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cheatsheet

Markdown syntax cheat sheet

A searchable reference for the Markdown Hashdraft renders. Each entry shows the source and the result — click any snippet to copy it.

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The desktop app renders footnotes, LaTeX math, wiki links, and front matter — all offline.

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Markdown syntax reference

Learn Markdown syntax by seeing the source and result together

A Markdown cheat sheet is a compact reference for the punctuation used to create headings, emphasis, links, images, quotes, lists, code, tables, task items, and other document structures. Searchable examples help you find the exact pattern without memorizing every rule.

Start with everyday syntax

Headings, paragraphs, bold, italic, links, lists, blockquotes, and inline code cover most notes and README files.

Add GFM where supported

GitHub Flavored Markdown extends the basics with tables, task lists, strikethrough, and convenient automatic links.

Copy exact examples

Search by name or category, inspect the syntax, and copy the source rather than retyping punctuation that is easy to misplace.

How to use the Markdown cheat sheet

  1. Search for the element you want, such as “image,” “table,” “code,” or “task list.”
  2. Compare the source example with its rendered form and copy the syntax.
  3. Replace the sample values in your document, then preview the result in the renderer used by your final platform.

Markdown syntax questions

How do I create a line break?

Start a new paragraph with a blank line. For a hard break inside a paragraph, many renderers accept two trailing spaces or an HTML <br>, but behavior can vary.

Why does a list not render?

Check for a space after the list marker, consistent indentation for nested items, and a blank line before the list when it follows complex content.

Hashdraft for Windows

Learn syntax in the document you are already writing

Use formatting shortcuts, live syntax highlighting, and a native preview to see whether each Markdown pattern does what you expect.

  • Shortcuts for emphasis, links, code, and lists
  • Automatic continuation of list and task items
  • GFM, footnotes, wiki links, front matter, and math
Hashdraft desktop Markdown editor showing source and rendered preview in Split mode
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