How to add a spoiler tag on Reddit
reddit.com old.reddit.com
TypeEnding of the show: >!they never leave the island!<Readers see
Ending of the show: they never leave the island
Free Reddit formatter, no signup
Short answer: Reddit formats posts and comments with markdown. Type below, watch the preview, then paste into Reddit's Markdown Editor on desktop.
**bold**bold~~struck~~>!hidden!<hidden> quotedquoted 4 spacescode2026 change: typed markdown shows as raw symbols in the Reddit app. Desktop still works. See the timeline
Your formatted preview will appear here as you type...
Launch posts get removed for breaking a self-promotion rule more often than for bad markdown, so MediaFast shows which subreddits allow yours and drafts a rule-aware version.
**bold**Bold text*italic*Italic text~~strikethrough~~Strikethrough# HeadingHeading (use ## for smaller)[text](url)Hyperlink> quoteBlock quote`code`Inline code```code block```Multi-line code- itemUnordered list1. itemOrdered list^(superscript)Superscript text---Horizontal dividerSearch demand
Spoiler tags beat every other formatting question on Google. Each bar jumps to its answer.
Source: Google Ads Keyword Planner, US monthly averages. Close variants like "reddit formatter" share one number.
Where markdown works in 2026
The same markdown renders on two of these and shows as raw symbols on the third.
Markdown availableSwitch to the Markdown Editor and it all renders.
Markdown onlyOlder parser. Write for it and you render everywhere.
Rich text onlyTyped markdown stays as raw symbols. Use the toolbar.
App post composer switches to rich text only
Typed markdown stops converting in the app. Source: markdownformatting.com
App toolbar gets the missing formatting options
Use the toolbar buttons in the app. Source: markdownformatting.com
Desktop markdown unchanged, checked
Legacy markdown editor retired in the app only. Source: Reddit Help
reddit.com on desktop
old.reddit.com
Reddit app (iOS, Android)
From this page to Reddit
Reddit only reads markdown in markdown mode, so step 3 is the one people miss.
Draft and preview here
Type above or use the toolbar. Fix anything that looks off in the preview.
Copy the raw markdown
Press Copy Text. You get the source, every asterisk and pipe intact.
Open the Markdown Editor
On reddit.com, switch the box from the rich text editor to the Markdown Editor.
Paste, check, submit
Paste, scan once more, post. On old.reddit.com skip step 3, every box there is already markdown.
Reddit turns markdown off by default for new posts and comments. Per Markdown Guide, the "Default to Markdown" option in your feed settings flips that for good.
Reddit markdown cheat sheet
Checked against Reddit's Formatting Guide and the old Reddit wiki. Test any code in the editor above.
| Element | Type this | Renders as | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italic | *italic* or _italic_ | italic | One asterisk or underscore on each side. |
| Bold | **bold** | bold | Two asterisks or two underscores on each side. |
| Bold italic | ***bold italic*** | bold italic | Three asterisks on each side. |
| Strikethrough | ~~struck~~ | Two tildes on each side. | |
| Spoiler | >!hidden text!< | hidden text | No spaces right inside the markers. |
| Superscript | x^2 or ^(two words) | x2 | Caret per word is safest on old Reddit. |
| Inline code | `code` | code | Single backticks. |
| Code block | four-space indent | indented code | Fenced ``` blocks work on reddit.com only. |
*italic* or _italic_One asterisk or underscore on each side.
**bold**Two asterisks or two underscores on each side.
***bold italic***Three asterisks on each side.
~~struck~~Two tildes on each side.
>!hidden text!<No spaces right inside the markers.
x^2 or ^(two words)Caret per word is safest on old Reddit.
code`code`Single backticks.
indented code four-space indentFenced ``` blocks work on reddit.com only.
| Element | Type this | Renders as | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading | # Heading | Heading | Space after # required. 6 levels, # to ######. |
| Bullet list | - item | • item | Use - or *. Avoid + on reddit.com. |
| Numbered list | 1. item | 1. item | Use a period. 1) only works on reddit.com. |
| Quote | > quoted text | quoted text | Leave a blank line after the quote. |
| Link | [text](https://site.com) | text | The URL needs https:// or it will not link. |
| Table | | a | b | |---|---| | 1 | 2 | | ab | Dash row under the header is required. |
| Line break | line one·· line two | line one line two | ·· = two trailing spaces. Works everywhere. |
| Divider | --- | Put a blank line above it, or the text above turns into a heading. | |
| Escape | \*not italic\* | *not italic* | A backslash prints the next symbol as text. |
| Auto links | r/startups u/spez | r/startups | Subreddit and user names link on their own. |
# HeadingSpace after # required. 6 levels, # to ######.
- itemUse - or *. Avoid + on reddit.com.
1. itemUse a period. 1) only works on reddit.com.
> quoted textLeave a blank line after the quote.
[text](https://site.com)The URL needs https:// or it will not link.
| a | b | |---|---| | 1 | 2 |
Dash row under the header is required.
line one·· line two
·· = two trailing spaces. Works everywhere.
---Put a blank line above it, or the text above turns into a heading.
\*not italic\*A backslash prints the next symbol as text.
r/startups u/spezSubreddit and user names link on their own.
Sources: Reddit Formatting Guide, old.reddit.com markdown wiki, markdownformatting.com. Checked October 12, 2026.
The 7 most searched formatting jobs
Each card shows the exact markdown, what readers see, and where it renders.
Ending of the show: >!they never leave the island!<Readers see
Ending of the show: they never leave the island
> The best time to post is when your subreddit is awake. Agreed, mornings US time work for us.Readers see
Agreed, mornings US time work for us.
npm install
npm run devReaders seenpm install
npm run devLaunch date: ~~Friday~~ MondayReaders see
Launch date: Friday Monday
**TL;DR:** it took 3 weekends and cost $0.Readers see
TL;DR: it took 3 weekends and cost $0.
E = mc^2 and ^(small print here)Readers see
E = mc2 and small print here
Line one with two trailing spaces·· Line two New paragraph after a blank lineReaders see
Line one with two trailing spaces
Line two
New paragraph after a blank line
Paste a card's markdown into the formatter at the top.
Spoilers show as typed in the preview, Reddit renders themHow to add a spoiler tag on Reddit
How to quote someone on Reddit
How to make a code block on Reddit
How to strikethrough on Reddit
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How to do superscript on Reddit
How to make a new line on Reddit
No server, no account. Your text never leaves the browser tab. Here is the order the preview applies Reddit's rules in, and what it leaves to Reddit. 12 toolbar buttons: bold, italic, strikethrough, headings, links, quotes, inline code, code blocks, both list types, superscript and tables.
The preview renders
**bold***italic****both***~~strike~~# to ### headings[links](https://)> quotes`inline code```` fences- bullets1. numbered^superscript| tables |--- dividersCheck these in Reddit
>!spoilers!<_underscore italic_* star bullets4-space code> > nested quotes\ escapes#### to ###### headingsThese are valid Reddit markdown and they paste through untouched. The preview just shows them as typed.
One Enter, three results
Line one
Line two
Line one Line two
Line one··
Line two
Reddit markdown, two parsers
Write the safe version in the last column and your post renders the same on both.
| Feature | reddit.com | old.reddit.com | Safe for both |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default editor | Rich text, switch to Markdown Editor | Markdown only | Paste into the Markdown Editor |
| Fenced code blocks (```) | Yes | No, backticks show as text | Indent 4 spaces |
| Backslash line break | Yes | No | Two trailing spaces |
| Numbered list with 1) | Yes | No | Use 1. |
| Link title in (parentheses) | Yes | No | Put the title in "quotes" |
| Superscript ^(several words) | Yes | Can misparse | ^each ^word |
| Superscript towers ^^word | No | Yes | One caret per word |
| Bullet with a + sign | No | Not reliable | Use - or * |
Before and after
Same words, same length. The left gets skimmed past, the right gets read and answered.
I built a free tool to track Reddit karma over time
The problem: I kept losing track of which posts performed, and couldn't find a simple dashboard for it.
What it does:
What I'd love feedback on:
Happy to answer anything in the comments.
A title that says the point
The title does the heavy lifting. Keep the body heading-free if the post is short.
Title field, plain textBold lead-ins, one per block
Skimmers read the bold words first. One per paragraph gives them the outline.
**The problem:** ...A bullet list for features
Three related facts in a list read faster than one long sentence.
- Tracks karma growthA numbered list for the ask
Numbered questions get numbered answers. Replies quote '2.' instead of guessing.
1. What else would you want?A one-line closer
Invite replies in plain words. No sign-off, no link dump at the bottom.
Happy to answer anythingThe markdown behind the after
**The problem:** I kept losing track of which posts performed, and couldn't find a simple dashboard for it. **What it does:** - Tracks karma growth day by day - Surfaces your best performing posts - Built on a free API, took about 3 weekends **What I'd love feedback on:** 1. What else would you want to see? 2. Would a weekly email summary be useful? Happy to answer anything in the comments.
Copy, paste, fill in
Paste one into the editor above, swap the brackets for your words, check the preview.
**Context:** [one or two sentences on your situation] **What happened:** - [point 1] - [point 2] - [point 3] **My question:** [the one thing you want answered] Thanks for reading.
**Context:** [1 to 2 sentences on your situation] **What I've already tried:** 1. [Attempt 1], result: [what happened] 2. [Attempt 2], result: [what happened] **What I'm asking:** [the specific decision or answer you need] Appreciate any input, especially from anyone who has dealt with this directly.
**The problem:** [1 to 2 sentences on the pain, written like you're telling a friend] **What it does:** - [Core feature 1] - [Core feature 2] - [Core feature 3] **Why I'm posting here:** [honest reason, e.g. feedback before a wider launch] [Link, only if the subreddit's self-promotion rules allow it] Happy to answer questions about how it works.
# I am [who you are], ask me anything **Proof:** [link or description of your verification] **A bit about me:** [2 to 3 sentences of real background, no sales pitch] **Ask me about:** - [Topic 1] - [Topic 2] - [Topic 3] I'll be answering from [start time] to [end time] [timezone].
> [the exact line you are replying to] [Your answer in 1 to 3 sentences.] **What worked for me:** 1. [step] 2. [step] [Optional: one link to a source, not to your product]
Most launch posts get removed for breaking a self-promotion rule, not for ugly markdown. Read the self-promotion rules guide, and tools like MediaFast show which subreddits allow a launch post at all.
The order matters. Words first, structure second, preview last.
Reddit formatting not working?
Find what you see in your post. Most fixes take one keystroke.
Cause: The box is in rich text mode, or you posted from the app
Cause: A single Enter, which old Reddit ignores
Cause: No blank line after the quoted text
Cause: Missing dash row, or missing outer pipes
Cause: No space after the hashes
Cause: URL has no https://
Cause: Triple backtick fence
Cause: ^( ) with a link inside, on old Reddit
Cause: A space right inside >! or !<
Cause: A line that starts with a hyphen
Cause: No blank line above the divider
Images in markdownImages only go in through the rich text editor or an image post.
HTML tagsTags like <u>, <span> and <font> are stripped.
UnderlineThere is no underline syntax at all.
Colors and font sizesHeadings (6 levels) are the only way to make text bigger.
SubscriptSuperscript exists, subscript does not.
Task lists, footnotes, highlightsGitHub-style extras show as plain text.
Sources: Markdown Guide, Reddit page and markdownformatting.com, checked October 12, 2026.
Pair it with
This page handles markdown and preview. These cover the words, length, title and rules.
The demo builds a sample Reddit roadmap for your own website: which subreddits to post in, a rule-aware draft for each, and when each sub is most active.
Free live demo with your own website, no signup.
10 answers on Reddit markdown, previews and why formatting breaks.
Reddit formats text with its own version of markdown. Wrap text in **double asterisks** for bold, *single asterisks* for italic, ~~double tildes~~ for strikethrough and >!this!< for a spoiler. Start a line with > to quote, # plus a space for a heading, - for a bullet and 1. for a numbered list. On desktop, switch the composer to the Markdown Editor first, or the symbols show up as plain text.
Paste or type your draft into the editor at the top of this page. The right panel shows it formatted like a Reddit text post as you type, with no login. It works the same for comments, so you can preview a Reddit comment before replying. When it looks right, press Copy Text and paste the raw markdown into Reddit's Markdown Editor on desktop.
Wrap the text in >! and !<, like >!Snape kills Dumbledore!<. Do not put a space right after >! or right before !<, or the spoiler will not close. It works inline in the middle of a sentence and on both reddit.com and old.reddit.com. Our live preview does not render spoilers yet, so check that one in Reddit after posting.
Start the line with a greater-than sign, like > the text you are quoting. Leave a blank line after the quote before your reply, or your reply gets pulled into the quote. For a quote inside a quote, add one more > per level, like > > nested. In the Reddit app's rich text composer a typed > stays literal, so use the toolbar's quote button there.
Indent every line of the code by four spaces. That works on reddit.com and old.reddit.com. Three backticks above and below the code also work, but only on reddit.com, old Reddit shows the backticks as text. For a short piece of code inside a sentence, wrap it in single backticks.
Leave a blank line to start a new paragraph. For a single line break without a gap, end the line with two spaces before pressing Enter. A trailing backslash also works, but only on reddit.com. If you just press Enter once, old Reddit merges both lines into one paragraph.
Most often the post is in the rich text editor, which shows typed markdown as literal symbols. On desktop, switch to the Markdown Editor. In the Reddit app, Reddit is retiring the legacy markdown editor, so use the toolbar buttons instead. The other usual causes are an unclosed marker like **bold without the closing pair, a missing space after # in a heading, or a missing dashed row under a table header.
Mostly no. Reddit's help center says the mobile app is moving entirely to the rich text composer and the legacy markdown editor for posts and comments is being retired, so typed markdown no longer converts. Markdownformatting.com dates the post composer change to May 4, 2026. Markdown stays on desktop, so format there or use the app's toolbar.
Yes. Separate columns with pipes, then add a row of dashes under the header row, like |---|---|. Keep the pipes at the start and end of every row. Colons in the dash row set alignment: :--- left, :---: center, ---: right. The table button in our toolbar inserts a 3-column template that renders in the preview.
They share the core syntax but run different parsers. Fenced code blocks, backslash line breaks, 1) numbered lists and link titles in parentheses only work on reddit.com. Old Reddit needs four-space code indents, two trailing spaces for line breaks, 1. lists and link titles in quotes. If you write the old Reddit way, the post renders correctly on both.
