Super Simple Markdown
Tags: markdown, writing, beginners, tutorial
Published: 2020-06-08 21:02:53

[Markdown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markdown) is the language of DEV posts, and is a super-lightweight way to add some _pizzazz_ to your plaintext. It consists of a few easy-to-remember (and easy-to-type) shortcuts. If you're learning Markdown for the first time (or just have trouble remembering what does what) bookmark this cheat sheet and come back to it as necessary.

---

# Common Formatting

---

To make text _italic_

```
...use _single underscores_ or *single asterisks*
```

---

To make text __bold__

```
...use __double underscores__ or **double asterisks**
```

---

To make text __*bold and italic*__

```
...use __*asterisks in double underscores*__,
       **_underscores in double asterisks_**,
       _**double asterisks in underscores**_, or
       *__double underscores in asterisks__*
```

---

To add `inline code`

```
...use `single backticks`
```

---

To add

```
a code
block
```

use

    ```
    triple
    backticks
    ```

or

```
    indent
    four
    spaces
1234
```

---

To add

# Headings
## of various
### sizes

use

```
# one
## or more
### octothorpes
```

---

To add horizontal rules (like the one above), write three or more hyphens in a row:

```
---
```

---

1. To create
1. ordered lists
1. of items

```
1. simply write
1. "1. " before
1. each item
```

---

- To create
- unordered lists
- of items

```
- simply write
- "- " before
- each item
```

---

1. Create sublists
    - by indenting
        1. four spaces
            - for each level

```
1. Create sublists
    - by indenting
        1. four spaces
            - for each level
```

---

To create a [hyperlink](https://timecube.2enp.com/)

```
put the [link text in square braces](https://timecube.2enp.com/)
(followed by the URL in parentheses)
```

---

> To create a blockquote

```
> begin the quote with "> "
```

---

To ~~strikethrough~~ text

```
use ~~double~~ tildes
```

---

To add an inline image

![Trogdor, the Burninator](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/sguw2x61byhenjclhmmj.png)

```
Use the same syntax as for a hyperlink, but prepend a '!':

![Trogdor, the Burninator](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/sguw2x61byhenjclhmmj.png)
```

---

<sup>pssst hey kid, want some</sup>

# Super Secret Markdown Tips (_They_\* don't want you to know about!)

---

### Need to write a literal \*, \_, etc. character?

Escape them by preceding them with backslashes: `\*`, `\_`

---

### Need to put backticks inside inline code?

``Use double-backticks `with backticks` inside``

```
``Use double-backticks `with backticks` inside``
```

---

### Need to put triple-backticks inside a code block?

    ```
    indent four spaces
    and then add the backticks
    ```

<pre>    ```
    indent four spaces
    and then add the backticks
    ```</pre>

---

### Need to put a code block in a list?

1. Just make sure
1. To indent
    ```
    four
    spaces
    ```
1. to keep the numbering contiguous

<pre>    1. Just make sure
    1. To indent
        ```
        four
        spaces
        ```
    1. to keep the numbering contiguous</pre>

---

### Need to put a block of code in a blockquote?

> You might want to do something like
> 
>     small bug on DEV.to -- first line is indented one space
>     val x = 42
>     val y = 42 * 19
> 
> ...just make sure you start each line with "> "

<pre>> You might want to do something like
> 
>     small bug on DEV.to -- first line is indented one space
>     val x = 42
>     val y = 42 * 19
> 
> ...just make sure you start each line with "> "</pre>

---

### Need fancy syntax highlighting to impress your friends and frighten your enemies?

```scala
def foo (val bar: Int, baz: Double): String = { ... }
```

Just put the name of the programming language after the initial &#96;&#96;&#96;:

    ```scala
    def foo (val bar: Int, baz: Double): String = { ... }
    ```

---

Got any tough Markdown problems you need help solving? Got any tips or tricks for those new to the (plaintext formatting syntax) game? Let me know in the comments below!

\* The Markdown Illuminati, not to be confused with the [Marky Mark Illuminati](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AO9909uexu8)