Glifaro Tutorial: How to Use the Lightweight Markdown Editor ✍️
Glifaro is a lightweight Markdown editor for the AI era. It gives you a fast writing surface, local project-style file management, rich Markdown rendering, export tools, and a built-in Agent that can help you write with the context of your current document and workspace.
This Glifaro tutorial walks through the platform from first launch to advanced writing workflows. If you are looking for a Markdown editor tutorial, a Typora alternative, or a local AI writing tool for technical documentation, product docs, research notes, blog posts, or repository-based writing, this guide is the best place to start.
[!TIP] ✨ Glifaro is designed around one simple idea: spend less time managing files and formatting, and more time writing.
1. Markdown Tutorial 🧭
Where To Click
If you are new to Markdown, start with the full Markdown syntax guide:
Markdown Tutorial for Beginners
You can open the tutorial from the Glifaro website, keep it beside your editor, and practice the syntax directly inside a Glifaro document.
How To Use It
Markdown is plain text with lightweight formatting rules. In Glifaro, you can type Markdown syntax and see it become a clean, readable document.
For example:
# Project Plan
## Tasks
- [x] Write the introduction
- [ ] Add screenshots
- [ ] Export the final PDFGlifaro renders headings, paragraphs, lists, task lists, links, code blocks, tables, images, Mermaid diagrams, and more. You can also switch between the visual rendered editor and raw Source Mode whenever you want to inspect or edit the underlying Markdown.
What It Is For
Markdown gives your writing a portable structure. A Markdown file can become a blog post, product document, README, research note, technical specification, changelog, or exported PDF without locking your content into a heavy document format.
Use Markdown in Glifaro when you want:
- A clean writing format that stays readable as plain text
- Fast structure for headings, lists, tables, code, images, and links
- Documents that can be exported, versioned, searched, and reused
- A writing workflow that works well for both human editing and AI-assisted drafting
2. Project Creation 📁
Glifaro uses workspaces to help you organize Markdown files. A workspace can include multiple local folders from your computer, and it can also include Glifaro database workspaces created inside the app.
Add A Local Folder 🗂️
Where To Click
Open the left sidebar, choose the Files tab, then look under Workspace.
Click the Add folder icon in the Workspace toolbar. If no document is open yet, you can also use the empty editor state and click Add Folder.
How To Use It
Choose a folder from your computer. Glifaro will recursively load the Markdown files inside that folder and show them in the left file tree.
You can add more than one folder. For example, you can keep these together in the same Glifaro workspace:
- A local documentation folder 📚
- A code repository with README files 💻
- A folder for blog drafts 📰
- A folder for meeting notes 📝
- A folder for research material 🔎
Glifaro does not force your files into a cloud workspace. Your local Markdown files stay where they already are.
What It Is For
Use local folders when your documents already live in a project, repository, course folder, client folder, or personal knowledge base. This is useful for developers, technical writers, product teams, students, researchers, and indie builders who want a local-first Markdown editor.
Create A Database Workspace 🗄️
Where To Click
Open the left sidebar, choose Files, then click the New database workspace icon beside the Workspace title.
If your editor is empty, you can also click New Database Workspace in the center empty state.
How To Use It
Enter a workspace name and confirm. Glifaro creates a new database-backed workspace, so you can start writing without choosing a system folder first.
After the database workspace appears in the file tree, right-click it or any folder inside it to create new content.
Common actions include:
| Action | Where To Click | Use It For |
|---|---|---|
| New File | Right-click a folder, then choose New File | Create a new Markdown document |
| New Folder | Right-click a folder, then choose New Folder | Group related notes or chapters |
| Rename | Right-click a file or folder, then choose Rename | Keep the workspace organized |
| Duplicate | Right-click a file or folder, then choose Duplicate | Reuse a template or draft |
| Delete | Right-click a file or folder, then choose Delete | Remove content you no longer need |
What It Is For
Use a database workspace when you want the simplest possible start: open Glifaro, create a workspace, and begin writing. It is useful for quick drafts, self-contained writing projects, tutorial collections, and documents that you want Glifaro to manage directly.
Manage The File Tree 🌳
Where To Click
Right-click a file or folder in the Files sidebar.
How To Use It
The context menu lets you manage your project without leaving Glifaro:
- New File creates a Markdown file inside a folder.
- New Folder creates a nested folder.
- Copy, Cut, and Paste move documents around.
- Duplicate creates a copy of a file or folder.
- Rename changes a file or folder name.
- Delete removes a file or folder.
- Copy Path copies the file or folder path.
- Open in Finder or Reveal in Finder is available for local filesystem items.
- Remove from Workspace removes a root folder from Glifaro without treating it like a normal document delete.
What It Is For
The file tree turns Glifaro into a Markdown project manager. Instead of opening one isolated file at a time, you can organize a full documentation system, blog pipeline, knowledge base, or repository writing workflow in one place.
3. File Editing ✨
Open And Edit A Markdown File 📝
Where To Click
Open the Files tab in the left sidebar, then click any .md file. The document opens in the editor area.
Open files appear as tabs across the top of the editor. Use the tabs to move between documents. You can also drag tabs to rearrange your workspace or work with multiple editor panes when you need side-by-side writing.
How To Use It
Glifaro opens documents in rendered editing mode by default. This means you can write naturally while still getting Markdown structure and rich visual rendering.
Use the top toolbar to switch modes:
- Click the Source Mode button to edit raw Markdown. 💻
- Click the Rendered Mode button to return to the visual editor. 👀
- Click the Focus Mode button to enter a distraction-reduced writing view. 🎯
The status bar at the bottom shows save state, word count, character count, and encoding.
What It Is For
Rendered mode is best for writing and reading. Source Mode is best when you want exact control over Markdown syntax, formatting, code fences, tables, or AI-generated content.
Use Markdown And Rich Blocks 🧩
Where To Click
Click inside the editor and start typing. For block features, type Markdown syntax directly or use supported slash commands such as /mermaid.
How To Use It
Glifaro supports standard Markdown and rich writing features, including:
| Feature | How To Use It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Headings 🧱 | Type #, ##, ### | Document structure and SEO-friendly articles |
| Lists ✅ | Type -, 1., or task checkboxes | Notes, tasks, outlines |
| Code blocks 💻 | Use fenced code blocks | Technical documentation |
| Tables 📊 | Type a Markdown table or insert one through the editor workflow | Comparisons, specs, schedules |
| Images 🖼️ | Paste, drag, or write Markdown image syntax | Visual documentation |
| Mermaid diagrams 🧜 | Type /mermaid or a Mermaid fenced block | Flowcharts, architecture, processes |
| Math 🧮 | Use inline math or block math | Formulas, research, technical notes |
| Footnotes 🔖 | Add footnote references and definitions | Sources and side notes |
| Callouts 💡 | Use callout-style blockquotes | Notes, tips, warnings, important context |
| Details blocks 📦 | Use HTML <details> and <summary> | Collapsible explanations |
| Media embeds 🎬 | Use audio, video, or iframe embeds | Tutorials, demos, references |
| Links 🔗 | Use [label](url) | References and navigation |
| Blockquotes 💬 | Use > | Quotes, notes, highlights |
Glifaro also improves the editing experience around rich blocks:
- Tables show controls for resizing, row and column insertion, alignment, and deletion.
- Mermaid diagrams preview automatically and can be clicked to edit.
- Images keep their original ratio, stay centered, and can be opened in a zoomable preview.
- Image and Mermaid previews support zooming, panning, and explicit close buttons.
- Code blocks use syntax highlighting for supported languages.
- Math, footnotes, callouts, details blocks, and media embeds help long documents stay structured.
What It Is For
Use these features when a plain paragraph is not enough. A good Markdown editor should help you write documents that contain real product thinking: diagrams, screenshots, tables, code, media, and structured references.
Paste Or Drag Images Into Glifaro 🖼️
Where To Click
Click where you want the image to appear in the editor, then paste or drag the image into the editor area.
How To Use It
Glifaro supports common image workflows:
- Paste an image from the clipboard.
- Paste a remote image URL.
- Paste a local image path.
- Drag an image file into the editor.
- Write Markdown image syntax such as
.
Supported image extensions include:
apng, avif, bmp, cur, gif, ico, jfif, jpg, jpeg, pjp, pjpeg, png, svg, and webp.
Glifaro keeps images centered and preserves their original aspect ratio. When you need a closer look, click the image to open the preview, then zoom or pan as needed.
What It Is For
Images are essential for tutorials, bug reports, design notes, product documentation, classroom material, and technical walkthroughs. Glifaro lets you keep screenshots and visual context directly inside your Markdown writing flow.
Use The Outline 🧭
Where To Click
Open the left sidebar and click the Outline tab.
How To Use It
The Outline view reads the headings in your current Markdown document and turns them into a document map. Use headings like #, ##, and ### to create a clean outline.
What It Is For
Use Outline when working on long documents, SEO articles, technical guides, white papers, project specs, or books. It helps you see whether the structure is clear before you polish the details.
4. Export 📤
Where To Click
Open a document, then click the Export button in the top toolbar. It uses a download-style icon.
How To Use It
Choose the export format you need:
| Export Format | File Type | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| PDF 📄 | .pdf | Final documents, sharing, printing |
| HTML 🌐 | .html | Web publishing and previews |
| Word 📝 | .docx | Collaboration with people who use office tools |
| EPUB 📖 | .epub | E-books and long-form reading |
| LaTeX 🎓 | .tex | Academic or technical publishing |
| Markdown ✍️ | .md | Clean source archive or migration |
| Image 🖼️ | .png | Long-image sharing or visual snapshots |
PDF, HTML, Markdown, and image export work locally without Pandoc. Word, EPUB, and LaTeX export use Pandoc installed on your computer. Glifaro does not send your document to a cloud conversion service.
After export completes, Glifaro shows export status in the title area and lets you reveal the exported file.
What It Is For
Export turns your Markdown into the format your audience needs. Write once in a clean Markdown editor, then deliver the same content as a PDF handout, an HTML page, a Word file, an EPUB, a LaTeX source, a Markdown archive, or a PNG image.
5. Settings ⚙️
Where To Click
Click Settings in the bottom-left corner of Glifaro.
How To Use It
The Settings window is organized into panels.
| Settings Panel | What You Can Configure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Editor Settings ✍️ | Auto Save, Line Numbers | Control how documents save and how Source Mode feels |
| Appearance 🎨 | Theme, Language, Interface Density, Motion | Match Glifaro to your preferred visual environment |
| Typography 🔤 | Editor font, imported fonts, font size, letter spacing, line height, content safe area | Tune reading comfort and document rhythm |
| Shortcuts ⌨️ | Undo, Redo, New Blank File, Open AI Panel, Focus Glifaro, Toggle Source Mode | Keep frequent actions fast |
| AI Model 🤖 | API Base URL, API Key, Model, Context Window | Connect Glifaro Agent to your preferred model provider |
| Account 👤 | Sign-in and entitlement information | Manage your Glifaro account state |
| About Glifaro ℹ️ | Version, updates, website, feedback, open source licenses | Check releases and product information |
Some builds may also show Remote settings for sync configuration. When available, Remote settings include Supabase project connection, sync behavior, asset sync, push on save, pull on startup, and conflict handling.
What It Is For
Settings let you make Glifaro feel like your own writing environment. A Markdown editor is something you may use every day, so typography, shortcuts, theme, Auto Save, and AI configuration all matter.
Recommended starting setup:
- Turn on Auto Save if you want Glifaro to save after a short pause.
- Turn on Line Numbers if you often edit raw Markdown or code examples.
- Adjust Typography until long reading feels comfortable.
- Set a shortcut for Open AI Panel if you use the Agent frequently.
- Configure AI Model before using Agent features.
6. Agent 🤖
Glifaro Agent brings AI-assisted writing into the editor without turning the app into a generic chat window. It understands the active document context and can work with your workspace.
Where To Click
Open a Markdown file, then click the Open Agent Panel button in the top toolbar. It uses a bot-style icon.
You can also set or change the shortcut in Settings -> Shortcuts -> Open AI Panel.
Before using the Agent, configure your model in Settings -> AI Model.
How To Use It
- Open a document.
- Optionally select text in the editor.
- Click Open Agent Panel.
- Type what you want the Agent to do.
- Use the plus button to enable Web Search or Upload File.
- Choose a model level such as Lite, Pro, or Ultra.
- Send the request.
- Use Copy to copy the answer, or Insert to insert the answer into the current document.
The Agent panel also supports conversation history, prompt editing, stopping a response, and file attachments.
Useful prompt examples:
Rewrite the selected section to sound clearer and more concise.Inspect the workspace tree and help me find the Markdown files related to onboarding.Turn this draft into a technical blog post with SEO-friendly headings.Summarize this repository document and create a release note section.What It Is For
Use Glifaro Agent when writing needs context, not just autocomplete.
It can help with:
- Rewriting rough drafts ✨
- Summarizing long notes 📚
- Creating README sections 💻
- Drafting product documentation 🧾
- Turning notes into blog posts 📰
- Explaining repository content 🧑💻
- Searching the workspace for relevant files 🔎
- Building outlines from existing Markdown files 🧭
- Improving clarity without leaving the editor 🎯
The important difference is workflow: you can write, ask, insert, revise, and continue editing in the same Markdown document.
7. More 🚀
Glifaro includes several workflow details that make the platform useful beyond basic Markdown editing.
Focus Mode 🎯
Where To Click
Click the Enter Focus Mode button in the top toolbar.
How To Use It
Focus Mode gives the current document more room and reduces interface distractions. Press Esc to leave Focus Mode.
What It Is For
Use Focus Mode for long writing sessions, deep editing, article drafting, research synthesis, or any moment when you do not want file management to compete with the text.
Source Mode 💻
Where To Click
Click the Switch to Source Mode button in the top toolbar.
How To Use It
Source Mode shows the raw Markdown text. You can edit exact syntax, inspect generated Markdown, fix table formatting, or check code fences.
What It Is For
Use Source Mode when precision matters. It is especially useful for developers, technical writers, SEO editors, and anyone who wants full control over Markdown output.
Local-First Writing 💾
Where To Click
Use Add folder in the Workspace toolbar to connect folders that already exist on your computer.
How To Use It
Add the folders you already write in. Glifaro reads the Markdown files and lets you manage them in a project-style sidebar.
What It Is For
Local-first writing keeps your files portable. You can use Git, backups, code repositories, cloud drives, or any existing file workflow without turning your writing into a closed database.
Updates And Feedback 📣
Where To Click
Open Settings, then choose About Glifaro.
How To Use It
Use the About panel to check the current version, check for updates, open the Glifaro website, review open source licenses, or send feedback.
What It Is For
Use this area when you want to keep Glifaro current, confirm which version you are using, or send product feedback to the team.
Suggested Glifaro Workflows 🧪
| Workflow | Setup | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Blog writing 📰 | Database workspace for drafts, export to HTML or Markdown | Fast drafting and clean publishing source |
| Developer documentation 💻 | Add a local repository folder | Edit README, docs, and release notes beside code context |
| Research notes 🔎 | Add folders by topic or course | Keep sources, summaries, and outlines organized |
| Product documentation 🧾 | Use folders for features, releases, and customer notes | Turn scattered notes into structured docs |
| AI-assisted writing 🤖 | Configure AI Model, then use Agent with active documents | Draft, rewrite, summarize, and insert without leaving the editor |
Quick Start Checklist ✅
- Add a local folder or create a database workspace.
- Create or open a Markdown file.
- Write with headings, lists, tables, images, and diagrams.
- Use Outline to check document structure.
- Configure typography and shortcuts in Settings.
- Configure AI Model if you want to use Agent.
- Export the finished document to the format your audience needs.
Final Notes 🌟
Glifaro is built for people who want a lightweight Markdown editor that still feels serious enough for real work. You can manage multiple local folders, create database workspaces, edit Markdown visually or in source form, export to common formats, customize the writing environment, and use an Agent that fits into the writing workflow.
If your work depends on structured writing, technical documentation, product knowledge, research, or AI-assisted drafting, Glifaro gives you a small, fast, practical place to do it.