Markdown ↔ Slack Converter
Convert between standard Markdown and Slack's mrkdwn format. Works in both directions. Free, private, and no sign-up required.
Markdown vs Slack Formatting Reference
| Element | Standard Markdown | Slack mrkdwn |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | **text** or __text__ | *text* |
| Italic | *text* or _text_ | _text_ |
| Strikethrough | ~~text~~ | ~text~ |
| Links | [link text](url) | <url|link text> |
| Headers | # Header | *Header* (bold) |
| Code Block | ```code``` | ```code``` |
| Inline Code | `code` | `code` |
| Blockquote | > quote | > quote |
| Lists | - item or * item | - item or * item |
How to Use This Converter
Choose Direction
Select Markdown → Slack or Slack → Markdown using the toggle.
Paste Your Text
Copy your formatted text and paste it into the input field.
Click Convert
Hit the convert button to transform your text instantly.
Copy & Use
Copy the result and paste it wherever you need it.
Common Use Cases
Documentation → Slack
Share formatted documentation, README files, or wiki content in Slack without losing formatting.
Slack → GitHub
Convert Slack discussions into properly formatted GitHub issues or pull request descriptions.
Slack Bots & Webhooks
Prepare formatted messages for Slack API, incoming webhooks, or custom Slack applications.
Note-Taking Apps
Save important Slack messages to Obsidian, Notion, or other Markdown-based note apps.
Why Slack Uses Different Formatting
Slack developed its own formatting syntax called "mrkdwn" (a playful spelling of markdown) before Markdown became the universal standard it is today. While the two are similar, there are key differences that often trip up users.
The main differences stem from Slack's chat-first design philosophy. Using single asterisks for bold (*text*) instead of double asterisks (**text**) means fewer keystrokes for common formatting. The link syntax <url|text> was designed to be parsed more reliably in a chat context where URLs are frequently shared.
This converter handles all these differences automatically in both directions, so you can write in whichever format you prefer and convert as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slack mrkdwn?
Slack mrkdwn (pronounced "markdown") is Slack's own text formatting syntax. While similar to standard Markdown, it uses different symbols for formatting. For example, bold text uses single asterisks (*bold*) instead of double asterisks (**bold**), and links use angle brackets (<url|text>) instead of square brackets ([text](url)).
Why does Slack use different formatting than Markdown?
Slack developed mrkdwn before Markdown became a universal standard. Their format was designed to be simple for chat messages while avoiding conflicts with common typing patterns. For example, using single asterisks for bold means you're less likely to accidentally format text.
What formatting does this converter support?
This tool converts bold text, italic text, strikethrough, links, headers (converted to bold in Slack), code blocks, and inline code. Lists, blockquotes, and line breaks are preserved as-is since they work the same in both formats.
Can I convert in both directions?
Yes! Use the toggle at the top of the converter to switch between "Markdown → Slack" and "Slack → Markdown" modes. You can also use the swap button (⇄) to reverse direction and move your output to the input field.
Is this tool free to use?
Yes, this converter is completely free with no sign-up required. Use it as many times as you need in either direction.
Does this tool store my text?
No, all conversion happens directly in your browser. Your text is never sent to any server or stored anywhere. Your data stays completely private.