Learn how to create bullet (unordered) lists in markdown using dashes, asterisks, or plus signs. Nesting, formatting, and platform support.
Bullet lists (unordered lists) in markdown start each item with a dash (-), asterisk (*), or plus sign (+) followed by a space. They're the most common way to present non-sequential items, features, or options.
Dashes are the most popular marker for bullet lists.
Indent with 2 spaces to create nested sub-lists.
List items can contain any inline formatting — bold, code, links, etc.
code| Platform | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | Yes | Also supports task lists with - [ ] |
| GitLab | Yes | — |
| Discord | Partial | Basic lists only, no nesting |
| Slack | Yes | Use * or - or numbered |
| Yes | — | |
| Stack Overflow | Yes | — |
| Notion | Yes | Auto-converts - to bullet |
| Obsidian | Yes | — |
-First item -Second item
- First item - Second item
A space after the dash is required. Without it, the list won't render.
- Item one * Item two + Item three
- Item one - Item two - Item three
While mixing markers technically works, it's confusing and some parsers treat them as separate lists. Pick one and stick with it.
- Item - Sub item
- Item - Sub item
Nested items need indentation (2 spaces). Without indent, all items are at the same level.
Pick - (dash) as your bullet marker and use it everywhere. It's the most common convention and visually clean.
Start each item with the same part of speech (verb, noun, etc.) for readability. "Add X, Remove Y, Update Z" reads better than mixed styles.
GitHub extends bullet lists with checkboxes: - [ ] unchecked and - [x] checked. Great for PRs and issues.
- [x] Done - [ ] In progress - [ ] Todo
Everything you need to know.
Start each line with a dash (-), asterisk (*), or plus (+) followed by a space. Example: - Item one - Item two
Numbered lists (ordered lists) in markdown start each item with a number followed by a period and a space (1. ). Markdown auto-numbers the output regardless of the numbers you type — all items could be "1." and the rendered list would still count correctly.
Markdown uses indentation (spaces or tabs) to nest content inside lists and blockquotes. Standard markdown doesn't support arbitrary text indentation — indent is functional, not decorative. Use 2-4 spaces to nest list items and blockquote continuations.
Bold text in markdown is created by wrapping words with double asterisks (**) or double underscores (__). Bold draws attention to important words and phrases, making your content easier to scan.
Paste your markdown and see bullet list rendered instantly with professional themes.