﻿---
title: Syntax guide
description: Learn about the custom Markdown syntax used in Elastic documentation. Refer to the quick reference for a condensed syntax cheat sheet. Elastic Docs V3...
url: https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/pull/2840/syntax
---

# Syntax guide
Learn about the custom Markdown syntax used in Elastic documentation.

## Quick reference

Refer to the [quick reference](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/pull/2840/syntax/quick-ref) for a condensed syntax cheat sheet.

## How it works

Elastic Docs V3 uses a custom implementation of [MyST](https://mystmd.org/) (Markedly Structured Text), which extends standard Markdown with directive syntax.
If you know [Markdown](https://commonmark.org), you already know most of what you need. If not, the CommonMark project offers a [10-minute tutorial](https://commonmark.org/help/).
When you need more than basic Markdown, you can use [directives](https://docs-v3-preview.elastic.dev/elastic/docs-builder/pull/2840/syntax/directives) to add features like callouts, tabs, and diagrams.

## GitHub Flavored Markdown support

V3 supports some GitHub Flavored Markdown extensions:
**Supported:**
- Tables (basic pipe syntax)
- Strikethrough with `~~text~~` (renders as ~~text~~)

**Not supported:**
- Task lists
- Automatic URL linking: [https://www.elastic.co](https://www.elastic.co)
  - Links must use standard Markdown syntax: [Elastic](https://www.elastic.co)
- Using a subset of HTML