HackMD Guide 2025 How to Use HackMD for Real-Time Collaborative Markdown Editing
In today’s digital world, online collaboration tools are essential for teams, educators, developers, and writers. Whether you’re working remotely or in-person, the ability to collaborate on documents in real time is a game-changer. HackMD is one of the most powerful tools designed for this purpose.
But what exactly is HackMD?
HackMD is a real-time collaborative markdown editor that allows multiple users to create, edit, and share markdown documents simultaneously. It provides a seamless environment for note-taking, documentation, coding, brainstorming, and project planning. Its cloud-based system ensures that your notes are always accessible, shareable, and version-controlled.
This guide will give you a complete overview of HackMD in 2025, covering its features, how to use it, and why it’s become a go-to solution for teams worldwide.
What is HackMD?
HackMD is an online markdown editor with real-time collaboration features. Think of it as a combination of Google Docs and Markdown syntax. It’s built specifically for technical and non-technical users who need an efficient, lightweight platform to collaborate on documents without worrying about formatting or compatibility issues.
Key Purposes of HackMD:
- Collaborative note-taking
- Software documentation
- Project proposals and drafts
- Meeting minutes
- Knowledge sharing
- Brainstorming sessions
- Technical tutorials
- Blogging and publishing
Why Use HackMD in 2025?
Real-Time Collaboration
HackMD allows multiple users to edit a document at the same time. Changes appear in real-time, reducing the need for email exchanges or back-and-forth messaging. This makes it ideal for:
- Remote teams
- Classroom collaboration
- Developer teams writing documentation
- Open-source communities
Markdown Support
Markdown is a lightweight markup language with easy-to-use syntax. HackMD supports full markdown, including:
- Headers
- Lists
- Links
- Images
- Tables
- Code blocks
- Math formulas (LaTeX support)
Version Control
HackMD maintains a history of changes so you can:
- Track edits
- Restore previous versions
- Collaborate without fear of losing content
Secure and Flexible
HackMD allows you to control who can:
- View
- Comment
- Edit
You can set documents as:
- Public
- Private
- Shared via link
HackMD vs CodiMD: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve heard of CodiMD, you might be wondering how it relates to HackMD.
- HackMD: The hosted SaaS version, maintained by HackMD.io. It is free for basic use but offers premium plans for advanced features.
- CodiMD: The open-source version of HackMD. It was forked from HackMD to allow self-hosting. Developers and companies can install CodiMD on their own servers for full control.
In 2025, HackMD.io continues to evolve as a secure, cloud-based solution, while CodiMD is ideal for those who want open-source self-hosting.
How to Get Started with HackMD
Step 1: Sign Up
Go to https://hackmd.io.
You can sign up using:
- GitHub
- GitLab
For developers, GitHub or GitLab is recommended because you can directly publish documentation to repositories.
Step 2: Create Your First Document
Once you sign in:
- Click “New Note”
- Start writing in markdown
- Use the real-time preview panel to see how your content will look
HackMD provides a split-screen editor so you can write markdown on one side and see the output on the other.
Step 3: Invite Collaborators
Click on the Share button to:
- Generate a shareable link
- Set permissions (view, edit, comment)
- Collaborate instantly with your team
No installation or special software is needed.
Step 4: Publish or Export
When your document is complete, you can:
- Publish it publicly
- Export to PDF, HTML, or Markdown
- Sync with GitHub or GitLab
- Embed it in websites or blogs
Main Features of HackMD
Let’s explore the core features that make HackMD popular in 2025:
Collaborative Editing
Multiple users can write, edit, and comment simultaneously. HackMD supports live cursors and real-time updates, making teamwork seamless.
Markdown Cheatsheet
HackMD includes a built-in markdown guide to help new users understand:
- How to format text
- How to insert links and images
- How to write code blocks
- How to create tables and task lists
