Format Text and Embed Images

Use the shared text editor to format documents, descriptions, discussions, and comments.

• Make text bold (example), italic (example), or strikethrough (example).
• Add numbered lists, bulleted lists, or task lists.
• Add headings using the H2, H3, and H4 toolbar buttons.
• Quote text to highlight important information.

Tips for writing clear documents: Use headings to break up long content. Keep paragraphs short and focused. Use formatting sparingly to avoid overwhelming readers.

Markdown shortcuts#

While you type, the editor turns Markdown-style shortcuts into formatting:

• Bold: **text** or __text__
• Italic: *text* or _text_
• Strikethrough: ~~text~~
• Highlight: ==text==
• Headings: # for H1, ## for H2, ### for H3, and #### for H4
• Bulleted list: - , * , or +
• Numbered list: 1.
• Quote: >
• Code block: type ``` then space
• Link: [label](https://…)
• Line separator: ---, ***, or ___
• Inline code: backticks `code`
• Mention: type @ then choose a person

The H2–H4 keyboard shortcuts are Cmd/Ctrl + Alt + 2, 3, or 4.

Pasted Markdown generally stays literal, except ==highlight==.

Tables#

Click Table in the toolbar to insert a 3×3 table with a header row. Select a cell to open Table settings or Cell actions:

• Insert rows with Add row above or Add row below.
• Insert columns with Add column left or Add column right.
• Use Delete row, Delete column, or Delete table to remove them.
• Use Add header row or Remove header row to change the first row.

Column widths adapt to the content. You can also paste a table copied from another page. Merged cells are split into regular cells, and only a complete first header row is kept as a header.

Task lists#

Click Task list, enter your items, and save the content. In supported saved-content views, you can check or uncheck items without reopening the editor if you have permission to edit that content.

These checkboxes belong to the text. They do not create board tasks or goal checklist items.

Add links to other documents or external websites#

Paste a URL to make it clickable. Supported Operately links display the resource title when you have access. To set your own link text:

1. Click the link icon in the toolbar.
2. Enter the URL and link text.
3. Click Add to insert the link.

Embed images, videos, or files#

Anywhere you see the text editor in Operately, you can attach a file one of two ways:

Option 1: Click the paperclip icon in the toolbar.#

1. Click the paperclip icon in the toolbar.
2. Select the file you want to attach.
3. Click Open to insert the file.

Option 2: Drag and drop the file into the text editor.#

1. Drag the file from your computer into the text editor.
2. Drop the file in the green box that appears.