Markdown basics for OpenStuds sellers
Markdown is a simple way to format text with plain keyboard characters. On OpenStuds, it helps sellers write cleaner MOC descriptions and public profile bios without needing a visual editor. OpenStuds uses normal Markdown and adds a few extra OpenStuds-specific features on top.
1
What Markdown is
Markdown is lightweight formatting. Instead of clicking toolbar buttons in a word processor, you type short text patterns like **bold** or - list item. The result is easier-to-read product copy with very little overhead. On OpenStuds, most of the rules follow normal Markdown, but some parts of the site support a few extra features that are specific to OpenStuds.
2
Where sellers use it on OpenStuds
The main places are your MOC description and your public seller profile. Use Markdown to break up long text, highlight important features, add short lists, and include relevant links when needed.
3
The basics
- **bold** for important features or selling points.
- *italic* for emphasis.
- Leave a blank line between paragraphs so the description is easier to scan.
- - item for bullet lists such as features or included files.
- 1. item for ordered steps or build notes.
- > quote for short notes or callouts.
- [link text](https://example.com) for links. OpenStuds shows a safety warning before users leave the site.
4
What works well in a MOC description
Start with one short paragraph that explains what the build is and why it is interesting. Then add a compact bullet list for standout features, scale, play functions, or file details. That structure is easier for buyers to scan than one long block of text.
5
Embedded videos
One of those OpenStuds-specific extras is privacy-gated YouTube embeds in MOC descriptions. Use the block syntax @[youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID). OpenStuds shows a local placeholder first and only loads the actual YouTube player after the buyer explicitly clicks to load that specific video. Public profile bios do not support inline video embeds and will fall back to a plain link instead.
6
Where to learn more
If you want a deeper walkthrough, the Markdown Guide basic syntax page is a good starting point. For a more formal reference, the CommonMark help page covers the core rules behind modern Markdown.
Related