diff --git a/bouquin/main_window.py b/bouquin/main_window.py
index 9f04347..480d0f8 100644
--- a/bouquin/main_window.py
+++ b/bouquin/main_window.py
@@ -356,6 +356,9 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self._day_change_timer.timeout.connect(self._on_day_changed)
         self._schedule_next_day_change()
 
+        # Ensure toolbar is definitely visible
+        self.toolBar.setVisible(True)
+
     @property
     def editor(self) -> MarkdownEditor | None:
         """Get the currently active editor."""
diff --git a/bouquin/markdown_highlighter.py b/bouquin/markdown_highlighter.py
index caff702..8077842 100644
--- a/bouquin/markdown_highlighter.py
+++ b/bouquin/markdown_highlighter.py
@@ -117,10 +117,13 @@ class MarkdownHighlighter(QSyntaxHighlighter):
 
         # Markdown syntax (the markers themselves) - make invisible
         self.syntax_format = QTextCharFormat()
+        # Use the editor background color so they blend in
+        bg = pal.color(QPalette.Base)        
+        hidden = QColor(bg)
+        hidden.setAlpha(0)
+        self.syntax_format.setForeground(hidden)
         # Make the markers invisible by setting font size to 0.1 points
         self.syntax_format.setFontPointSize(0.1)
-        # Also make them very faint in case they still show
-        self.syntax_format.setForeground(QColor(250, 250, 250))
 
     def _overlay_range(
         self, start: int, length: int, overlay_fmt: QTextCharFormat