The Complete Markdown Guide: Syntax, Tables, Task Lists, and Code Blocks

Markdown is the closest thing to a universal writing format for digital professionals. GitHub, Notion, Obsidian, Slack, Discord, Stack Overflow, and dozens of documentation platforms all support it. Learn it once, use it everywhere.

Headings

Hash characters create headings: # = H1, ## = H2, up to ###### = H6. Use H1 for page title, H2 for major sections, H3 for subsections. Do not skip levels.

Text Formatting

**bold** → bold. *italic* → italic. ~~strikethrough~~ → strikethrough. `inline code` → code. Combine: **_bold italic_**.

Lists and Task Lists

Unordered: lines starting with - or *. Ordered: lines starting with 1.. Task lists: - [ ] unchecked, - [x] checked. Indent with 2 spaces for nested items.

Code Blocks

Fenced blocks use triple backticks with an optional language identifier for syntax highlighting:

```javascript
const x = 'hello';
```

Tables

| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|----------|----------|
| Cell A   | Cell B   |

Alignment: :--- left, :---: centre, ---: right.

Links, Images, Blockquotes

Links: [text](url). Images: ![alt](url). Blockquotes: lines starting with >. Horizontal rule: --- on its own line.

Live Preview

Use UltraToolkit's Markdown Previewer to write and instantly see the rendered output in a split-pane interface. Toolbar buttons insert syntax without memorising it. Copy as HTML or as Markdown with one click.