Skins

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.

Updated 1 min read

Asked for since 2019Atlassian's Jira tracker (JRACLOUD-72631), opened , 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.

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.

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