Sometimes it\u2019s easier to create your website\u2019s content outside of the WordPress editor. If you prefer a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, however, you might have experienced the frustration of breaking your post or page when you paste in new text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fortunately, you can use Markdown<\/a> to more easily create content within your site. This is especially helpful if you\u2019re working with multiple contributors who all like to write using different tools. You can simply style and format the page or post once the text is complete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we\u2019ll explore what markdown is and how you can use it in WordPress. Also, we\u2019ll take a look at how to use plugins to get the most use out of this option. Let\u2019s get started! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Markdown is a plain-text form of syntax. This means it\u2019s free of styles and formatting that have unseen coding, which might not play well when pasted into a WordPress post or page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Markdown is also the name of a software tool<\/a> that creates a text-to-HTML function for writers and editors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some significant advantages to using Markdown in WordPress<\/a>, especially if there are many individuals working on your site\u2019s content. Let\u2019s take a look at what Markdown has to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Markdown definitely has a lot going for it. To be fair, however, let\u2019s also take a look at some of the downsides to this option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there are a few disadvantages to Markdown, it is still a highly valuable tool. This is particularly true for content creation and agency work within WordPress. If you\u2019re creating large sets of documentation, however, you might want to review your other options as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, you may be wondering how you can use Markdown in WordPress. When it comes to self-hosted WordPress.org<\/a> (which we highly recommend), there\u2019s no built-in support for Markdown or simple way to enable it by default. Don\u2019t worry though\u2014you can easily use Markdown with the help of a plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with many WordPress-related tasks, the best way to get started with Markdown is by picking up the right plugin<\/a>. Let\u2019s walk through the process for enabling Markdown in self-hosted WordPress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there are multiple plugins available that can help you enable Markdown in WordPress, our favorite option is Jetpack<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an all-in-one plugin that provides a multitude of features for enhancing your site\u2019s performance, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), security, social media integration<\/a>, and more. Many users will already have this plugin active on their sites, making it a simple solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What\u2019s more, you can enable Markdown<\/a> in Jetpack\u2019s free version\u2014you won\u2019t need a premium plan. So your first step is to install and activate Jetpack<\/a> on your site if you don\u2019t already have it. Then, you\u2019re ready to move on to the next stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once Jetpack is set up on your site, locate the new Jetpack<\/em> tab and navigate to the plugin\u2019s Settings<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Switch over to the Writing<\/em> tab, and look under the Composing<\/em> section. Here, you\u2019ll see an option labeled Write posts or pages in plain-text Markdown syntax<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply toggle this option on, and that\u2019s all you need to do! Now if you navigate to any post, page, or custom content type, you\u2019ll be able to add a Markdown<\/em> block.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you can enter your Markdown text and preview what it will look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also worth noting that if you like, you can also enable Markdown for comments. To do so, navigate to Jetpack > Settings > Discussion<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toggle the Enable Markdown use for comments<\/em> option here. Then, visitors to your site will be able to compose their comments<\/a> in Markdown if they like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve enabled Markdown on your WordPress site, you can start using it to create content. If you\u2019re new to using this particular tool, don\u2019t worry. Writing content with Markdown is actually quite simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When using Markdown, you\u2019ll type in your text content and then format it by using special characters. These characters are meant to be simple and universal. When it comes to displaying your content, however, they\u2019ll be automatically converted into the formatting and styles you\u2019re used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few examples of the styles you can use when writing with Markdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a lot more you can do with Markdown, of course. We\u2019d suggest checking out the official documentation<\/a> for a complete list of all the syntax options that are available. With a little practice, you should find yourself writing in Markdown like a pro in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WordPress is all about flexibility. The core platform is lean, so you can add on the features you need and create a workflow that makes sense for you. If that involves creating content in Markdown<\/a>, you\u2019ll be glad to know that the Jetpack plugin<\/a> makes the process simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here at WP Engine, we want to support you in building and running a website that meets your needs. To do that, you\u2019ll need expert resources<\/a>, along with a top-quality hosting plan to support your WordPress site<\/a>. Create a better digital experience for your site\u2019s visitors today with WP Engine’s premium hosting for WordPress<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sometimes it\u2019s easier to create your website\u2019s content outside of the WordPress editor. If you prefer a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, however, you might have experienced the frustration of breaking your post or page when you paste in new text. Fortunately, you can use Markdown to more easily create content within…<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":297,"featured_media":146009,"template":"","resource-topic":[904,901],"resource-role":[895,906,903,1296],"resource-type":[916],"class_list":["post-92323","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Markdown?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Benefits and Disadvantages of Markdown in WordPress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Enabling Markdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Enabling Markdown Using Plugins (In 2 Steps)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Install the Jetpack Plugin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Access Jetpack\u2019s Settings to Enable Markdown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Writing With Markdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Do Things Your Way With WP Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n