Text Formatting & Markdown

Overview

Amber provides a complete rich text editor that works natively with markdown. You have three ways to format your text:

Rich text toolbar - Click formatting buttons
Keyboard shortcuts - Quick formatting with keys
Markdown syntax - Type markdown directly, watch it format in real-time

All three approaches work together seamlessly. Your text is stored as clean markdown but displays beautifully in the editor.

Native Markdown Support

Type markdown syntax and watch it format instantly: Bold

Type **your text** or use ⌘ + B

Result: your text Italic

Type *your text* or use ⌘ + I

Result: your text Underline

Type ~~your text~~ for strikethrough or use ⌘ + U for underline

Result: ~~your text~~ Headers

# Heading 1 (⌘ + 1)
## Heading 2 (⌘ + 2)
### Heading 3 (⌘ + 3)

Lists

- Bullet point (type - and space)
- Another point

1. Numbered item (type 1. and space)
2. Second item

Code blocks

Type backticks: `inline code` for code in text
Or triple backticks for a code block:

code block here


**Links**

Link text or use ⌘ + K


**Blockquotes**

Type > at the start of a line Your quote here

<Tip>
Start typing markdown syntax and Amber formats it as you go. Your text is stored as clean markdown but displays beautifully—no need to choose between format and readability.
</Tip>

## Quick Formatting

Select text to access:
- Basic formatting (bold, italic, underline)
- Text alignment
- Headers and styles
- Color highlighting
- AI context options

## Highlighting Colors

Highlight text for:
- Important passages
- Research notes
- Revision marks
- Character dialogue
- Scene markers

## Using the Menu

1. Select text
2. Choose formatting from pop-up menu
3. Or use keyboard shortcuts:
   - `⌘ + B` - Bold
   - `⌘ + I` - Italic
   - `⌘ + U` - Underline
   - `⌘ + L` - Add to AI context

## AI Context

While the `⌘ + L` UI box is replaced:
- Shortcut still works for AI context
- Select text and use menu option
- Or use keyboard shortcut
- Context is preserved

## Customization

Personalize your experience:
- Choose highlight colors
- Set default styles
- Configure menu options
- Save preferences

## Pro Tips

- Use consistent highlighting colors
- Combine with keyboard shortcuts
- Create style guides
- Use colors for different purposes

## Storing as Markdown

All your formatted text is automatically stored as clean markdown:

- **What you type**: Markdown syntax or use the toolbar
- **What you see**: Beautifully formatted text
- **What's stored**: Standard markdown (`.md` files)
- **Why it matters**: Your text is portable, editable in any editor, and future-proof

You never have to think about "converting" between formats—Amber handles it automatically.

## Related Features

- [File Format & Storage](/user-guides/file-format) - Learn about markdown storage
- [Paragraph Formatting](/user-guides/paragraph-formatting) - Multi-paragraph styling
- [Amber Copilot](/user-guides/amber-copilot) - Format text with AI help 

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Features

MCP Integrations

Resources

Text Formatting & Markdown

Overview

Native Markdown Support

​Overview

​Native Markdown Support

Overview

Native Markdown Support