# Markdown and companion files

> Understand which material belongs to the text file and which needs its companion.

Local files, Markdown and AI on your device in one workspace.

Canonical: https://pocketorbitnotes.app/help/markdown-companion-files
Language: en-US
Published: not provided
Last updated: 2026-10-18

## Which version does this guide describe?

Follow this guide in your Pocket Orbit workspace. You can also open the sample material in an ordinary Markdown editor.

- [Current availability](https://pocketorbitnotes.app/download)

## Keep text and drawing files together

Markdown contains readable text, links and generated summaries. Editable native ink has a separate companion representation. A rendered ink preview and its editable source serve different purposes; preserving the preview alone does not preserve editability.

## Respect the source markers

Open Markdown → Edit to inspect the source. Keep textbox markers, Pocket Orbit properties, front matter, ink previews and generated summary structure intact. The native source editor warns when changes cannot be safely saved. Invalid edits remain a draft rather than a certified conversion.

## Back up the complete folder

Keep the Markdown, genuine companion files and referenced attachments together, with their relative paths. Do not rename or edit internal companion formats as a shortcut. Folder sync and external editors need their own compatibility checks.

## Run a reversible test

Make a copy of an app-generated note containing ink and text. Reopen it in Pocket Orbit and in a plain Markdown editor. Check text visibility, preview visibility and ink editability separately. The downloadable plain-text sample has an ordinary SVG, not fabricated native ink data.

## Related pages

- https://pocketorbitnotes.app/learn/markdown-workflows
- https://pocketorbitnotes.app/features/markdown-editor
- https://pocketorbitnotes.app/resources/compatibility-checklist
- https://pocketorbitnotes.app/tools/markdown-inspector

Source: Pocket Orbit. Please cite the canonical URL.