Chat formatting
Slack Formatting Editor
Slack’s mrkdwn is not standard Markdown. Write a message on the left and see how Slack will display it, then copy it into Slack, a bot, or a webhook.
Text styles
Slack uses single markers: one asterisk for bold, unlike standard Markdown’s two.
Element
Syntax
Result
Bold
*bold text*Italic
_italic text_Strikethrough
~struck text~Combined
*_bold italic_*Code
Backticks work the same as standard Markdown, but Slack ignores language names after ```.
Element
Syntax
Result
Inline code
`npm install`npm installCode block
```
const a = 1;
console.log(a);
```const a = 1;
console.log(a);Quotes and lists
Quotes and lists only render when typed in the composer or sent as mrkdwn through the API.
Element
Syntax
Result
Quote
> Quoted textQuoted text
Bulleted list
- First
- SecondNumbered list
1. First
2. SecondLinks and mentions
Named links use angle brackets and a pipe — [text](url) does not work in Slack.
Element
Syntax
Result
Named link
API and webhooks; in the app use Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + U.
<https://example.com|Example>Notify channel
Also <!channel> and <!everyone>.
<!here>How it works
Step 1
Write your message
Type on the left or use the toolbar to add formatting.
Step 2
Check the preview
The right pane shows how Slack will display it.
Step 3
Copy and paste
Copy the message and paste it into Slack.
Frequently asked questions
Why does **bold** not work in Slack?
Slack uses single asterisks for bold: *bold*. Double asterisks are shown literally in messages sent through the API.
How do I add a link with custom text?
Use <https://example.com|link text> in API messages and webhooks. In the Slack app, select text and press Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + U.
Are headings supported?
No. Slack messages have no heading syntax; use *bold* on its own line instead, or Block Kit header blocks in apps.
Need to convert existing Markdown?
Use the Markdown to Slack converter, which rewrites standard Markdown into mrkdwn automatically.
Related tools: Discord editor · Font generator · Markdown to Slack · Markdown editor