Quick Reference

Syntax

- First item
- Second item
- Third item

Result

First item
Second item
Third item

Basic List Usage

Unordered lists (bullet lists) in Markdown can be created using three different symbols: hyphens (-), asterisks (*), or plus signs (+). All three create the same visual result.

Example 1: Using Hyphens (-)

Markdown:

- Apples - Bananas - Oranges - Strawberries

Output:

Apples
Bananas
Oranges
Strawberries

Example 2: Using Asterisks (*)

Markdown:

* HTML * CSS * JavaScript * React

Output:

HTML
CSS
JavaScript
React

Example 3: Using Plus Signs (+)

Markdown:

+ Reading + Writing + Learning + Teaching

Output:

Reading
Writing
Learning
Teaching

Advanced List Techniques

Nested Lists

Create nested lists by indenting with 2 spaces or 1 tab:

Markdown:

- Fruits - Apples - Red apples - Green apples - Bananas - Oranges - Vegetables - Carrots - Broccoli - Grains

Output:

Fruits
- Apples
  - Red apples
  - Green apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Broccoli
Grains

Multi-paragraph List Items

Add multiple paragraphs to list items by indenting:

Markdown:

- First item This is a paragraph under the first item. This is another paragraph under the first item. - Second item Here's some content for the second item. - Third item

Output:

First item
This is a paragraph under the first item.
This is another paragraph under the first item.
Second item
Here's some content for the second item.
Third item

Lists with Code Blocks

Include code blocks in list items:

Markdown:

- Install Node.js ```bash npm install -g node ``` - Create a new project ```bash mkdir my-project cd my-project ``` - Initialize package.json

Output:

Install Node.js
```
npm install -g node
```
Create a new project
```
mkdir my-project
cd my-project
```
Initialize package.json

Using Different Markers

You can mix different list markers for visual hierarchy, though it's generally better to stay consistent.

Mixed Marker Example

Markdown:

- Main category * Sub-category A + Detail 1 + Detail 2 * Sub-category B + Detail 3 + Detail 4

Output:

Main category
- Sub-category A
  - Detail 1
  - Detail 2
- Sub-category B
  - Detail 3
  - Detail 4

Best Practices

✅ Best Practices

Stay consistent: Use the same marker (-, *, or +) throughout your document
Use proper indentation: 2 spaces or 1 tab for nested items
Add blank lines: Separate complex list items with blank lines
Keep items parallel: Use similar phrasing and structure for list items
Don't overdo nesting: Limit to 3-4 levels maximum for readability

❌ Common Mistakes

Inconsistent markers: Mixing -, *, and + randomly
Wrong indentation: Using wrong number of spaces for nesting
Missing spaces: Using "-item" instead of "- item"
Inconsistent structure: Mixing sentence fragments and complete sentences

Common Issues and Solutions

❌ Problem: Wrong Indentation

Wrong (1 space):

- Main item - Sub-item (won't nest properly)

Correct (2 spaces):

- Main item - Sub-item (will nest properly)

Use exactly 2 spaces or 1 tab for proper nesting.

❌ Problem: Missing Space After Marker

Wrong:

-First item -Second item

Correct:

- First item - Second item

Always include a space after the list marker.

Try Lists Yourself!

Practice list syntax with our free online converter.

Try Markdown to HTML More Syntax Examples

Quick Reference

Syntax

Result

Basic List Usage

Example 1: Using Hyphens (-)

Markdown:

Output:

Example 2: Using Asterisks (*)

Markdown:

Output:

Example 3: Using Plus Signs (+)

Markdown:

Output:

Advanced List Techniques

Nested Lists

Markdown:

Output:

Multi-paragraph List Items

Markdown:

Output:

Lists with Code Blocks

Markdown:

Output:

Using Different Markers

Mixed Marker Example

Markdown:

Output:

Best Practices

✅ Best Practices

❌ Common Mistakes

Common Issues and Solutions

❌ Problem: Wrong Indentation

Wrong (1 space):

Correct (2 spaces):

❌ Problem: Missing Space After Marker

Wrong:

Correct:

Try Lists Yourself!

Related Syntax Topics

Numbered Lists

Checkbox Lists

Table Syntax

Complete Guide