Google is integrating more of Markdown features to Docs

Markdown is a “text-to-HTML conversion tool for web writers.” It allows you to write using an easy-to-read, easy-to-write plain text format, then convert it to structurally valid XHTML (or HTML).” John Gruber created the “lightweight markup language” in 2004, which has become one of the world’s most popular software tool.

Google now says its adding Markdown support to Google Docs on the web, giving users the ability to format their documents using text shortcuts rather than keyboard ones.

Using its autocorrect tool, Google claims to be able to automatically format your Markdown content for you. To test this, type “# Google Docs is receiving more Markdown support,” and the text will be automatically converted to a level one heading.

According to Google, Docs currently support some Markdown autocorrections for bullet and numbered lists, as well as checkboxes. As a bonus, you may now use Markdown to add headings and bold and italicized text or both, as well as strikethrough (albeit it’s done using – on each side of your material, rather than the conventional ) and links to your content. This is by no means a complete implementation of Markdown, but it does cover the vast majority of the tasks for users.

To activate the feature, go to Tools > Preferences, and check the “Automatically detect Markdown” box. Not everyone will be able to use it right away because the tool hasn’t been made public. Google notes that it could take “more than 15 days” for the feature to become available for everyone.

With this added support, the company says you can create “rich text documents faster without having to learn keyboard shortcuts”. 

All Google Workspace users, as well as G Suite Basic and Business users can use it. It’s also available to users with personal Google accounts.