- 01Inspect the source
- 02Check the renderer
- 03Verify the destination
Each step answers a different question. Verify the final document in its actual destination.
Choose the structure for your readers
Tables compare repeated attributes. Use descriptive headers, short cells and a delimiter row. Colons in the delimiter row control left, right or centered alignment. Escape a literal pipe inside a cell with a backslash.
A small example to try
| Task | Owner | Status |
| :--- | :--- | :---: |
| Review docs | Team | Ready |Paste this example into the editor and compare the source with its preview. Change one element at a time so you can identify which syntax controls the result.
Check compatibility before sharing
Tables are a GFM extension rather than core CommonMark. Keep essential explanations outside the table. Wide tables are difficult on phones; reduce columns or split the information. Preview the destination renderer and exported output.
A practical review checklist
- Check headings and labels explain the content without extra context.
- Test the example in the destination where people will read it.
- Verify links and relative asset paths after moving the file.
- Inspect exported documents separately from the live preview.
- Keep the editable Markdown original alongside distributed copies.
Primary source and further reading
Read the specification or project documentation. Explore the complete Markdown guide and Compatibility Lab.
Want to inspect a small example? Try it in a Markdown preview, then verify your publishing destination.