Format Comments in ClickUp with Markdown
ClickUp lets you format comments using markdown-style shortcuts and toolbar options so your conversations stay clear, structured, and easy to scan.
This guide explains every formatting option available in task, doc, and whiteboard comments, plus how to use quick markdown in ClickUp for faster typing.
Where you can format comments in ClickUp
You can use rich formatting in almost every comment area in the workspace. The same basic tools appear in these locations:
- Task comments
- Doc comments
- Whiteboard comments
- Chat views and threaded discussions
The formatting toolbar appears at the bottom of the comment box. Many options also have matching markdown shortcuts you can type directly.
Open the formatting toolbar in ClickUp comments
When you click into a comment field in ClickUp, the toolbar appears automatically. If you do not see it, expand the comment box or start typing to make it visible.
The toolbar gives you quick access to:
- Headings
- Bold and italic text
- Lists and checklists
- Inline code and code blocks
- Links and quotes
- Emoji and attachments
Use markdown shortcuts in ClickUp comments
You can apply formatting by typing markdown patterns at the start of a line or around words. When you press the spacebar or Enter, ClickUp converts them into formatted text.
Headings in ClickUp comments
Create headings to break long updates into sections.
- Type
#then a space for a large heading. - Type
##then a space for a medium heading. - Type
###then a space for a small heading.
After typing the hash symbols and a space, enter your heading text. It will render as a heading in the comment preview.
Bold and italic text in ClickUp
Emphasize key points using inline markdown.
- Bold: Wrap text in double asterisks, for example
**important**. - Italic: Wrap text in single underscores, for example
_note_.
The formatted style appears as soon as you move your cursor away from the word or send the comment.
Lists and checklists in ClickUp
Organize steps, updates, or ideas with bullet and numbered lists.
Bulleted lists
- Start a line with
-then a space. - Type your list item.
- Press Enter to create the next bullet.
Numbered lists
- Start a line with
1.then a space. - Type the first item.
- Press Enter and the next number appears automatically.
Checklists
In the toolbar, choose the checklist icon to add action items with a clickable checkbox. These are useful when you want to track small tasks directly in a comment thread.
Code formatting in ClickUp comments
Use code formatting when you need to share snippets, commands, or technical examples without losing structure.
Inline code
Highlight short keywords or commands in your ClickUp comments.
- Wrap text in single backticks, for example
`npm install`.
This produces a small inline code style inside your sentence.
Code blocks
For multi-line code or logs, use fenced blocks.
- On a new line, type three backticks:
```then press Enter. - Paste or type your code.
- On a new line, add another three backticks to close the block.
The result is a formatted block that preserves spacing and line breaks.
Links and quotes in ClickUp comments
Compact links and quotes keep your ClickUp conversations easy to follow.
Add links
You can add links in two ways:
- Select text and use the link icon in the toolbar to paste a URL.
- Paste a URL directly and send the comment. It will be clickable automatically.
Block quotes
Use a quote style to highlight references or previous messages.
- Start a line with
>then a space. - Type or paste the quoted text.
The text appears in an indented quote block.
Other formatting tools in ClickUp comments
Beyond markdown shortcuts, the comment toolbar includes several additional options.
Emoji and mentions
- Click the emoji icon to add reactions and tone.
- Type
@to mention teammates, tasks, docs, or locations in ClickUp.
Mentions notify the right people and keep work items linked to the conversation.
Attachments and media
You can attach files or images directly to comments so context and assets live together. Use the attachment icon in the toolbar to upload from your device, cloud storage, or other connected tools.
Tips for clear collaboration in ClickUp comments
A few simple habits make your formatted comments more effective for the whole team.
- Use headings to split long updates into topics, such as “Status”, “Risks”, and “Next steps”.
- Turn action items into checklists so progress is visible at a glance.
- Keep code and logs in fenced blocks to avoid wrapping issues.
- Use bold only for the most important lines so they stand out.
- Link to related tasks or docs so readers can jump directly to the work.
Learn more about ClickUp formatting
For the full reference on supported markdown and examples, see the official markdown and formatting in comments guide.
If you need help designing a documentation or knowledge base strategy around your workspace, you can also visit Consultevo for implementation and training services.
By combining the markdown shortcuts above with the comment toolbar, you can keep every ClickUp thread structured, readable, and focused on the work that matters.
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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