>) followed by a space. Every line of the quote must start with >.
Basic Syntax
> This is a blockquote.
> This blockquote spans two lines.
> Both lines are part of the same quote.The > tells markdown this line is quoted content. Rendered output typically shows the text indented with a left vertical border.
Multi-Paragraph Blockquotes
To include multiple paragraphs in one blockquote, add a > on the blank line between paragraphs:
> First paragraph of the quote.
>
> Second paragraph, still inside the same blockquote.
Without the > on the blank line, the second paragraph starts a new blockquote element.
Nested Blockquotes
Stack > symbols to create nested quotes:
> Outer level quote.
>
> > Inner nested quote — two > symbols.
>
> Back to the outer level.
Nesting is useful for conversation threads (quoting a reply to a quote) and for emphasizing the source of a quoted source.
Markdown Elements Inside Blockquotes
All inline and block markdown elements work inside blockquotes — prefix every line with >:
> ## Heading inside a blockquote
>
> - Bullet list inside a quote
> - Second bullet
>
> inline code` inside a quote
>
> Bold and italic inside a quote
GitHub Alerts (Typed Callout Boxes)
GitHub Flavored Markdown extends blockquote syntax with five special alert types. These render with distinct colored icons and backgrounds on GitHub:
> [!NOTE]
> Highlights information the reader should know, even when skimming.
> [!TIP]
> Optional tips for doing things better or more easily.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> Crucial information necessary for the user to succeed.
> [!WARNING]
> Critical content that needs immediate attention to avoid problems.
> [!CAUTION]
> Advises about risks or negative outcomes of certain actions.
These alerts are GitHub-specific. On other renderers (Obsidian, standard markdown processors) they display as plain blockquotes.
Platform-by-Platform Breakdown
GitHub and GitLab
Full blockquote support. GitHub also supports the five alert types ([!NOTE], etc.) which render with colored styling. GitLab supports blockquotes but not the GitHub alert syntax.
Obsidian
Full blockquote support. Obsidian also has its own callout syntax using blockquote-style markers:
> [!info]
> Obsidian callout content
Obsidian supports many callout types: info, warning, tip, important, todo, question, example, quote, and more.
Notion
Notion supports blockquotes in markdown import. They render as Notion "quote" blocks with a left border. Notion does not support GitHub alerts or Obsidian callouts.
Discord
Discord renders blockquotes with a grey left border. The > syntax works correctly. Nesting with >> also works in Discord.
Slack
Slack does not natively support markdown blockquotes. > text renders as a grey left-border quote block in some Slack contexts but behavior varies.
Common Mistakes
Missing Space After >
>Text without space — many parsers will not render this as a blockquote. Always use > Text with a space.
Not Continuing > on Subsequent Lines
> First line of a long quote
Second line without > marker — this breaks out of the blockquote
> First line
> Second line — correct: every line needs >
Forgetting > on Blank Lines Between Paragraphs
To stay inside a blockquote across a paragraph break, the blank line between paragraphs must also have >:
> Para 1
` ← missing >, breaks out of blockquote
> Para 2
> Para 1
> ← correct, stays in blockquote`
> Para 2
When to Use Blockquotes
| Use case | Best approach |
| --- | --- |
| Quoting a person or source | Regular > blockquote |
| Important note or callout | GitHub [!NOTE] or Obsidian [!info] |
| Warning to the reader | GitHub [!WARNING] |
| Visual separation for key text | Blockquote with bold text inside |
| Email quote threads | Nested blockquotes |
Real-World Use Cases
Technical Documentation
Blockquotes work well for quoting specifications, standards documents, or RFCs: "According to RFC 2119: > The key words MUST, MUST NOT, REQUIRED..."
AI-Generated Content
When AI tools generate analysis that includes direct quotes from sources, those quotes are often formatted as blockquotes. MarkdownTools renders blockquotes with a styled left border in all three themes.
Knowledge Base Notes
In Obsidian note-taking workflows, blockquotes capture verbatim source material before paraphrasing. Callout blocks ([!note]) mark your own analysis vs the original source.
Full reference: Markdown Blockquotes.
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