Markdown Syntax Reference

Deep-dive guides for every Markdown element — syntax, edge cases, common mistakes, and how each platform handles it. Need a quick overview instead? Start with the cheat sheet.

Text Formatting

Bold

Learn how to make text bold in Markdown using double asterisks or underscores.

Italic

Learn how to italicize text in Markdown with single asterisks or underscores.

Strikethrough

Learn how to strike through text in Markdown using double tildes (~~text~~).

Highlight

Learn how to highlight text in Markdown with ==equals signs==, where the syntax works (Obsidian), the <mark> HTML fallback, and GitHub-friendly alternatives.

Structure

Headings

Learn how to create headings in Markdown with # symbols (ATX) or underlines (setext).

Lists

Learn Markdown lists: unordered bullets with -, ordered lists with numbers, nesting rules, loose vs tight lists, and how to avoid broken numbering.

Blockquotes

Learn how to create blockquotes in Markdown with the > character, including multi-paragraph quotes, nested quotes, callouts/admonitions, and lazy continuation rules.

Horizontal Rule

Learn how to add a horizontal rule (divider line) in Markdown with three dashes, asterisks, or underscores — and how to avoid accidentally creating a heading.

Links & Media

Links

Learn how to create links in Markdown: inline links, reference links, autolinks, and titles.

Images

Learn how to add images in Markdown with ![alt](url) syntax.

Advanced

Code Blocks

Learn Markdown code formatting: inline code with backticks, fenced code blocks with syntax highlighting, nesting backticks, and indented code blocks.

Tables

Learn how to create tables in Markdown with pipes and dashes, align columns with colons, escape pipes inside cells, and work around missing features like merged cells.

Task Lists

Learn how to create task lists (checkboxes) in Markdown with - [ ] and - [x] syntax.

Footnotes

Learn how to add footnotes in Markdown with [^1] references and definitions.

Markdown Hacks

Practical Markdown hacks using inline HTML: underline text, center content, resize images, add keyboard keys, collapsible sections, and clickable YouTube thumbnails.

Special Characters

Line Breaks

Learn how to add line breaks in Markdown: two trailing spaces, the <br> tag, or a backslash.

Escaping Characters

Learn how to escape special characters in Markdown with backslashes.

Emoji

Learn how to add emoji in Markdown using :shortcodes: or Unicode characters.

Comments

Learn how to add comments in Markdown using HTML comment syntax.

19 syntax guides, all free and updated for GitHub Flavored Markdown.