---
title: "Using Markdown in Airtable | Airtable Support"
slug: "using-markdown-in-airtable"
description: "Markdown is a lightweight and readable syntax used for formatting text. Formatting text can be useful in Airtable when you are looking to..."
updated: 2026-03-04T17:18:19Z
published: 2026-03-04T17:18:19Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.airtable.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using Markdown in Airtable

# What is markdown and why should use in Airtable?

Markdown is a lightweight syntax for formatting text and can be used in Airtable to call attention to specific information, structure content, and improve readability across multiple surfaces.

## Where you can use Markdown in Airtable

You can use Markdown in the following areas:

- **Base guides**—create a stylized description for your base
- **Long text field** with rich text formatting enabled—see [Formatting rich text in the long text field](/docs/formatting-rich-text-in-the-long-text-field) for syntax options
- **Web clipper extension**—any Markdown added before submitting a clip will be included in long text fields with rich text formatting
- **Airtable Automations**—format content in actions like sending emails
- **Airtable API**—see [Markdown rich text output in the API](/docs/markdown-rich-text-output-in-the-api) for examples

## Markdown syntax reference

Not all Markdown syntax works in every area. The table below shows which syntax options are available in each product area.

> [!CAUTION]
> Note
> 
> In long text fields with rich text enabled, you must enter Markdown directly into Airtable. Copied-and-pasted text isn’t recognized as Markdown syntax.

| Syntax | Example | Base descriptions | Long text field | Automations | Web clipper | API |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Headings | `# H1` `## H2` `### H3` | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bold | `**text**` or `__text__` | ✅ |  | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Italic | `*text*` or `_text_` | ✅ |  | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Strikethrough | `~~text~~` |  |  | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Checkbox¹ | `[x] Checked` `[ ] Unchecked` |  |  | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Unordered list | `- Item` or `* Item` | ✅ | ✅² | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ordered list | `1. Item` | ✅ | ✅² | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hyperlinks | `[text](URL)` | ✅ |  | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Blockquotes | `> quote` |  | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Inline code | ``code`` | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Code blocks | ```` code ```` | ✅ | ✅³ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Escape formatting | `\*text\*` | ✅ |  | ✅ | ✅ | ✅⁴ |

¹ Include a space between and after the brackets `[ ]` for the checkbox to render. This is especially important when using the API.

² You can't create indented list items via Markdown in long text fields. Instead, press Return and then Tab after a list item to indent.

³ In long text fields, type 3 backticks and press Return to start a code block. Click off the "Code block" option in the rich text menu to end it.

⁴ The API creates extra escape characters when pulling data out. Re-inserting this output into Airtable won't effectively escape the Markdown formatting.

## Syntax options

### Headings

A line starting with 1–3 `#` characters followed by a space creates a heading.

```plaintext
# First level heading
## Second level heading
### Third level heading
```

### Bold and italic

Surround text with `*` or `_` for italic, and `**` or `__` for bold. You can combine them for bold italic.

```plaintext
*This text will be italic*
_This will also be italic_

**This text will be bold**
__This will also be bold__

_**Combine them for bold italic**_
```

### Strikethrough

Surround text with `~~` for strikethrough. This isn't supported in base descriptions.

```plaintext
~~This text will be strikethrough~~
```

### Checkbox

Start a line with `[ ]` or `[x]` to create a checkbox list.

```plaintext
[x] Checked item 1
[ ] Unchecked item 2
    [x] Subitem 1
    [ ] Subitem 2
```

### Unordered list

Use `-` or `*` as list markers.

```plaintext
- Item 1
- Item 2
    * Indented item 1
    * Indented item 2
```

### Ordered list

Start a line with a number and period to create a numbered list.

```plaintext
1. Item 1
2. Item 2
    1) Item 2a
    2) Item 2b
```

### Hyperlinks

You can create inline links or reference links:

- **Inline link**—`[Link text](URL)` specifies the URL inline
- **Reference link**—`[Link text][label]` references a link definition placed elsewhere in the text as `[label]: URL`

```plaintext
[Airtable](https://airtable.com) is awesome.
[Link reference][1] also works.

[1]: https://daringfireball.net/projects/markdown/syntax#link
```

### Blockquotes

Start a line with `>` followed by your content. This isn't supported in base descriptions.

```plaintext
> Roses are red
> Violets are blue
```

### Inline code

Surround text with backticks for inline code formatting.

```plaintext
`apiKey` is your secret API token.
```

### Code blocks

Surround code with 3 or more backticks (```) or tildes (`~`). The closing fence must match the opening fence type and have at least as many characters.

```plaintext
```
tell application "Microsoft Excel"
    quit
end tell
```
```

### Escaping Markdown formatting

Use a backslash (`\`) before any Markdown character to prevent formatting.

```plaintext
\*This text won't be italic\*
```

### Line breaks

Every line break is treated as a hard line break. This differs from standard Markdown behavior.

### Multiple line breaks

Use the `<br>` HTML tag for multiple line breaks when sending emails through Airtable Automations.

```plaintext
Line 1
<br>
<br>
Line 2
```

## FAQs

**How can I use Markdown with dynamic fields in automation actions?**

Add Markdown syntax around the field you're referencing. For example, wrap a field token with `**` to make its output bold.

**How does Airtable Markdown compare to other Markdown standards?**

Airtable Markdown isn't fully compliant with Markdoc or GitHub Flavored Markdown. You may need to experiment or create workarounds when formatting content—especially URLs

**How can I use HTML in Airtable?**

You can use HTML tags in certain automations like the send email action, but Airtable doesn't natively support HTML elsewhere.

**How can I use emojis in Airtable?**

Emojis work across Airtable in field types, automation outputs, descriptions, and more.

**How can I use rich text in long text fields?**

While the Airtable editor doesn't support rich text input, you can add rich text to long text fields through Airtable Automations or the Airtable API.