What is Markdown?

Markdown is a simple way to add structure to plain text (headings, lists, links, tables) using a few everyday symbols. It stays readable as you type, and tools (and AI) understand it instantly.

Markdown in one sentence

Instead of clicking buttons to format text, you type small marks: # for a heading, ** around bold, - for a list. The marks are plain characters, so the file works anywhere and never locks you into one app.

# Quarterly update
We shipped **fast** this quarter.
- Faster search
- Dark mode

Why it matters for AI

AI tools read structure, not styling. A Markdown file tells ChatGPT or Claude exactly what's a heading, a list, or a table — so it understands your document instead of guessing. That's why clean Markdown gets you better answers.