# Writing Markdown

Monofile's markdown editor is WYSIWYG: you type markdown syntax and see formatted text immediately, while the file itself stays plain markdown.

## Live rendering

Type `# ` for a heading, `**bold**` for bold, `- ` for a list — the syntax converts to formatted text as you write. Under the hood the file is stored as ordinary markdown, so anything you write here is portable and readable anywhere.

Need to see the source? Use the **raw toggle** to switch the pane to the underlying markdown in the code editor, edit it directly, and toggle back.

## Slash commands

Type `/` at the start of a line to open the insert menu. It includes:

- **Blocks**: headings, bullet list, numbered list, task list, code block, quote, divider
- **Inserts**: today's date, current time, ISO timestamp, UUID, a random password or secret key

Keep typing to filter — `/task` jumps straight to the task list, for example.

## Rich blocks

- **Tables** — full table editing with rows, headers, and cells.
- **Task lists** — checkboxes you can tick off in place.
- **Math** — write `$x^2$` for inline math or `$$...$$` (or `/math`) for a block equation, rendered as typeset math.
- **Mermaid diagrams** — type `/mermaid` to insert a diagram block; it toggles between the diagram source and the rendered chart.
- **Code blocks** — fenced blocks with syntax highlighting, themed to match your editor (see [[Themes]]).

## Linking notes

Type `[[` to link to another file by name. Wiki-links turn your files into a connected knowledge base — see [[Wiki-Links]] for how they work.

## Command palette

The command palette is the fastest way to move around:

- `⌘P` — quick-open. Shows recent files when empty; type to fuzzy-search every file by name and path.
- `⌘⇧P` — command mode. Run actions like creating a file or folder, switching themes, or opening semantic search.
- `#` — heading jump. Type `#` in the palette to list the headings of the document you're editing and jump to one.

All three are one palette: `⌘⇧P` is just the palette pre-filled with `>`, and you can switch modes by typing or deleting the prefix. The Search entry in the sidebar opens the same palette.

Note: `⌘K` is not the palette — it opens the inline AI composer.

## Where it fits

Markdown files are one of several types Monofile handles — code, diagrams, HTML, and media each get their own editor. See [[Files & Editors]] for the full picture, including panes, tabs, and autosave.