wikiHow:Editing Basics

Six Methods:Numbering of StepsCreating Bulleted ListsUsing FontsAdding LinksAdding ImagesAdding Video

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.

Numbering of Steps

  1. 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.
    • Text when editing
      Editing_Basics_text_for_steps_723.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_text_once_published_239.png
  2. 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. 3
    To create an indented sub-step, use an asterisk * right after a # sign.
    • Text when editing
      Editingb_asics_substep_while_editing_2.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_substep_when_published_522.png

Creating Bulleted Lists

  1. 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.
    • Text when editing
      Editing_basics_tips_when_editing_889.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_tips_when_published_251.png
  2. 2
    To create a double indented bulleted line for a sublist, use two asterisks ** at the beginning of a line.

Using Fonts

  1. 1
    To create a bold font, use three apostrophes before and after text.
    • Text when editing
      Editing_basics_bold_font_editing_775.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_bold_font_published_825.png
  2. 2
    To create an italic font, use two apostrophes before and after text.
    • Text when editing
      Editing_basics_italics_in_editing_348.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_bold_font_italics_259.png
  3. 3
    To combine bold and italics (use sparingly) use '''''five''''' apostrophes before and after text.
    • Text when editing
      Editing_basics_bold_italic_editing_86.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_bold_font_and_italics_809.png

Adding Links

  1. 1
    To link to other wikiHow pages (internal link) use double square 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.
    • Text when editing
      Editing_basics_write_link_in_edit_mode_883.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_link_published_54.png
  2. 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:
    • Text when editing
      Editing_basics_links_in_edit_mode_252.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_link_in_publish_mode_368.png
  3. 3
    To link to other websites (external links) don't use square brackets. Simply type http:// followed by the full URL.
    • Text when editing
      Editing_basics_full_link_in_edit_mode_942.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_full_link_in_publish_mode_97.png
    • Note that we have a rather strict policy on linking to other websites.
  4. 4
    To replace the external link with text that people can click on, use single square 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 square brackets.
    • Example: This is My Website.
    • Text when editing
      Editing_basics_full_link_with_name_in_edit_mode_464.png
    • Text once published
      Editing_basics_full_link_with_name_in_publish_mode_448.png
  5. 5
    Check to make sure the link is working. A green link is a functioning link. A red link is a non-functioning link that needs to be corrected.

Adding Images

  1. 1
    Log in. Only registered or logged in editors are allowed to add images to an article.
  2. Editing_basics_add_image_688.png
    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. 3
    Be sure to click on "Publish" to save your changes. For a more detailed overview, see How to Put a Photo in a wikiHow Article.

Adding Video

  1. 1
    Log in. Only registered or logged in Users can add or change videos.
  2. Editing_basics_add_video_255.png
    2
    Click on "Change or Add Video". While in the Guided Editor, the "Video" section is between "Steps" and "Tips".
  3. 3
    Browse through available video options from YouTube and other providers. Use the Video Curation guidelines to help you select an appropriate video.
  4. 4
    Be sure to click on "Publish" to save your changes.

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Article Info

Categories: WikiHow User's Manual | Formatting | Help

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