Google’s expanded Markdown feature could change how you work

Google has boosted its Markdown support across Google Docs, Slides, and Drawings. If you're unfamiliar with Markdown, don't worry – this guide will help. Even experienced users might find themselves saying "That's not enough!" or "I'll never use it!" But before dismissing it, consider its potential applications. You might discover a perfect fit.

Markdown is a lightweight markup language for formatting text, making documents more readable. Instead of using formatting icons or keyboard shortcuts (like Ctrl I for italics), Markdown uses simple symbols. For example, *italics* or _italics_ creates italicized text.

While slightly more complex than standard formatting tools in Word or Google Docs, Markdown offers advantages. It's highly portable, working across various applications. Its longevity ensures your documents remain accessible even if specific software becomes obsolete. This makes it ideal for long-term projects like books or academic papers, as highlighted by the Markdown Guide (a great resource for further learning).

Google's expanded Markdown features will impact users differently, depending on individual typing habits. However, it's likely to alter your workflow in positive ways.

Enabling Markdown in Google Apps

This feature is initially disabled but accessible to all personal Google accounts, Google Workspace, legacy G Suite Basic, and legacy G Suite Business accounts (as announced in their March 29 blog post). If you're in one of these groups and don't see it, it may take some time to roll out to your account (Google estimated up to 15 days).

To enable Markdown, open a document in Docs, Slides, or Drawings. Navigate to Tools > Preferences, check "Automatically detect Markdown," and click OK. The setting applies account-wide.

Formatting Text with Markdown

Google's update includes Markdown support for italics, bold, and strikethrough text:

• Italics: *italics* or _italics_
• Bold: **bold** or __bold__
• Bold Italics: ***both*** or ___both___
• Strikethrough: -strike-

While not necessarily faster than keyboard shortcuts for italics and bold (Cmd I/Ctrl I and Cmd B/Ctrl B respectively), the strikethrough option (-strike-) is significantly quicker than using the traditional method (Alt Shift 5 on Windows, Cmd Shift X on Mac, or navigating menus). However, note a current limitation: text following a strikethrough doesn't automatically revert to normal formatting; manual correction is needed.

[Related: Enhance your writing with these online tools]

Adding Links with Markdown

Markdown simplifies link creation: [Link Text](URL). For example: [Popular Science](www.popsci.com). Note that "www." is required. This method may or may not be preferred over the standard link insertion shortcuts (Cmd K/Ctrl K or the menu option).

Creating Headings with Markdown

This is a new feature in Google Docs. Use # symbols to create headings (H1-H6):

• # Heading 1
• ## Heading 2
• ...and so on.

A space is crucial between the # symbols and the heading text. This method might be faster than keyboard shortcuts (Cmd Option/Ctrl Alt 1-6) or menu navigation for H1 headings.

Bulleted and Numbered Lists

While not new, it's worth noting Google already supported this Markdown functionality:

• Use * (asterisk and space) for bulleted lists.
• Use 1. (number, period, and space) for numbered lists.

You may already be a Markdown pro without realizing it!

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