Markdown Basics: From Draft to HTML

Write with lightweight syntax

Markdown uses plain-text marks for headings, lists, links and emphasis. A line starting with # becomes a top-level heading; **bold** marks emphasis. Code fences keep code readable, and tables help when data is genuinely tabular.

Preview before publishing

Paste a draft into Markdown to HTML. Check the split-pane preview, especially links, code blocks and tables. Copy or download the sanitized HTML, then test it in the system where it will be used. Different Markdown processors may support different extensions.

• Use descriptive link text.
• Keep heading levels in order.
• Review the final HTML for accessibility and layout.

Be careful with untrusted input

This tool sanitizes HTML in the preview and output. If you publish user-submitted Markdown in another application, apply its own server-side sanitization as well.