Learn how to highlight text in markdown using double equals signs. Syntax, platform support, and common mistakes.
Text highlighting in markdown is created by wrapping text with double equals signs (==). It renders with a yellow background similar to a highlighter pen. This is an extended markdown feature, not part of CommonMark, so platform support varies.
Wrap text in double equals signs to apply a highlight background.
Highlighting can be applied to part of a word.
| Platform | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Obsidian | Yes | Native support |
| Notion | No | Use the highlight toolbar button instead |
| GitHub | No | Not supported in GFM |
| Discord | No | — |
| Slack | No | — |
| Typora | Yes | Enabled in preferences |
=highlighted=
==highlighted==
Single equals signs will not render as highlight. You need exactly two on each side.
== highlighted ==
==highlighted==
Spaces inside the equals signs will prevent highlighting from rendering.
Highlight the single most important phrase in a paragraph so readers scanning the page can capture the key point.
Highlighting is not CommonMark — test on your target platform before relying on it. Obsidian supports it natively; GitHub does not.
Everything you need to know.
No. GitHub Flavored Markdown does not support the ==highlight== syntax. Text will appear literally with the equals signs.
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.
Italic text in markdown is created by wrapping words with a single asterisk (*) or single underscore (_). Italics are used for emphasis, titles of works, technical terms, and foreign words.
Standard markdown has no native underline syntax. To underline text, you need to use raw HTML tags (<u>) or platform-specific syntax. This is by design — underlines are reserved for hyperlinks in web conventions.
Paste your markdown and see highlight rendered instantly with professional themes.