Markdown 101
Markdown is a lightweight way to format text using plain characters. Skill files in PMMCraft are written in Markdown (.md files). Here's everything you need to know.
What is a .md file?
A .md file is a plain text file with a .md extension. The “md” stands for Markdown. You can create one in any text editor like VS Code, TextEdit, Notepad, or even Google Docs (export as plain text and rename the file).
Markdown uses simple symbols like #, *, and - to indicate headings, bold text, lists, and more. No special software needed.
Syntax reference
Headings
Use # symbols to create headings. More #'s = smaller heading.
What you type
# Heading 1 ## Heading 2 ### Heading 3
What it looks like
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Bold & Italic
Wrap text in asterisks for emphasis.
What you type
**bold text** *italic text* ***bold and italic***
What it looks like
bold text
italic text
bold and italic
Unordered Lists
Use dashes or asterisks for bullet points.
What you type
- First item - Second item - Nested item - Another nested item - Third item
What it looks like
- First item
- Second item
- Nested item
- Another nested item
- Third item
Numbered Lists
Use numbers followed by a period.
What you type
1. First step 2. Second step 3. Third step
What it looks like
- First step
- Second step
- Third step
Links
Wrap the display text in brackets, URL in parentheses.
What you type
[Okta website](https://www.okta.com)
What it looks like
Okta website
Inline Code
Wrap text in backticks for inline code or technical terms.
What you type
Use the `auth0` SDK to handle login.
What it looks like
Use the auth0 SDK to handle login.
Code Blocks
Use triple backticks for multi-line code. Optionally add a language name for syntax highlighting.
What you type
```json
{
"name": "Okta",
"type": "identity"
}
```What it looks like
{
"name": "Okta",
"type": "identity"
}Blockquotes
Use > to create a callout or quote.
What you type
> This is an important note > that spans multiple lines.
What it looks like
This is an important note that spans multiple lines.
Horizontal Rule
Use three dashes to create a divider.
What you type
Content above --- Content below
What it looks like
Content above
Content below
Tables
Use pipes and dashes to create tables.
What you type
| Feature | Status | | --- | --- | | SSO | GA | | MFA | Beta | | CIAM | Preview |
What it looks like
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| SSO | GA |
| MFA | Beta |
| CIAM | Preview |
Task Lists
Use brackets for checkboxes (useful in skill instructions).
What you type
- [x] Define target persona - [x] Write positioning statement - [ ] Review with stakeholders - [ ] Finalize messaging
What it looks like
- Define target persona
- Write positioning statement
- Review with stakeholders
- Finalize messaging
Tips for skill files specifically
- •Use headings to organize sections. Claude reads the structure to understand what each part of the skill is for (Role, Instructions, Output Format, etc.).
- •Use numbered lists for sequential steps. This tells Claude to follow the instructions in order.
- •Use bullet lists for options or criteria. Claude treats these as a set of items, not a sequence.
- •Use code blocks for example outputs. This clearly separates your template from the instructions around it.
- •Use blockquotes for important notes. Helps highlight constraints or special considerations Claude should pay attention to.
Ready to write your first skill?
The editor has a built-in template to get you started.
Create a New Skill