What is Markdown?
Markdown is a lightweight markup language created by John Gruber in 2004. By adding simple symbols like # and * to plain text, you can express headings, bold, lists, links, and more. Supported by GitHub, Notion, Obsidian, and hundreds of other tools, it has become the de facto standard for notes and documentation.
Markdown is a lightweight markup language for writing formatted documents in plain text. Using intuitive symbols like "# Heading," "**bold**," and "- list item," you create structured text that converts to HTML. The standard file extension is .md, and its greatest strength is portability — anyone with a text editor can read and write it.
Basic Markdown Syntax
Markdown syntax is remarkably simple. Learning just these basics lets you write structured notes and documents quickly.
Simple Memo and Markdown Workflow
Simple Memo sends plain text via email, so Markdown-formatted notes arrive exactly as written. Paste into Obsidian or Notion, and the Markdown renders as rich text automatically. "Capture with Simple Memo, organize in a Markdown editor" is the most efficient note-taking workflow.
Popular Tools That Support Markdown
FAQ: Markdown
What is Markdown?
A lightweight markup language by John Gruber (2004). Add symbols like # and * to plain text to express headings, bold, lists, and more. Converts to HTML and is supported by hundreds of tools.
Can I use Markdown with Simple Memo?
Yes. Simple Memo sends plain text, so you can write in Markdown notation. Copy the received email into Obsidian or Notion and the formatting renders automatically.
Why is Markdown popular for note-taking?
Markdown keeps notes portable (plain text works anywhere), readable without rendering, and easy to convert to HTML/PDF. No vendor lock-in, and it works across hundreds of apps.
References
