Plain text workflow

The basic workflow for working with plain text document formats involves both input (getting files into Markdown or a similar format) and output (converting Markdown into other formats). It can be summarized as follows:

Create new plain text files or convert existing documents into plain text
Edit, process, and preview using any editing software or other program you prefer (or using a variety of tools, for example on the command-line)
Export to any other format as needed

In this workflow, the canonical (reference) source of data is always the plain text format. If anything happens to one of the binary output files (e.g., data loss, file corruption, or software becomes outdated or is unable to open the file anymore), just re-export or output to a different format. There is no lock-in, and your content and data will always remain accessible to you and anyone you have shared it with.

Input and output formats

Input/storage formats: plain text (with or without markup)
Output formats: PDF, HTML, EPUB, PowerPoint, .docx (Microsoft Word), .odt (OpenDocument word processing format), .odp (OpenDocument presentation format), online slideshow, etc.

Try it out

You can try out working with plain text right in your browser, without the need to download any software, using the online Markdown editor Dillinger:

Dillinger - Online Markdown Editor

You can copy/paste some or all of the content below or use it as a template for your own content.

# Sample Markdown Document

## Bullet Points

- Apples
- Bananas
- Cherries
  - Dark cherries
  - Rainier cherries

## Numbered List

1. Wash the fruit.
2. Cut larger pieces.
3. Place everything in a bowl.
4. Serve immediately.

## Image Inclusion

![A bowl of fruit](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ubc-library-rc/intro-markdown/HEAD/data/images/fruit-bowl.jpg)

You can also use a web image:

![Markdown logo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/Markdown-mark.svg)

## Table

| Item     | Quantity | Notes              |
|----------|----------|--------------------|
| Apples   | 4        | Slice before use   |
| Bananas  | 6        | Use ripe bananas   |
| Cherries | 2 cups   | Remove the pits    |

## Mixed Example

1. Prepare the ingredients:
   - Apples
   - Bananas
   - Cherries

2. Add them to a bowl.

3. Include a picture:

   ![Prepared fruit bowl](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ubc-library-rc/intro-markdown/HEAD/data/images/prepared-fruit.jpg)

Try changing a heading, adding an item to a list, or editing the table to see the preview update.