# Views and editing mode

Obsidian lets you control how you read and edit notes written in Markdown using views and modes.

Views toggle between reading and editing your notes.
Modes control how Markdown appears while you're editing.

# Reading view

Reading view shows your note without Markdown syntax, offering a clean, readable format for focused review.

To switch to Reading view:

Select the view switcher () in the upper-right corner of the editor
Press Ctrl+E (Cmd+E on macOS).

Note

Enable Settings → Appearance → Show tab title bar to see the view switcher icon.

If that is disabled, turn on Settings → Editor → Show editing mode in status bar to toggle views from the status bar.

# Editing view

Editing view lets you make changes to your note. It includes two editing modes: Live Preview and Source mode.

To switch to Editing view:

Select the view switcher ()
Press Ctrl+E (Cmd+E on macOS) again
Use the Command palette command Toggle Reading view

Note

You can set the default view for new tabs under Settings → Editor → Default view for new tabs.

View side-by-side

To open a note in both Editing and Reading view at the same time, hold Ctrl (or Cmd on macOS) and click the view switcher.

# Editing modes

While in Editing view, you can choose how Markdown is displayed using one of two Editing modes.

# Live Preview

Live Preview shows formatted text inline while hiding most Markdown syntax. When your cursor enters formatted content, the underlying syntax becomes visible for editing.

Set this as the default under Settings → Editor → Default editing mode.

In many cases, Live Preview can eliminate the need to switch to Reading view.

# Source mode

Source mode displays all Markdown syntax exactly as written. Use it if you prefer plain text or need precise formatting control.