md-format

Enforce blank lines and punctuation in Markdown lists for pandoc rendering.

5|1|Updated Mar 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/wolf5996/agentic-skills --skill md-format
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: md-format
Source: https://github.com/wolf5996/agentic-skills/tree/main/md-format
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/wolf5996/agentic-skills --skill md-format

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill prevents markdown, R Markdown, and Quarto list formatting from breaking when pandoc collapses bullet items into inline text.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Pandoc list correctness: Ensures bullet lists render vertically by enforcing a required blank line before the first list item.
  • Consistent structural writing: Applies the same list and formatting rules across .md, .rmd, and .qmd so documentation behaves predictably.
  • Cleaner punctuation conventions: Discourages overuse of em dashes and recommends clearer bold+colon structure in list items.

Quick Start

Use the md-format skill when editing your .md, .rmd, or .qmd and double-check that every bullet list has a blank line immediately before its first item so pandoc renders it correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions about md-format

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
Why does pandoc collapse my markdown bullet lists into inline text?

Pandoc renders bullet lists as inline text when the required blank line before the first list item is missing. Enforcing blank-line placement before lists restores vertical rendering.

How do I fix bullet list rendering failures in Quarto and R Markdown?

Fix bullet list rendering failures in Quarto and R Markdown by enforcing a blank line before the first list item. Avoiding em dashes and using bold-colon structures also improves list consistency.

Does this markdown formatting approach work with Hugo and Quarto pipelines?

Yes, this markdown formatting approach works with Hugo, Quarto, and other pandoc pipelines. It applies consistent list formatting rules across .md, .rmd, and .qmd files for predictable documentation rendering.

What is the best way to format punctuation in pandoc bullet lists?

The best way to format punctuation in pandoc bullet lists is discouraging em dashes and using clearer bold text with colons. This prevents readability degradation and maintains structural consistency.

When do I need to add blank lines before markdown lists in scientific writing?

You need to add blank lines before markdown lists in scientific writing whenever a preceding paragraph or heading immediately precedes the list. This prevents pandoc from collapsing bullet items into inline text.