Markdown Tables
Last updated: 2026-10-14
Tables GFM extension
Use pipes | for columns and a dashed second row to separate the header; colons control alignment. Tables are a GFM extension — not in the CommonMark core — but widely supported.
| Group | GFM Extensions |
|---|---|
| Spec level | GFM extension |
| Spec version | CommonMark 0.31.2 + GFM |
📝 Syntax
| Header | Header |
|:-------|-------:|
| left | right | (colons: :--- left, :---: center, ---: right)▶ Live Example
Edit Markdown on the left, see the result on the right
💡 Key points
💡 Tip The separator row needs at least 3 dashes; the colon side decides alignment.
⚠️ Warning Cells cannot contain raw newlines — use <br> for line breaks inside a cell.
❓ FAQ
Q How to show a pipe inside a cell?
A Escape it as \|.
Q Do misaligned pipes matter?
A No. Rendering only reads the separator row — alignment in source is cosmetic.
Q What if the separator row is missing?
A It renders as plain text — the separator row is mandatory.
📚 See also
StrikethroughGFM extension Task ListsGFM extension BoldCommonMark core