Learn how to create links in markdown with inline syntax, reference-style links, and auto-links. Syntax, tips, and platform support.
Links in markdown use square brackets for the display text and parentheses for the URL: [text](url). You can also add hover titles, use reference-style links for cleaner source, and auto-link bare URLs on most platforms.
The standard way to create a link — text in brackets, URL in parentheses.
Add a title in quotes after the URL. It appears as a tooltip on hover.
Define URLs at the bottom. Keeps source clean when the same URL is used multiple times.
Most platforms auto-link bare URLs without any special syntax.
| Platform | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | Yes | Auto-links URLs and @mentions |
| GitLab | Yes | — |
| Discord | Yes | Inline links work, reference links don't |
| Slack | Partial | Auto-links URLs, no [text](url) syntax |
| Yes | — | |
| Stack Overflow | Yes | — |
| Notion | Yes | — |
| Obsidian | Yes | Also supports [[wiki links]] |
[text] (url)
[text](url)
No space between the brackets and parentheses. A space breaks the link syntax.
[text](url with spaces)
[text](url%20with%20spaces)
URLs with spaces must be percent-encoded. Replace spaces with %20.
(text)[url]
[text](url)
The order matters — square brackets first (text), then parentheses (URL). Reversing them won't create a link.
Write meaningful text like [read the guide](url) instead of [click here](url). This helps accessibility and SEO.
When linking to the same URL multiple times, reference-style links keep your source cleaner and easier to update.
[link1][docs] and [link2][docs] [docs]: https://example.com
Link to sections within the same document: [see above](#heading-text). The anchor is the heading text, lowercased, spaces replaced with hyphens.
Everything you need to know.
Use [display text](URL) syntax. Example: [Google](https://google.com) creates a clickable link showing "Google".
Images in markdown use the same syntax as links but with an exclamation mark prefix: . The alt text describes the image for screen readers and when the image fails to load.
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.
Markdown headings are created with hash symbols (#). One hash for H1 (largest), two for H2, up to six for H6 (smallest). Headings structure your document and create a hierarchy that readers and search engines can follow.
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