the rendered preview is visible</li>
<li><strong>Double-click</strong> any rendered block (paragraph, heading, list, code block, table, etc.)</li>
<li>The block is replaced with a text area containing its raw markdown source</li>
<li>Edit the markdown directly</li>
<li>Click <strong>Save</strong> (or press <code>Ctrl+Enter</code>) to apply your changes</li>
<li>Click <strong>Cancel</strong> (or press <code>Escape</code>) to discard changes</li>
</ol>
<p>Your changes are spliced back into the full document at the exact source position, so the rest of the document is unaffected.</p>
<h2>Supported Blocks</h2>
<p>You can double-click and edit any rendered element:</p>
<ul>
<li>Paragraphs</li>
<li>Headings (H1 through H6)</li>
<li>Lists (ordered, unordered, task lists)</li>
<li>Blockquotes</li>
<li>Code blocks (fenced and indented)</li>
<li>Tables</li>
<li>Horizontal rules</li>
</ul>
<h2>Smart Editing in Preview</h2>
<p>The preview text area supports most of the main editor's smart editing features:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Auto-close pairs</strong> for brackets, quotes, and backticks</li>
<li><strong>List and blockquote continuation</strong> when pressing Enter</li>
<li><strong>List commands</strong> — select lines and apply Bulleted, Numbered, or Task List, same as in the editor</li>
<li><strong>Tab-to-exit</strong> to jump past closing characters</li>
<li><strong>Smart indent</strong> with Tab and Shift+Tab</li>
<li><strong>Selection wrapping</strong> with brackets and formatting characters</li>
<li><strong>Smart paste</strong> (URL + selection = markdown link)</li>
<li><strong>Paste as plain text</strong> with <code>Ctrl+Shift+V</code></li>
</ul>
<p>Paste as Markdown (rich-text conversion) applies to the main editor only.</p>
<h2>Formatting Toolbar</h2>
<p>While a preview edit is active, toolbar formatting commands (Bold, Italic, Link, Lists, etc.) are routed to the preview text area instead of the main editor. This means you can use <code>Ctrl+B</code>, <code>Ctrl+I</code>, <code>Ctrl+K</code>, the list shortcuts, and other shortcuts while editing in the preview.</p>
<h2>Tips</h2>
<ul>
<li>Edit in Preview works best for targeted fixes. For heavy editing, the main editor pane is more efficient</li>
<li>The preview suppresses background re-renders while an edit is active, so your edit area won't jump around</li>
<li>Use <code>Ctrl+Enter</code> to quickly save and return to reading</li>
</ul>



The outline panel displays a table of contents generated from the headings in your document. It provides a quick way to see the structure of your document and jump to any section.

## Opening the Outline Panel

Toggle the outline panel from the **toolbar button** (the list/outline icon on the right side of the toolbar). The panel opens on the right side of the window at 260px wide.

The panel visibility is an app-wide setting that persists across sessions.

## How It Works

The outline is generated directly from your markdown headings:

- **ATX headings** (`# H1` through `###### H6`) are detected
- **Setext headings** (underlined with `===` or `---`) are also detected
- Headings inside fenced code blocks and YAML frontmatter are ignored
- Inline formatting (bold, italic, code, links) is stripped from heading text

The outline updates in real time as you type.

## Navigation

Click any heading in the outline to scroll both the **editor** and **preview** to that heading's position. This works in all view modes (Edit, Split, and Preview).

## Active Heading Tracking

As you move your cursor through the document, the outline highlights the heading closest to your current position with your accent color. This gives you a persistent sense of where you are in the document's structure.

## Indentation

Headings are indented in the outline based on their level. An H1 appears at the left edge, H2 is indented one level, H3 two levels, and so on. This visual hierarchy makes it easy to scan the document structure at a glance.


<p>The outline panel displays a table of contents generated from the headings in your document. It provides a quick way to see the structure of your document and jump to any section.</p>
<h2>Opening the Outline Panel</h2>
<p>Toggle the outline panel from the <strong>toolbar button</strong> (the list/outline icon on the right side of the toolbar). The panel opens on the right side of the window at 260px wide.</p>
<p>The panel visibility is an app-wide setting that persists across sessions.</p>
<h2>How It Works</h2>
<p>The outline is generated directly from your markdown headings:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>ATX headings</strong> (<code># H1</code> through <code>###### H6</code>) are detected</li>
<li><strong>Setext headings</strong> (underlined with <code>===</code> or <code>---</code>) are also detected</li>
<li>Headings inside fenced code blocks and YAML frontmatter are ignored</li>
<li>Inline formatting (bold, italic, code, links) is stripped from heading text</li>
</ul>
<p>The outline updates in real time as you type.</p>
<h2>Navigation</h2>
<p>Click any heading in the outline to scroll both the <strong>editor</strong> and <strong>preview</strong> to that heading's position. This works in all view modes (Edit, Split, and Preview).</p>
<h2>Active Heading Tracking</h2>
<p>As you move your cursor through the document, the outline highlights the heading closest to your current position with your accent color. This gives you a persistent sense of where you are in the document's structure.</p>
<h2>Indentation</h2>
<p>Headings are indented in the outline based on their level. An H1 appears at the left edge, H2 is indented one level, H3 two levels, and so on. This visual hierarchy makes it easy to scan the document structure at a glance.</p>


Markdown Support

Overview

Standard Markdown

Syntax Highlighting

GFM Extensions

Tables

Task Lists

Strikethrough

Footnotes

Autolinks

Emoji Shortcodes

Additional Extensions

Alert Blocks

Definition Lists

Highlight / Mark

File Linking