# How to write Jira descriptions in plain Markdown

> A Visual | Markdown switch for Jira Cloud's editor, so you can see and edit a description's Markdown source in your own browser.

Published 2026-09-28, updated 2026-09-28 · Jira · https://skins.dev/blog/jira-markdown/

Asked for since 30 July 2019: Atlassian's Jira tracker (JRACLOUD-72631), https://jira.atlassian.com/browse/JRACLOUD-72631 (1,767 votes).

**Jira Cloud's editor turns Markdown into formatting as you type, and you can't see or edit the source
afterwards. The Markdown for Jira template adds a Visual | Markdown switch to that editor, in your own browser.**

## Steps

1. In Skins Studio, open **Explore**, pick **Markdown for Jira** and click **Create App**.
2. On Jira, open the **Skins** side panel from the browser toolbar. The skin is listed under **On this page**.
3. Switch it on. Jira reloads with a Visual | Markdown switch.

<iframe class="demo-film" src="/how/template-film.html?t=jira-markdown" title="Turning on the Markdown for Jira template" loading="lazy"></iframe>

## What you get

- A Visual | Markdown switch in the row with Save and Cancel.
- Markdown shows the description's source in Jira's own monospace font, and you edit it there.
- Switching back to Visual renders what you wrote.
- Paragraphs, headings, lists, `code`, **bold** and *italics*.

## Limits

- It is not a full CommonMark or GFM implementation.
- It doesn't do tables.
- It changes only your own browser's view: automation rules, the REST API and your colleagues' Jira stay as they are.

## Other options

- **Type Markdown into Jira's editor**: Jira Cloud converts it to formatting as you type. The source is gone afterwards.
- **Jira Server or Data Center**: the editor switches between Visual and Text. Not available in Jira Cloud.
- **Ask Atlassian**: vote on the ticket.

Try Skins: https://skins.dev/ · Install: https://skins.dev/docs/install/