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Confluence

How to Insert Markdown From a URL in Confluence Easily 2026

By Impran M N

Manually copy-pasting readme files from a code repository breaks formatting and quickly goes stale. This guide shows how to fetch and render live Markdown content from an external URL directly inside a Confluence page in 2026.

01Open the markdown macro

In edit mode, type `/markdown` to deploy the markdown macro container.

02Find your raw file URL

Locate and copy the secure "Raw" URL path from a public or private repository like GitHub or GitLab.

03Connect the source

Paste the URL into the macro's source configuration input to establish the fetch.

04Configure the viewer

Set a custom height, refresh interval, and code syntax highlighting for the rendered block.

05Publish

Review the rendered layout and click Publish to make your syncing content live.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I pull a readme file directly from GitHub or GitLab?

Yes, copying the repository's Raw file URL and pasting it into the macro's source field renders the markdown content directly.

Will the embedded content update if the source file changes?

Yes, you can configure automated refresh intervals so the macro re-fetches and re-renders the source periodically.

Does the macro support code syntax highlighting?

Yes, the viewer options let you enable code syntax highlighting for embedded code blocks.

Should I test the link before publishing to the whole team?

Yes, validate the URL in a private draft preview before publishing to ensure the document syncs cleanly.

Watch the full walkthrough

The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.