How to write Markdown tables and task lists
In GitHub Flavored Markdown, a table starts with a header and a delimiter row with the same number of cells. For a task list, start a list item with - [ ] for an open task or - [x] for a completed one. Save a small example and preview both features before sharing the note.
Make a two-column status table
Use a table for values you want to compare. Imagine a handoff note with two files and a review status for each. Type these four lines one below the other in your Markdown file.
- | File | Review |
- | --- | --- |
- | Map | Ready |
- | Schedule | Waiting |
Put actions in a separate checklist
Leave a blank line after the table. Add - [ ] Confirm the schedule on one line, then - [x] Review the map on the next line. Use a space inside the brackets for an open task and an x for a completed one. Keep a space after the closing bracket before the task text.
The table shows which file is waiting. The checklist shows what to do about it.
Preview the saved note with FlowMD
FlowMD supports rendered Markdown previews in Finder, including tables and task lists. Save the file, select it in Finder and press Space. Check for two columns, then look for one unchecked task and one checked task.
Change the second task’s x to a space in the Markdown source, save, and reopen the preview to check the new state. Checkbox interaction varies by renderer, so use the source file to set the status.
Diagnose pipes or brackets showing as text
If the table appears as text, count the header and delimiter cells. Replace the two-cell delimiter with | --- | to reproduce a mismatch, then restore the second cell. Escape a literal pipe inside a cell with a backslash so it is treated as content.
If a task marker appears as text, check that the line is a list item and has a space after the bracket. If both examples are correct but display as text in the destination, check whether that renderer supports the GFM table and task list extensions.
Questions
Why does my table show pipes instead of columns?
Check the header and delimiter column counts first. Then confirm that the preview supports the table extension.
Can I mark a task complete by clicking the preview?
That depends on the renderer. To mark a task complete in the Markdown file, change the space inside the brackets to an x.