The Markdown cheat sheet.
Every piece of syntax that matters — the basics, the GitHub-Flavored extensions, and the print-focused extras Scripto adds. Bookmark this page, or export it as a one-page PDF from the template.
Basics
| Element | Syntax | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heading | # H1 ## H2 ### H3 | Six levels; keep one H1 per document |
| Bold | **bold text** | |
| Italic | *italicized text* | |
| Bold + italic | ***both*** | |
| Blockquote | > quoted line | Nest with >> |
| Ordered list | 1. First item | |
| Unordered list | - Item | |
| Inline code | `code` | |
| Horizontal rule | --- | |
| Link | [title](https://example.com) | |
| Image |  | |
| Line break | two trailing spaces | Or a blank line for a new paragraph |
Extended (GitHub-Flavored Markdown)
| Element | Syntax | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Table | | A | B |
| --- | --- |
| 1 | 2 | | Align with :--- :---: ---: |
| Fenced code block | ```js
code here
``` | Language enables highlighting |
| Task list | - [x] done
- [ ] todo | |
| Strikethrough | ~~crossed out~~ | |
| Footnote | text[^1]
[^1]: The note. | |
| Emoji shortcode | :rocket: → 🚀 | |
| Autolink | https://example.com |
Scripto extras
| Element | Syntax | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inline math | $E = mc^2$ | KaTeX syntax |
| Display math | $\int_a^b f(x)\,dx$ | |
| Mermaid diagram | ```mermaid
flowchart LR
A --> B
``` | |
| Callout | :::note Title
Body text
::: | note / tip / warning / danger |
| Highlight | ==marked text== | |
| Definition list | Term
: definition | |
| Page break | \pagebreak | Force a new PDF page |
Frequently asked questions
What is Markdown?
A plain-text formatting syntax by John Gruber (2004): readable as raw text, convertible to HTML — and with Scripto, to typeset PDF. It powers READMEs, wikis, note apps and static sites.
What is GitHub-Flavored Markdown (GFM)?
GitHub’s widely-adopted extension set: tables, task lists, strikethrough, autolinks and fenced code blocks. Scripto supports all of it.
How do I get this cheat sheet as a PDF?
Open the Cheat Sheet template in Scripto — it is this reference as an editable document — and click Export PDF. Two-column compact skin recommended.
Which Markdown flavor should I write?
GFM is the safest default — it renders on GitHub, in most editors, and in Scripto identically. Use the extras (math, Mermaid, callouts) when your target supports them.
Now put it on paper.
Write in Markdown, export a typeset PDF with headers, page numbers and a table of contents.