Learn how to indent text in markdown for nested lists, blockquotes, and code. Syntax, platform support, and common mistakes.
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.
Indent with 2 spaces to nest a list item under its parent.
Indent by 4 spaces to create a code block (alternative to fenced blocks).
const x = 42
console.log(x)Use > on blank lines to continue a blockquote across paragraphs.
First paragraph
Second paragraph
| Platform | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | Yes | Nested lists, code indent, blockquotes |
| GitLab | Yes | — |
| Discord | Partial | No nested lists or indent-based code |
| Slack | Partial | Limited nesting support |
| Yes | — | |
| Stack Overflow | Yes | — |
| Notion | Yes | Tab key to indent list items |
| Obsidian | Yes | — |
-Item one -Nested
- Item one - Nested
Use consistent indentation (2 or 4 spaces) and a space after the dash. The indent must align with the parent's content.
Indented text
> Indented text
Markdown doesn't support arbitrary indentation for plain text. Use a blockquote (>) or a list to indent visually.
Pick either 2-space or 4-space indentation and stick with it throughout the document.
The 4-space indent code block is easy to confuse with nested lists. Prefer ``` fenced blocks for code.
Markdown indent is structural — it nests list items and creates code blocks. For visual indentation of text, use blockquotes or HTML.
Everything you need to know.
Markdown doesn't support arbitrary indentation. To indent, use nested lists (2 spaces + -), blockquotes (>), or code blocks (4 spaces or ```).
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.
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.
Blockquotes in markdown start with a greater-than sign (>) followed by a space. They render as indented, visually distinct blocks — perfect for quoting text, highlighting notes, or calling out important information.
Paste your markdown and see indent rendered instantly with professional themes.