What is Markdown?
Markdown is a lightweight markup language that lets you write structured text using plain, readable symbols: # for headings, * or - for lists, **bold**, *italic*, [links](url), and backticks for code. Because the source is plain text, it is easy to write, review, and version-control, yet it renders into clean HTML. Markdown is the standard format for README files, documentation sites, blog posts, forum comments, and developer guides — and understanding its basics is a core skill for anyone who writes technical content.
Core Syntax
Headings use # through ###### for levels 1-6. Emphasis uses *italic* or _italic_ and **bold** or __bold__. Links are [text](https://example.com) and images are . Unordered lists start with - or *, ordered lists with 1.; nested items are indented. Inline code uses single backticks and fenced code blocks use triple backticks, optionally with a language for syntax highlighting. Tables use pipes and hyphens, and task lists use - [ ] and - [x]. Our Markdown editor and preview tools render all of this in real time as you type.
Practical Workflow
Write your content in a Markdown editor, previewing the rendered HTML as you go. When the content is ready, export it to HTML for a static site, email template, or documentation render — our Markdown to HTML converter handles this. For the reverse, convert existing HTML pages back to Markdown with our HTML to Markdown tool. Keep the Markdown file as the source of truth in your repository and generate HTML at build time, which keeps content reviewable and portable.