Back to articles

Obsidian Reading Mode vs Editing Mode

Computer TechProductivityObsidianObsidian Reading Mode vs Editing Mode
Updated 4/23/2026

Obsidian Reading Mode vs Editing Mode

Obsidian has two distinct viewing modes for markdown files that serve different purposes.

Reading Mode (Presentation View)

What it does:

  • Renders markdown as formatted content
  • Tables display as actual tables (not raw markdown)
  • Headings, bold, italics all rendered
  • Links are clickable
  • Spelling errors hidden
  • Images display inline

When to use:

  • Reviewing finished content
  • Reading documentation
  • Presenting information
  • Checking how content will look when published

Toggle to Reading Mode:

  • Mac: ⌘+E
  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl+E
  • Or click the book icon in top-right corner

Editing Mode (Source View)

What it does:

  • Shows raw markdown syntax
  • Tables appear as pipe-delimited text
  • All formatting symbols visible (**bold**, ## headings, etc.)
  • Spelling errors may show red squiggles
  • Allows direct editing of syntax

When to use:

  • Writing new content
  • Editing structure
  • Fine-tuning markdown syntax
  • Copy/pasting code blocks

Toggle to Editing Mode:

  • Mac: ⌘+E
  • Windows/Linux: Ctrl+E
  • Same shortcut toggles between modes

Live Preview Mode (Hybrid)

What it does:

  • Renders markdown while you type
  • Shows formatting in real-time
  • Current line shows source, rest renders
  • Best of both worlds

Enable in Settings:

  1. Settings → Editor
  2. Default editing mode → Live Preview

Example: How Tables Look

In Editing/Source Mode:

markdown
| Key | Function | Details |
|-----|----------|---------|
| `z` | Zoxide jump | Opens zoxide picker |
| `Z` | fzf recursive search | Opens fzf to search |

In Reading Mode:

KeyFunctionDetails
zZoxide jumpOpens zoxide picker
Zfzf recursive searchOpens fzf to search

Spell Check Settings

Hide spelling errors in Reading Mode:

  1. Settings → Editor → Spellcheck
  2. Disable "Show spelling suggestions"
  3. Or disable spellcheck entirely if distracting

Alternative: Use Live Preview

  • Spelling errors only show on current line
  • Rest of document renders cleanly

Workflow Recommendation

For writing articles:

  1. Start in Live Preview mode (see formatting as you type)
  2. Switch to Reading Mode (⌘+E) to review final appearance
  3. Use Editing Mode only for precise syntax work

Quick mode switching:

  • Keep ⌘+E muscle memory for toggling
  • Reading mode = presentation/review
  • Editing mode = source code work

Settings Location

Change default mode:

  • Settings → Editor → Default editing mode
  • Options: Live Preview, Source mode, Reading view

Reading mode settings:

  • Settings → Editor → Readable line length (toggles line wrapping)
  • Settings → Appearance → Themes (affects reading view styling)

Obsidian Documentation - Edit and Preview