Write Docs: Markdown Preview → Word Count → Diff Versions
Complete technical documentation workflow: write and preview Markdown, check length targets with word counter, then diff versions before publishing. For devs writing READMEs, API docs, and guides.
The Problem
You're writing documentation for your project: a README, API guide, or internal wiki page. You need to check the rendered output looks correct, verify the length meets your target, and review what changed since the last version.
Why This Matters
Good documentation is a force multiplier for any project — it reduces support requests, onboarding time, and context-switching. A documentation workflow that provides instant preview, length feedback, and change tracking removes the friction that causes developers to skip or delay writing docs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Write and preview Markdown in real time
Open the Markdown Preview and write your documentation. The live preview shows exactly how it will render on GitHub, GitLab, or Notion. Check headings hierarchy, code blocks, tables, and links before committing.
Check word count and reading time
Paste your Markdown source (or the plain text) into the Word Counter. For READMEs: aim for 300-800 words. For API docs: aim for 200-400 words per endpoint. The reading time estimate tells you if users will actually read it.
Diff the old and new version
Before committing, paste the previous version of the document and the updated version into the Diff Checker. Review every change to ensure no sections were accidentally deleted or overwritten.
Try It Now — Markdown Preview
Open full page →All processing happens in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
Before & After Example
# My API This API does stuff. ## Endpoints ### POST /users Creates a user. **Parameters:** - name (string) - email (string) **Returns:** 201 Created
# My API This API does stuff. ## Endpoints ### POST /users Creates a user with the provided credentials. **Parameters:** | Name | Type | Required | Description | |-------|--------|----------|--------------------| | name | string | Yes | Full name | | email | string | Yes | Valid email address | **Returns:** `201 Created` with user object
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the ideal README length?
For open source projects: 500-1500 words with clear sections (Installation, Usage, Contributing, License). For internal tools: 300-800 words. Shorter is better if the tool is intuitive — documentation that's too long gets skipped.
What Markdown features work on GitHub vs GitLab vs Notion?
Core Markdown (headings, bold, lists, code blocks, links) works everywhere. Tables work in GitHub, GitLab, and Notion. GitHub and GitLab support task lists (- [ ]). Mermaid diagrams work in GitHub and GitLab. Always test in the target platform.
How do I keep documentation in sync with code?
Add a documentation step to your PR template. Use CI checks that fail if README hasn't been updated when certain files change. Consider tools like Docusaurus (web docs) or GitBook (API docs) for larger projects.
Related Workflows
Try all 3 tools in this workflow
Each tool is free, runs in your browser, and requires no signup.