## [What is Markdown?](/content/help/docs/editor/markdown-formatting/#what-is-markdown/index.html)

Markdown is a simple way to format text using plain characters. Type symbols like `#` or `**` and they automatically become headings or bold text.

**Don't want to use markdown?** Use the visual toolbar instead—same results, no syntax required.

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## [Quick reference](/content/help/docs/editor/markdown-formatting/#quick-reference/index.html)

| Format               | Markdown                     | Keyboard Shortcut  |
|----------------------|------------------------------|---------------------|
| **Heading 1**       | `# Text`                     | —                   |
| **Heading 2**       | `## Text`                    | —                   |
| **Heading 3**       | `### Text`                   | —                   |
| **Bold**            | `**text**`                   | `Cmd/Ctrl + B`      |
| **Italic**          | `*text*`                     | `Cmd/Ctrl + I`      |
| **Strikethrough**   | `~~text~~`                   | —                   |
| **Bullet list**     | `- item`                     | —                   |
| **Numbered list**   | `1. item`                    | —                   |
| **Task list**       | `- [ ] task`                 | —                   |
| **Block quote**     | `> quote`                    | —                   |
| **Inline code**     | ```code```                   | —                   |
| **Code block**      | `````code`````               | —                   |
| **Link**            | `[text](url)`                | -                   |
| **Horizontal rule** | `---`                        | —                   |

All of these can also be accessed through the visual toolbar—just select text and click the formatting button you want.

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## [Need more help with markdown?](/content/help/docs/editor/markdown-formatting/#need-more-help-with-markdown/index.html)

For a comprehensive markdown guide, see the [Markdown Guide](https://www.markdownguide.org/cheat-sheet/).

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## [Next steps](/content/help/docs/editor/markdown-formatting/#next-steps/index.html)

- [Toolbar Guide →](/content/help/docs/editor/markdown-formatting/toolbar/index.html) - Visual formatting tools
- [Images & Links →](/content/help/docs/editor/markdown-formatting/images-links/index.html) - Insert media and hyperlinks

### Still need help?

[Contact Support](mailto:support@scribeist.com)
