Simplenote Markdown: Complete Guide
Simplenote is a free, minimalist note-taking app by Automattic. It includes a markdown preview mode that renders basic markdown formatting. Notes are plain text by default, and you need to enable markdown mode per note to see rendered output.
Markdown support:Partial
Markdown Support in Simplenote
| Format | Syntax | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | **text** | Yes |
| Italic | *text* | Yes |
| Strikethrough | ~~text~~ | No Not supported in Simplenote |
| Headings | # H1 ... ###### H6 | Yes |
| Links | [text](url) | Yes |
| Images |  | Yes |
| Blockquotes | > quote | Yes |
| Ordered Lists | 1. item | Yes |
| Unordered Lists | - item | Yes |
| Code (inline) | `code` | Yes |
| Code Blocks | ```lang\ncode\n``` | Yes |
| Tables | | col | col | | No Not supported |
| Task Lists | - [ ] task | Yes Rendered as checkboxes in preview |
| Footnotes | [^1] | No Not supported |
| Horizontal Rule | --- | Yes |
Things to know
- Markdown mode must be enabled per note via the note info panel.
- The editor shows raw markdown text; preview is in a separate view.
- No support for GFM tables or strikethrough.
- Free and cross-platform with sync, but limited markdown features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Simplenote support markdown?
Yes, but with limitations. Simplenote has a markdown preview mode that supports headings, bold, italic, links, images, code blocks, and lists. It does not support tables, strikethrough, or footnotes.
How do you enable markdown in Simplenote?
Open a note, click the info button (i icon), and toggle the Markdown option on. The note will then render markdown formatting in preview mode.
How do you bold text in Simplenote?
Use double asterisks: **bold text**. Make sure markdown mode is enabled on the note so the formatting renders in preview.
Is Simplenote free?
Yes. Simplenote is completely free with no premium tier. It includes cross-platform sync, note sharing, and markdown support at no cost.