Markdown Line Breaks
Last updated: 2026-10-14
Line Breaks CommonMark core
Line breaks inside a paragraph are ignored by default. Three ways to force one: two trailing spaces, a trailing backslash, or a <br> tag. Easy to forget, useful everywhere.
| Group | Basic: Block |
|---|---|
| Spec level | CommonMark core |
| Spec version | CommonMark 0.31.2 + GFM |
📝 Syntax
Two trailing spaces
or a trailing backslash \▶ Live Example
Edit Markdown on the left, see the result on the right
💡 Key points
⚠️ Warning Trailing spaces are invisible and some editors strip them on save — the backslash is safer.
ℹ️ Note In GFM a hard break renders as <br>; strict CommonMark renders a soft break as a space.
❓ FAQ
Q Why does pressing Enter not break the line?
A A single Enter is a soft break that merges; use two trailing spaces or a backslash.
Q Line break or new paragraph?
A Use breaks for compact content like poems or addresses; paragraphs for independent ideas.
Q Do all renderers support backslash breaks?
A CommonMark 0.29+ supports it; some older renderers do not — test first.
📚 See also
ParagraphsCommonMark core Hard & Soft BreaksCommonMark core