Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.QMD
File Type
Quarto Markdown Document
Category
Programming
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .qmd file format
Quarto Markdown (.qmd) is an open-source scientific and technical publishing system built on Pandoc. It serves as the next-generation version of R Markdown, designed to be multi-language and multi-engine. A .qmd file allows users to combine narrative text written in Markdown with executable code bl…
File extension
.QMD
File type
Quarto Markdown Document
Category
Programming
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .qmd file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .qmd.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .qmd file?
File extension details and usage information
Quarto Markdown (.qmd) is an open-source scientific and technical publishing system built on Pandoc. It serves as the next-generation version of R Markdown, designed to be multi-language and multi-engine. A .qmd file allows users to combine narrative text written in Markdown with executable code blocks written in Python, R, Julia, or Observable. When rendered via the Quarto CLI, the code is executed, and its output (such as charts, tables, or computed values) is integrated into a final polished document. This format is highly popular in data science and academia for reproducible research, as it ensures that the data analysis and the reporting remain in a single source file. Quarto can transform these files into a wide variety of formats, including HTML websites, PDF reports, MS Word documents, ePub books, and interactive presentations. It supports advanced features like LaTeX equations, cross-references, citations, and complex layouts, making it a comprehensive tool for technical communication and automated reporting.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .qmd files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .qmd files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .qmd file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .qmd file.
Why can't I open a .qmd file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .qmd format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .qmd files
To open a .qmd file, use software that supports this file format.
- VS Code
- RStudio
- Quarto CLI
- Notepad++
- Nova
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .qmd file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.