Markdown is a lightweight syntax for adding formatting to plain text. You write plain characters and they render as headings, bold text, lists, links, and more. It's the standard format for README files, technical documentation, notes, and blogs. This guide covers every element you'll actually use.
Use `#` signs to create headings. One `#` is an `<h1>`, two is `<h2>`, and so on up to six levels. Leave a space between the `#` and your text.
# Heading 1
## Heading 2
### Heading 3
#### Heading 4Wrap text in double asterisks `**` for bold, single asterisks `*` for italic, and triple `***` for bold-italic. Underscores `_` work the same way.
**bold text**
*italic text*
***bold and italic***
__also bold__
_also italic_Separate paragraphs with a blank line. A single newline inside a paragraph doesn't create a break — you need two newlines. To force a line break within a paragraph, end a line with two spaces or a backslash.
First paragraph.
Second paragraph after a blank line.
Line one.
Line two (two trailing spaces above).Links use the pattern `[link text](URL)`. Add an optional title in quotes after the URL.
[Visit Knowdust](https://knowdust.com)
[With title](https://knowdust.com "Markdown notes")Images are just links with a `!` prefix. The text in brackets becomes the alt attribute.
Use `-`, `*`, or `+` followed by a space. Indent by two or four spaces to create nested lists.
- First item
- Second item
- Nested item
- Another nested
- Third itemUse numbers followed by a period. The actual numbers don't have to be sequential — the renderer counts for you.
1. First item
2. Second item
3. Third item
1. This also
1. works fine
1. with 1. 1. 1.Wrap inline code in single backticks. For multi-line code blocks, use triple backticks (```) and optionally specify the language for syntax highlighting.
Use `npm install` to install dependencies.
```javascript
function greet(name) {
return `Hello, ${name}!`;
}
```Prefix lines with `>` to create a blockquote. You can nest blockquotes by adding more `>` signs.
> This is a blockquote.
> It can span multiple lines.
> Outer quote
>> Nested quoteThree or more hyphens, asterisks, or underscores on their own line create a horizontal rule.
---
***
___Tables use pipes `|` to separate columns and hyphens `---` to separate the header row. Colons in the divider row control alignment.
| Name | Age | City |
|---------|-----|------------|
| Alice | 30 | New York |
| Bob | 25 | London |
| Left | Center | Right |
|:-----|:------:|------:|
| L | C | R |Use a backslash `\` before a markdown character to render it literally without formatting.
\*This is not italic\*
\# This is not a headingKnowdust is a markdown-first note app with built-in git history. Every save is a commit — edit fearlessly.
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