# Formatting

Outline’s approach to documentation is that formatting should be focused on *semantics* and meaning rather than decorative elements. This approach helps to ensure that docs in your workspace stay consistent and readable – even on larger teams.

# Toolbar

 ![The formatting menu appears when selecting text](https://outline-production-attachments.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/uploads/292079f8-0319-4111-bb5b-315e8ae8f14e/2aaf1c59-55c9-4e86-9639-1290dffc2745/Screenshot%202023-07-18%20at%206.45.15%20PM.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA4EOUDTOVUICLPZ4P%2F20260902%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T030000Z&X-Amz-Expires=86400&X-Amz-Signature=ee9e1d3a5b0c3a32c3ffc41a381c1de276b7df805fef9d999c4ea4365a7b7990&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject " =520x122")


When you select text in the editor a toolbar will appear, this toolbar contains all the common inline formatting options you would expect. If you have [commenting]() enabled, a control to add comments to a text selection will also be visible on the right of this toolbar.

## Headings

Use headings to define sections of a document, you can do so up-to four levels deep through the formatting menus or using the `#` markdown syntax at the beginning of a line.

It is also possible to automatically number headings in a standard style – find the “Heading numbering” option at the bottom of the document menu to choose. ![Supported heading numbering options](https://outline-production-attachments.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/uploads/292079f8-0319-4111-bb5b-315e8ae8f14e/49f48434-72a9-4c62-a019-338a95fccd41/image.png?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=AKIA4EOUDTOVUICLPZ4P%2F20260902%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260902T030000Z&X-Amz-Expires=86400&X-Amz-Signature=21586a69e8fd5688ef81fc4e502644b28c78031e75e92c94a66cdf2b2bb0bf94&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&x-amz-checksum-mode=ENABLED&x-id=GetObject " =489x244")

## Inline formatting

* **bold**
* *italic*
* ~~strikethrough~~
* ==highlighting== ==in a== ==variety== ==of different== ==colors==
* `monospace`
* __underlined__
* $LaTeX$

## LaTeX

Inline math formulas are supported through [LaTeX](https://www.latex-project.org/) syntax, wrap your formula in `$$` markers to trigger the correct formatting, like so: $x=y$

LaTeX can also be used to achieve $_{subscript}$ or $^{superscript}$.

# Markdown

We support all Markdown elements in the text editor. Write in Markdown or paste it directly and it will be converted into rich text automatically. For example `**` to apply bold, or `##` at the beginning of a line for headings. If you’ve used other modern text editors you’ll feel at home.

For a full list of markdown syntax open the keyboard shortcut guide with `?` or by clicking the keyboard icon that appears in the bottom right of the app when editing a document.

# Keyboard shortcuts

For a full list of keyboard shortcuts open the keyboard shortcut guide with `?` or by clicking the keyboard icon that appears in the bottom right of the app when editing a document.

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**Documents**

- [Getting started](https://docs.getoutline.com/s/guide/doc/getting-started-CB6Ipl9Cdc)
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