Markdown Links
Last updated: 2026-10-14
Links CommonMark core
Write an inline link as [text](url) with an optional quoted title after the url. Links are the soul of hypertext; when a URL repeats, the reference style is easier to maintain.
| Group | Basic: Block |
|---|---|
| Spec level | CommonMark core |
| Spec version | CommonMark 0.31.2 + GFM |
📝 Syntax
[link text](https://example.com "optional title")▶ Live Example
Edit Markdown on the left, see the result on the right
💡 Key points
💡 Tip If a URL repeats 3+ times, switch to reference style — one line to update.
ℹ️ Note For bare URLs that auto-link, see the autolinks entry.
❓ FAQ
Q Do links support relative URLs?
A Yes — relative to the current page, common for on-site navigation.
Q What about parentheses in the URL?
A Encode as %28 %29 or wrap the URL in angle brackets.
Q How to open links in a new tab?
A Not in pure Markdown; use HTML <a target="_blank"> or a renderer option.
📚 See also
ImagesCommonMark core AutolinksGFM extension Link Reference DefinitionsCommonMark core