How to Use Markdown Shortcuts in ClickUp

ClickUp lets you format text at high speed using Markdown shortcuts, so you can create clear, structured content without taking your hands off the keyboard. This guide walks you through every supported shortcut in task descriptions, comments, Notepad, Docs, and more.

Where Markdown Works in ClickUp

Markdown shortcuts are supported in most rich text areas across the platform. You can use them whenever you are typing and see the rich text toolbar.

Markdown works in these locations:

• Task descriptions
• Task comments and threaded comments
• Assigned comments
• Task custom fields that support rich text
• Notepad and notes
• Docs and pages inside Docs
• Chat view messages

If the rich text editor is available, you can use the shortcuts below to format your content quickly.

Heading Shortcuts in ClickUp

You can create headings by adding hash symbols before your text, then pressing the space bar. The text will convert into a heading style automatically.

ClickUp Heading Levels with Hashes

• H1: Type # followed by a space, then your heading text.
• H2: Type ## followed by a space, then your heading text.
• H3: Type ### followed by a space, then your heading text.
• H4: Type #### followed by a space, then your heading text.

Use these heading levels to structure long task descriptions or Docs, making them easier to scan and maintain inside ClickUp.

Bold and Italic Text in ClickUp

Apply emphasis to text using simple character wrappers. These shortcuts are ideal for highlighting owners, dates, and key decisions.

Basic Emphasis Shortcuts

• Bold: Wrap text in double asterisks **bold** or double underscores __bold__.
• Italic: Wrap text in single asterisks *italic* or single underscores _italic_.
• Bold + Italic: Wrap text in triple asterisks ***text*** or a combination like __*text*__.

After typing the characters and your text, hitting the space bar or moving your cursor away will convert it into formatted text.

Lists and Checklists in ClickUp

Lists are one of the most common uses for Markdown. You can quickly create bulleted, numbered, and checklist-style lists directly in your tasks or Docs.

ClickUp Bulleted Lists

To create a bulleted list item, start a new line and type one of the following, then press the space bar:

• * followed by a space
• - followed by a space
• + followed by a space

The character will convert to a bullet automatically. Press Enter to create the next bullet.

ClickUp Numbered Lists

To create an ordered list:

1. Start a line with 1. followed by a space.
2. Type your first item.
3. Press Enter to continue with the next number.

Numbers will continue incrementing as you add more items.

ClickUp Checklist Items

For checklists that can be toggled on and off, use this shortcut:

• Type [] followed by a space at the beginning of a new line.
• The text converts into a clickable checklist item.

Checklists are especially useful in task descriptions to track sub-steps without creating separate subtasks.

Quotes and Code Blocks in ClickUp

Sometimes you need to highlight a quote or show code snippets. Markdown shortcuts make this quick and consistent across your workspace.

ClickUp Blockquotes

To create a blockquote:

1. Start a new line.
2. Type > followed by a space.
3. Enter your quoted text.

The line will convert into a styled quote block that stands out from normal text.

Inline Code and Code Blocks

• Inline code: Wrap text with single backticks, like `example`, to show small code snippets inside a sentence.
• Code block: Start a new line with triple backticks ```, press Enter, type or paste your code, then close with another line of triple backticks.

These formats are helpful for technical documentation, API notes, or command references managed inside ClickUp content.

Horizontal Lines and Separators in ClickUp

Use a horizontal rule to visually separate sections in long task descriptions or Docs.

Insert a Horizontal Rule

On a blank line, type one of the following, then press Enter:

• --- three hyphens
• *** three asterisks
• ___ three underscores

The line will convert to a horizontal divider to break up content.

Task Links and URLs in ClickUp

While full Markdown link syntax is not required, you can quickly turn URLs into clickable links.

Clickable Links

• Paste or type a valid URL directly into a rich text area.
• Press space or Enter.
• The URL automatically becomes a clickable hyperlink.

You can also use the toolbar to add a custom label to the link for cleaner documentation.

Tips for Working Faster with ClickUp Markdown

Combining shortcuts can dramatically speed up how you structure and format your content.

Workflow Suggestions

• Outline major sections with heading shortcuts before adding details.
• Use bulleted lists for ideas and numbered lists for ordered steps.
• Add checklists for action items inside longer task descriptions.
• Use quotes to highlight requirements, decisions, or stakeholder feedback.
• Keep technical commands and configuration lines in code blocks for clarity.

These habits help you maintain consistent formatting across every list, Doc, and task in ClickUp.

Learn More About ClickUp Markdown Shortcuts

For a detailed reference of supported shortcuts, formatting rules, and behavior, review the official documentation on Markdown shortcuts.

If you are building out larger documentation systems, internal knowledge bases, or SEO-focused content that lives alongside your project work in ClickUp, you may also want guidance on content strategy and optimization. A specialized consulting partner such as Consultevo can help you design efficient, search-friendly workflows around your tasks and Docs.

By mastering these Markdown shortcuts and combining them with the platform’s broader features, you can keep your workspace clean, readable, and easy for every teammate to use.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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