| name | markdown-preview-enhanced |
| description | VS Code / Cursor Markdown Preview Enhanced extension workflows: KaTeX/MathJax, Mermaid/PlantUML, scroll sync, Pandoc/PDF export. Use only when the user asks to configure or exploit that extension -- not for generic markdown edits. Triggers: markdown preview enhanced, MPE export PDF, katex preview, plantuml preview. |
| metadata | {"pattern":"tool-wrapper","version":"1.2"} |
Markdown Preview Enhanced
Use this skill when working with Markdown files that benefit from advanced preview features beyond the basic Cursor/VS Code preview.
Core Capabilities
- Math typesetting: KaTeX or MathJax for inline and block equations.
- Diagrams: Native Mermaid, PlantUML, WebSequenceDiagrams support.
- Scroll sync: Automatic source ↔ preview synchronization.
- Export: PDF, HTML, Pandoc-powered formats (DOCX, LaTeX, etc.).
- Code chunks: Executable code blocks with output rendering.
- Presentations: Slide mode from Markdown.
When to Activate
- User names Markdown Preview Enhanced / MPE, or asks to configure that extension.
- MPE-specific export (PDF via the extension), KaTeX/PlantUML preview in MPE, or MPE scroll sync.
- Not for generic
.md edits, Mermaid authoring (mermaid), or HTML export (mdtohtml).
Quick Start
- Open any
.md file.
- Run the preview command (default:
ctrl+shift+v or cmd+shift+v).
- The enhanced preview pane appears with full feature support.
Math
Use standard LaTeX syntax:
Inline: $E = mc^2$
Block:
$$
\int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} dx = \sqrt{\pi}
$$
The extension renders with KaTeX by default (fast) or MathJax if configured.
Diagrams
Mermaid (built-in)
graph TD
A[Start] --> B{Decision}
B -->|Yes| C[Proceed]
B -->|No| D[Stop]
PlantUML
@startuml
Alice -> Bob: Hello
Bob -> Alice: Hi there
@enduml
Scroll Sync
Enabled by default. Cursor position in source automatically scrolls the preview and vice versa.
Export
- PDF: Use command palette → “Markdown Preview Enhanced: Export to PDF”
- Other formats via Pandoc integration (configure in settings).
Keybindings (VS Code / Cursor)
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|
| ctrl+shift+v | Open preview |
| ctrl+shift+s | Sync source ↔ preview |
| cmd+k v | Open preview to side |
Configuration Tips
- Set
"markdown-preview-enhanced.mathEngine": "katex" for speed.
- Enable PlantUML server or use local jar for offline diagrams.
- For large reports, use
<!-- @import "section.md" --> to compose files.
Best Practices
- Keep individual
.md files under ~500 lines for fast preview.
- Use Mermaid for architecture diagrams in system design reports.
- Embed equations directly in requirements or analysis sections.
- Export final deliverables to PDF for stakeholders.
Related Skills
- Pair with
system-design-report-generator or tech-report-generator when producing long-form Markdown output.
- Use
mdtohtml for web-ready HTML versions when needed.
This skill ensures the agent fully exploits the extension’s power for professional Markdown authoring.
