Markdown is a simple way to format text, like adding headings and bullet points, using plain symbols. Markdown lets you format plain text with simple marks. A hash sign makes a heading, and stars around a word make it bold.

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What is Markdown?

Short answer

Markdown is a simple way to format text, like adding headings and bullet points, using plain symbols.

Category Building with AI
Updated 20 Oct 2026

Markdown, explained simply

Markdown lets you format plain text with simple marks. A hash sign makes a heading, and stars around a word make it bold.

It matters because it is everywhere in tech. README files, notes apps and AI chatbots all use it.

For example, if an AI writes a list with dashes and bold words, it is writing Markdown. The app turns it into neat formatting.

Markdown files end in .md. You can open them in any text editor.

On ITG Now, our free tool guides point to README files written in Markdown, and our AI news stories mention it when tools use .md files.

README GitHub Agent skills JSON YAML

Where you'll see it on ITG Now

Questions people ask about Markdown

Is Markdown free?

Yes. It is an open format with no cost, and many free apps support it.

Markdown vs Word: what is the difference?

Word uses buttons to style text. Markdown uses plain symbols, and the file stays simple text.

How do I open a .md file?

Open it in any text editor. Many apps also show it with formatting.

Sources

Last updated 20 Oct 2026

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