3.4 KiB
3.4 KiB
name, description
| name | description |
|---|---|
| ck-markdown-novel-viewer | Previews markdown files with rich rendering including Mermaid diagrams in a browser. Activate when user says 'preview this markdown', 'render this document', 'open markdown in browser', 'visualize this plan', or 'show mermaid diagram'. Accepts markdown file paths and content with Mermaid, tables, and code blocks. |
Overview
Launches a local markdown preview server that renders documents with full Mermaid diagram support, syntax-highlighted code blocks, and styled tables — opening automatically in the default browser.
When to Use
- Previewing plan files, architecture docs, or README files with diagrams
- Rendering Mermaid flowcharts, sequence diagrams, or ER diagrams visually
- Sharing a styled document view during presentations or reviews
- Verifying that generated markdown renders correctly before committing
Don't Use When
- Document has no visual elements and plain text reading is sufficient
- Generating a static HTML export for deployment (use a static site tool)
- The file is not markdown (use appropriate viewer for PDF, DOCX, etc.)
Steps / Instructions
1. Identify the Markdown File
Confirm the file path and check it exists:
Target file: /path/to/document.md
2. Launch the Viewer
Use the markdown-novel-viewer CLI or script:
# Via npx (no install required):
npx markdown-novel-viewer /path/to/document.md
# With custom port:
npx markdown-novel-viewer /path/to/document.md --port 4200
# Auto-open browser (default behavior):
npx markdown-novel-viewer /path/to/document.md --open
Or via the installed package:
md-viewer /path/to/document.md
3. Mermaid Diagram Syntax
The viewer renders fenced Mermaid blocks automatically:
```mermaid
flowchart TD
A[Start] --> B{Decision}
B -->|Yes| C[Action A]
B -->|No| D[Action B]
C --> E[End]
D --> E
```
```mermaid
sequenceDiagram
participant User
participant API
participant DB
User->>API: POST /login
API->>DB: SELECT user WHERE email=?
DB-->>API: user record
API-->>User: 200 OK + session token
```
```mermaid
erDiagram
USER ||--o{ ORDER : places
ORDER ||--|{ LINE_ITEM : contains
PRODUCT ||--o{ LINE_ITEM : included_in
```
4. Supported Features
| Feature | Syntax |
|---|---|
| Mermaid diagrams | ```mermaid fenced block |
| Syntax highlighting | ```typescript, ```python, etc. |
| Tables | GFM pipe tables |
| Task lists | - [x] / - [ ] |
| Callouts | > **Note**, > **Warning** |
| Math (if enabled) | $inline$ / $$block$$ |
5. Serving Multiple Files
To preview an entire directory (e.g., a plans folder):
npx markdown-novel-viewer /path/to/plans/ --index
This creates a file listing page with links to all .md files.
6. Integration with Plan Visuals
When generating diagrams as part of planning:
- Write the markdown with Mermaid blocks to the plan's
visuals/directory - Launch viewer pointing at that file
- Browser opens automatically for immediate review
plans/260216-1304-my-feature/visuals/architecture.md
Notes
- Viewer runs on
localhost:3000by default; change port if occupied - File changes hot-reload automatically — edit and see updates instantly
- Mermaid v11 syntax is supported; use ck-mermaidjs-v11 for diagram syntax reference
- Close the viewer with
Ctrl+Cin the terminal when done