Introduction to Markdown in Obsidian

Overview of the Video Series

• This video is part two of a series on using Obsidian, focusing specifically on Markdown.

• The presenter, José Moruno Kadima (known as Sniffer), introduces himself and his blog, Infer Labs.

What is Markdown?

• Markdown is a way to format plain text with elements like headers, bold, italics, and lists. It generates .md files that can be opened in various text editors without dependency on specific software.

• Unlike Word documents which are limited by their formats across different operating systems, Markdown files are universally accessible and editable.

Benefits of Using Markdown

• Initially created as a simpler alternative to HTML, Markdown allows for minimalist writing while enabling extensive content creation. It supports easy export to other platforms such as Wikipedia and GitHub Pages.

• Users can convert Markdown documents into multiple formats (e.g., PDF or Word) seamlessly through integration with tools like Pandoc. LaTeX can also be used for high-quality document generation but may require more complexity.

Markdown Features: Headers and Text Styles

Understanding Headers

• Headers in Markdown allow for six levels of hierarchy using the # symbol; each level corresponds to a different size or importance of the header text. For example:

• # First Level

• ## Second Level

• Up to ###### Sixth Level.

Text Styling Options

• Bold: Achieved by surrounding text with two asterisks (**text**) or underscores (__text__).

• Italic: Created using one underscore (_text_) or one asterisk (*text*). Combining both styles results in bold italicized text.

• Strikethrough: Implemented by wrapping text with double tildes (~~text~~). Highlighting can be done using double equals signs (==text==).

Creating Lists in Markdown

Types of Lists

• Bullet points can be created using dashes (-), plus signs (+), or asterisks (*). Each method produces similar visual results but may vary based on personal preference.

• Numbered lists are also supported by simply numbering items sequentially.

Markdown Techniques for Content Creation

Introduction to Markdown

• The discussion begins with an overview of using platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and Twitter for content creation.

• Emphasis on subscribing to channels and following accounts as a way to engage with the community.

Structuring Lists in Markdown

• Demonstrates how to create numbered lists in Markdown, allowing automatic organization of items.

• Shows the importance of previewing changes in Markdown; even if the text appears disordered, it can be correctly formatted upon preview.

• Explains how sub-level lists can be created easily by indenting items, which updates automatically.

Inserting Images

• Introduces the syntax for adding images: using an exclamation mark followed by brackets for description and parentheses for URL.

• Discusses specific syntax requirements when working within Obsidian, highlighting differences from traditional Markdown.

Linking and Referencing

• Describes how to link images using double brackets in Obsidian without needing a file path.

• Explains creating links in Markdown either through direct URLs or by formatting them with display text in brackets followed by the link in parentheses.

Advanced Linking Techniques

• Details how internal linking works within Obsidian using double brackets to reference notes directly.

• Illustrates embedding entire notes or specific sections using exclamation marks and hashtags for precise referencing.

Citing Quotes and Code Blocks

• Introduces quoting text using the greater-than symbol (>) to format citations effectively.

Code Blocks and Tables in Markdown

Introduction to Code Blocks

• The speaker introduces the concept of code blocks, demonstrating how to format them for use in Markdown.

• A specific example is provided where a print statement is used: "Hello, welcome to life on Twitch and YouTube videos."

Working with Tables

• The discussion shifts to tables, emphasizing their importance for organizing processes or tasks.

• An example table structure is outlined with headers: number, name, surname, and phone number.

• The speaker explains how to differentiate headers using pipes (|) and dashes (-), establishing a clear table format.

Table Formatting Techniques

• To center content within a table cell, colons (:) are added at both ends of the header line.

• For left alignment, colons are placed only at the start; for right alignment, they are placed only at the end.

Footnotes in Markdown

Understanding Footnotes

• The speaker introduces footnotes as a way to provide additional references or explanations within text.

• Footnotes help clarify information without cluttering the main body of text.

Creating Footnotes

• Instructions are given on how to create footnotes using brackets for references linked back to specific points in the text.

• An example footnote reference is made regarding visiting a blog or podcast.

Linking Footnotes

• The process of linking footnotes involves specifying URLs that correspond with each reference point mentioned in the text.

• Two examples of footnote links are provided: one referencing snacks.com and another pointing towards YouTube.