Most of the time, plain text is all you need. When you want a post to be easier to read, the editor gives you two ways to format it.
The toolbar
The buttons at the top of the editor work like an email program: bold, italics, links, quotes, bulleted and numbered lists, and headings. Highlight some text, select a button, and you’re done.
The toolbar’s + menu has more: hidden details, spoilers, tables, and dates.
Two editing modes
A toggle in the toolbar switches between two modes:
- Rich text shows formatting as you type, like a word processor. This is the default.
- Markdown shows plain text with simple symbols, with a preview alongside. Some people find it faster once they know the symbols.
Use whichever you like. You can switch at any time, and your post looks the same to readers either way.
Markdown quick reference
| Type this | To get this |
|---|---|
**bold** |
bold |
*italics* |
italics |
~~crossed out~~ |
|
[link text](https://example.com) |
link text |
## Heading |
A section heading |
- item |
A bulleted list |
1. item |
A numbered list |
> quoted text |
An indented quote |
--- on its own line |
A horizontal divider |
@username |
A mention that notifies that member |
:smile: |
An emoji |
Leave a blank line between paragraphs, and before and after lists and quotes. It’s the most common reason formatting doesn’t show up the way you expected.
Hiding spoilers
Talking about last night’s game or a show finale? Blur the details so nobody is surprised:
[spoiler]They won it in overtime.[/spoiler]
Readers select the blurred text to reveal it.
Collapsing long content
For long lists, stats, or background that not everyone needs, tuck it behind a click:
[details="Full season stats"]
The long part goes here.
[/details]
Tables
The + menu in the toolbar has a table builder, which is much easier than typing one by hand. Tables are great for standings, schedules, and comparisons.
Dates and times
Use Insert date/time in the toolbar’s + menu when you’re posting about an event. The time displays in each reader’s own time zone, so nobody has to do the math.
A few style tips
- Short paragraphs are easier to read on a phone than one long block.
- Go easy on bold and headings. If everything is emphasized, nothing is.
- ALL CAPS reads as shouting. Use bold for the one thing that matters.
- Quote just the part you’re answering. See How to reply to and quote other members.