Markdown Cheatsheet
Quick reference for 22 Markdown syntax entries in four categories: basic formatting, structure, links and media, and code — with the exact markup for each.
Data last maintained
Markdown Cheatsheet
Quick reference for 22 Markdown syntax entries in four categories: basic formatting, structure, links and media, and code — with the exact markup for each.
Data last maintained
About Markdown Cheatsheet
Common syntax examples in one table
The cheatsheet lists common Markdown elements such as headings, emphasis, lists, links, images, blockquotes, inline code, fenced code blocks, horizontal rules, tables, and task lists. Each row keeps the syntax visible so you can copy the pattern while writing.
Search or filter by writing task
Use search when you know the element name, then switch categories to focus on basic formatting, document structure, media and links, or code. The page is designed for quick recall during writing, reviewing README files, or editing documentation.
Markdown support depends on the platform
Different sites use CommonMark, GitHub Flavored Markdown, or their own extensions, so tables, task lists, HTML, line breaks, and escaping can render differently. This is not a full renderer specification, security sanitizer, publishing checklist, or guarantee that every platform will display the same output.
FAQ
Common questions and answers about this topic.
How do I make a line break in Markdown?
Follow the table's First line\ ↵ Second line pattern: put a backslash at the end of the first line, then start the next line. Line-break behavior can differ by platform, so check the rendered preview where you will publish.
How do I create a fenced code block in Markdown?
Put the code between an opening ```javascript fence and a closing ``` fence, as shown in the table. The language label can enable syntax highlighting, but the result depends on the platform.
How do I create a Markdown table?
Start with | Header | Header |, add | ------ | ------ | as the separator row, then add | Cell | Cell | for the content, matching the table entry. Tables require GitHub Flavored Markdown or another platform extension.
How do I make a Markdown task list?
Use - [x] Completed task for a checked item and - [ ] Incomplete task for an unchecked item, matching the task-list entry. Interactive checkboxes and their saved state depend on the platform.
What is the difference between Markdown link and image syntax?
A link uses [Link Text](URL). An image uses , adding ! before the brackets and using alternative text inside them. Whether a URL or image is allowed and how it opens depends on the platform.
How do I show Markdown special characters without formatting them?
Use a backslash before the formatting character. The table's \*Literal asterisks\* example displays the asterisks instead of italicizing the text. Escaping can vary with platform-specific extensions.
Data Sources
This tool's data is compiled from the authoritative sources below.
- CommonMark Spec(opens in a new tab)
- GitHub Flavored Markdown Spec(opens in a new tab)
- GitHub Docs - Basic writing and formatting syntax(opens in a new tab)
Data last maintained