# Markdown Cheat Sheet A practical reference for portable Markdown and common platform extensions. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Compatibility labels describe documented behavior in Universal/CommonMark, GitHub, Obsidian, Discord, Slack, and Notion. “Not verified” means the linked official documentation does not confirm the behavior. ## Paragraphs Separate paragraphs with a blank line. A single wrapped line usually stays in the same paragraph. ````markdown First paragraph. Second paragraph. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial — Slack applies its own message markup rather than portable CommonMark. - Notion: Partial — Notion converts supported Markdown-style input into native blocks. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Headings Add one to six hash marks, followed by a space. Chat apps and block editors may support fewer levels. ````markdown # Page title ## Section title ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Partial — Discord documents three heading levels. - Slack: Not verified — Slack markup does not document Markdown headings. - Notion: Partial — Notion documents H1 through H3 shortcuts. **Alternatives** - Slack: *Short label* followed by the message body. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Bold Wrap important words in two asterisks. Slack uses one asterisk in its markup mode. ````markdown **Important change** ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial - Notion: Supported **Alternatives** - Slack: *Important change* Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Italic Wrap text in one asterisk or underscore. Underscores can be harder to read inside identifiers. ````markdown *A small aside* ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial — Slack applies its own message markup rather than portable CommonMark. - Notion: Partial — Notion converts supported Markdown-style input into native blocks. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Bold and italic Use three asterisks when text needs both kinds of emphasis. Some message editors require toolbar formatting instead. ````markdown ***Critical detail*** ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial - Notion: Partial Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Strikethrough Two tildes are common in GitHub-style Markdown. Slack and Notion use their own single-tilde shortcuts. ````markdown ~~Old wording~~ ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Not verified - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial - Notion: Partial **Alternatives** - Universal / CommonMark: Write the revision explicitly. - Slack: ~Old wording~ - Notion: ~Old wording~ while typing. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub Flavored Markdown Specification](https://github.github.com/gfm/) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Block quotes Start each quoted paragraph with a greater-than sign. Keep a space after the marker for readability. ````markdown > A useful constraint beats a vague promise. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Supported - Notion: Partial — Notion uses a quote block shortcut rather than preserving every Markdown quote behavior. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Unordered lists Start each item with a hyphen, asterisk, or plus followed by a space. Hyphens are the easiest to scan in source. ````markdown - Draft - Review - Publish ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial — Slack applies its own message markup rather than portable CommonMark. - Notion: Partial — Notion converts supported Markdown-style input into native blocks. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Ordered lists Use a number and period for each step. Many renderers calculate the displayed sequence for you. ````markdown 1. Draft 2. Review 3. Publish ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial — Slack applies its own message markup rather than portable CommonMark. - Notion: Partial — Notion converts supported Markdown-style input into native blocks. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Nested lists Indent child items under their parent. Exact indentation rules vary, so preview deeply nested lists in the target app. ````markdown - Release - Write notes - Tag version ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Partial Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Task lists GitHub-style task items add square brackets after a list marker. They are not part of CommonMark. ````markdown - [x] Draft - [ ] Publish ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Not verified - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Partial — Notion uses [] followed by a space to create a native to-do block. **Alternatives** - Universal / CommonMark: Use a plain list with Done / Pending labels. - Notion: Type [] followed by a space. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Inline code Wrap a short command, filename, or identifier in backticks. Use double backticks when the content contains one backtick. ````markdown Run `npm test` before release. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial — Slack applies its own message markup rather than portable CommonMark. - Notion: Partial — Notion converts supported Markdown-style input into native blocks. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Fenced code blocks Put three backticks before and after multi-line code. Keep the fences on their own lines. ````markdown ``` const ready = true; ``` ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Supported - Notion: Partial Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Code language labels Add a language name after the opening fence. The label is portable, but colors depend on the renderer. ````markdown ```python print("ready") ``` ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Partial — CommonMark parses the info string but does not require highlighting. - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Links Put the visible label in square brackets and the destination in parentheses. ````markdown [Read the guide](https://example.com/guide) ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Supported - Slack: Partial — Slack applies its own message markup rather than portable CommonMark. - Notion: Partial — Notion converts supported Markdown-style input into native blocks. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Autolinks Angle brackets make a URL or email address an explicit CommonMark autolink. Bare-link detection is renderer-specific. ````markdown ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Not verified - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Reference links Move repeated destinations to definitions at the end of a document. This keeps long source files easier to edit. ````markdown Read the [release notes][notes]. [notes]: https://example.com/releases ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Not verified - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified **Alternatives** - Discord: [release notes](https://example.com/releases) - Slack: [release notes](https://example.com/releases) Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Images Add an exclamation mark before link syntax. Write useful alt text and use a destination that remains reachable. ````markdown ![Diagram of the release flow](release-flow.png) ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified **Alternatives** - Discord: Upload the image as an attachment. - Slack: Upload the image as an attachment. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Horizontal rules Put three hyphens on a line by themselves to separate sections. Leave blank lines around the rule. ````markdown Before --- After ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Hard line breaks End a line with two spaces before the newline. A backslash works in CommonMark too, but not every editor preserves it. ````markdown First line·· Second line ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Partial - Slack: Partial - Notion: Partial **Alternatives** - Discord: Use Shift+Enter inside the message. - Slack: Use Shift+Enter inside the message. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Tables Pipe tables are a GitHub-style extension. Keep the header separator row and preview alignment in the target renderer. ````markdown | Status | Owner | | --- | --- | | Ready | Sam | ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Not verified - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified **Alternatives** - Universal / CommonMark: Use a short list or HTML table. - Discord: Use aligned plain text or a code block. - Slack: Use a list or upload a table file. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub Flavored Markdown Specification](https://github.github.com/gfm/) Source: [Obsidian advanced formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/advanced-syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Text & Markdown import](https://www.notion.com/help/import-data-into-notion#text-and-markdown) ## Escaping Markdown Put a backslash before punctuation when you need the marker to appear literally instead of formatting text. ````markdown \*Not italic\* ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Raw HTML CommonMark permits raw HTML, but many hosted platforms sanitize or remove it. Do not use HTML for portable documents. ````markdown Ctrl + K ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Supported - GitHub: Partial — GitHub filters HTML for safety and does not preserve every element or attribute. - Obsidian: Not verified - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified **Alternatives** - Discord: `Ctrl` + `K` - Slack: `Ctrl` + `K` - Notion: Use Notion native inline code. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Emoji shortcodes Colon-wrapped emoji names are a platform extension, not standard Markdown. Available names also vary by workspace. ````markdown :rocket: Ship it ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Not verified - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Not verified - Discord: Partial - Slack: Partial - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Footnotes GitHub and Obsidian accept bracketed footnote references. Footnotes are not part of CommonMark. ````markdown A checked claim.[^1] [^1]: The supporting note. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Not verified - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## GitHub alerts GitHub alerts extend block quotes with a typed marker. Keep them rare and provide readable quote content as a fallback. ````markdown > [!WARNING] > Back up the file before migration. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Partial — The content remains a block quote, but the alert label has no special meaning. - GitHub: Supported - Obsidian: Partial — Obsidian uses similar callout syntax with a broader type set. - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian callouts](https://obsidian.md/help/callouts) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Obsidian wikilinks Double brackets link notes inside an Obsidian vault. Use standard Markdown links when portability matters. ````markdown Open [[Project plan|the project plan]]. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Not verified - GitHub: Not verified - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified **Alternatives** - Universal / CommonMark: [the project plan](Project%20plan.md) - GitHub: [the project plan](Project%20plan.md) Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Obsidian callouts Obsidian turns a typed block quote into a callout and can make it foldable. Other renderers usually show a plain quote. ````markdown > [!TIP]- Optional detail > Keep the portable version nearby. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Partial — The source remains a readable block quote. - GitHub: Partial — Some GitHub alert types overlap, but folding and Obsidian types do not. - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian callouts](https://obsidian.md/help/callouts) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Obsidian highlights Two equals signs highlight text in Obsidian. This syntax is not portable Markdown. ````markdown Review the ==breaking change== first. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Not verified - GitHub: Not verified - Obsidian: Supported - Discord: Not verified - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified **Alternatives** - Universal / CommonMark: Use **bold** or write an explicit warning. Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style) ## Discord spoilers Double vertical bars hide text until a Discord reader reveals it. In portable Markdown, write a clearly labeled details section instead. ````markdown The result is ||hidden until clicked||. ```` **Compatibility** - Universal / CommonMark: Not verified - GitHub: Not verified - Obsidian: Not verified - Discord: Supported - Slack: Not verified - Notion: Not verified Last verified: 2026-07-21 Source: [CommonMark Specification 0.31.2](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/) Source: [GitHub writing and formatting syntax](https://docs.github.com/en/get-started/writing-on-github/getting-started-with-writing-and-formatting-on-github/basic-writing-and-formatting-syntax) Source: [Obsidian basic formatting syntax](https://obsidian.md/help/syntax) Source: [Discord Markdown Text 101](https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/210298617-Markdown-Text-101-Chat-Formatting-Bold-Italic-Underline) Source: [Slack markup formatting](https://slack.com/help/articles/360039953113-Format-your-messages-in-Slack-with-markup) Source: [Notion Markdown-style shortcuts](https://www.notion.com/help/keyboard-shortcuts#markdown-style)