Markdown tables and formatting

Markdown tables use vertical bars to separate columns. A row of dashes beneath the headings tells the reader where the table starts.

Copy this two-column example

| Task | Status |
| --- | --- |
| Draft outline | Done |
| Review copy | In progress |

The first line defines the column headings. The second line separates headings from rows. Each following line is one row. In the formatted view it appears like this:

Align columns and fix errors

• Keep the same number of cells on each row. For two columns, write two values separated by a bar.
• Use :--- in the separator row to align a column left, ---: for right, or :---: for center.
• Leave a blank line before and after a table so nearby paragraphs do not run together.
• For a literal vertical bar inside a cell, use \| so it does not start another column.

Need to change a table? See the editing guide.