How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad

Notepad on Windows 11 has just been significantly upgraded, it is no longer just a plain text editor. Although it is just a lightweight replacement for WordPad, it now supports markdown and interesting formatting options. This article will show you how to use markdown and the new Rich Text formatting options in Notepad on Windows 11 to make your notes stand out.

 

Since Notepad is a replacement for WordPad, its support for markdown and Rich Text formatting makes it an ideal, flexible tool for taking notes or editing without any heavy software.

Getting Started with Notepad's Formatting Toolbar

Accessing Rich Text formatting in Notepad on Windows 11 is easy. Open Notepad and you'll see a new toolbar at the top, right next to the File, Edit , and  View menus .

 

How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad Picture 1

This toolbar lets you add bold, italic text, hyperlinks, bulleted or numbered lists, and headings (H1 through H6).

 

Although underlining and strikethrough are still missing, these basic features should cover most needs. Additionally, you can learn how to add an "Open with Notepad" option to the context menu to make Notepad even more convenient.

Using Markdown in Notepad

Markdown is a simple way to format text or symbols, and it's incredibly easy to do with Notepad. For example, type pound signs (#) for headings, use asterisks (*) for emphasis, close code with quotation marks, etc.

How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad Picture 2

 

Additionally, you need to select syntax in Markdown in the View menu option or just click directly on it on the status bar below to use these symbols.

How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad Picture 3

If you're a Markdown fan, you can save the file as .md for easy Markdown use. TipsMake.com also has a detailed guide to the best Markdown editors for Windows if you want to compare Notepad to other tools.

Apply Rich Text Formatting

To use Rich Text formatting in Windows 11 Notepad, highlight the text you want to format or place your cursor where you're typing.

Select any formatting option on the toolbar (bold, italic, or hyperlink).

How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad Picture 4

 

Alternatively, click on the Headings drop-down menu and select an option from Title to Subsection (H1-H6) .

How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad Picture 5

Click on the list option and choose bulleted or numbered list depending on what you need to write.

How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad Picture 6

Additionally, some formatting options have keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl + B for bold and Ctrl + I for italic, or Ctrl + K for hyperlink, which make operations faster.

How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad Picture 7

 

Customize Notepad settings

If you like the old-style plain text mode and don't like the markdown or Rich Text formatting in Windows 11 Notepad, go to Settings or the Edit menu to disable the formatting. Then confirm by clicking Turn off .

How to Use Markdown and Rich Text Formatting in Windows 11 Notepad Picture 8

Alternatively, you can use classic notepad.exe to launch the old-style Notepad. Plus, Notepad still supports .txt files, so your existing notes won't get messed up.

Boost productivity with Notepad

  1. With Rich Text formatting in Windows 11 Notepad, you can create to-do lists, compose documents, or format notes without needing additional apps.
  2. Master and use keyboard shortcuts regularly for faster use.
  3. Save the file as .md for markdown and .txt for plain text to keep things clean.

The new markdown and Rich Text formatting features in Notepad Windows 11 make it the perfect tool for anyone taking notes. Just update to the latest version via the Microsoft Store and enjoy!

4 ★ | 1 Vote

May be interested

  • How to Open NotepadHow to Open Notepad
    notepad is an incredibly easy-to-use text editor bundled with the microsoft windows operating system. you can find and open notepad from within the microsoft windows start menu, or you can create a new text file right on your desktop....
  • 7 best Markdown editors for Android and iPhone7 best Markdown editors for Android and iPhone
    as more and more people move to mobile devices, more people are wanting to use markdown on their phones. ia writer, jotterpad, joplin, inkdrop, obsidian, wiz note, simplenote
  • How to quickly open the data file with the Notepad editorHow to quickly open the data file with the Notepad editor
    if you only handle common text content, without editing, the notepad software available on your computer will be the first choice. and we can re-open the file with a quicker notepad than the usual one.
  • Use Notepad to make the keyboard automatically type any text repeatedlyUse Notepad to make the keyboard automatically type any text repeatedly
    although notepad has been around for a long time, users only know notepad with the simple text editor without knowing that notepad has many other useful features. one of those features makes the keyboard automatically type any text continuously.
  • After years of silence, Notepad has been updated with some useful featuresAfter years of silence, Notepad has been updated with some useful features
    recently, microsoft released a new update for notepad in the windows 10 build 17713 version for insider with some pretty useful features.
  • How to Use Notepad++How to Use Notepad++
    this wikihow teaches you how to install and use notepad++ on your windows computer. notepad++ is a text editor that is optimized for programming languages, making it ideal for coding in languages like c++, batch, and html. open the...
  • The difference between Notepad and WordPadThe difference between Notepad and WordPad
    most people consider microsoft word a standard tool for typing documents on windows. but did you know that each version of windows includes two other basic text editing tools?
  • What is Notepad ++? Compare Notepad ++ and regular NotepadWhat is Notepad ++? Compare Notepad ++ and regular Notepad
    on windows operating systems available for us, notepad software can edit code quickly. but notepad available does not have many features and support for users. in this article, which software tips will guide you about notepad ++? compare notepad ++ and regular notepad.
  • Windows Notepad is now a real writing tool thanks to this AI upgrade!Windows Notepad is now a real writing tool thanks to this AI upgrade!
    notepad is one of the most basic windows tools that ever existed, but microsoft decided it was time for a change. you can still write in notepad as usual, but from now on, there will be support for copilot.
  • 5 best Markdown editors for Linux5 best Markdown editors for Linux
    previously, tipsmake.com has introduced 6 best free online markdown editors and converters and now the best markdown editors for linux.