wikiHow:Editing Basics

This article will help you get started editing on wikiHow. Unlike some systems, our editor uses simple code to format articles. When published, they look different than when they are being edited. Read on to learn how to use our system. To jump to any section on this page, just click its heading in the table of contents.

For questions, contact the Help Team, post in the Forum or e-mail us.

Contents

Numbering of Steps

1. Use # at the beginning of a new step. The software will automatically insert a step number in place of #. You do not need to write 1, 2, 3 and so on.
   
   

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2. Avoid disrupting the numbering:
   • Don't put any spaces before the #
   • Don't add line breaks (by pressing Enter) until you want to create a new step.
3. To create an indented sub-step, use an asterisk * right after a # sign.
   
   

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Creating Bulleted Lists

1. Use an asterisk * at the beginning of a line to create a bulleted list for the “Tips”, “Warnings”, “Ingredients” and “Things You’ll Need” sections.
   
   

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2. To create a double indented bulleted line for a sublist, use two asterisks ** at the beginning of a line.

Fonts

1. To create a bold font, use three apostrophes before and after text.
   
   

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2. To create an italic font, use two apostrophes before and after text.
   
   

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3. To combine bold and italics (use sparingly) use '''''five''''' apostrophes before and after text.

Links

1. To link to other wikiHow pages (internal link) use double brackets before and after the title of a page. Don't include the "How to" part when writing the title of the page. Use exact capitalization, because titles are case sensitive.
   
   

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2. To replace the internal link with text that people can click on, use a vertical bar followed by text. For example, "Let's be friends" would be created as follows:
   
   

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3. To link to other websites (external links) don't use brackets. Simply type http:// followed by the full URL.
   
   

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   Note that we have a rather strict policy on linking to other websites.

4. To replace the external link with text that people can click on:
   • Use single brackets before and after the URL of another website.
   • Insert one space directly after the URL.
   • Include text directly after the open space, but within the brackets.
   • Example: This is My Website.
     
     

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5. Check to make sure the link is working. A blue link is a functioning link. A red link is a non-functioning link that needs to be corrected.

Adding Images

1. Log in. Only registered or logged in editors are allowed to add images to an article.
2. While in the Guided Editor, click on a button to add an imported image to a particular section.
   
   
   • The Free Image Tool will help you find, size and add an image.
3. Be sure to click on "Publish" to save your changes.
4. For a more detailed overview, see How to Put a Photo in a wikiHow Article.

Adding Video

1. Log in. Only registered or logged in Users can add or change videos.
2. While in the Guided Editor, the "Video" section is between "Steps" and "Tips".
3. Click on "Change or Add Video".
4. Browse through available video options from YouTube and other providers.
5. Choose a video that best illustrates the topic of an article.
6. Click on "Embed It" to add a video to an article.
7. Be sure to click on "Publish" to save your changes.
8. For a more detailed overview, see How to Embed a Video on wikiHow.