avatarLinda Ng

Summary

The website content introduces three formatting features on Medium: Block Code, Superscripts, and Emojis, providing instructions on how to use them to enhance storytelling.

Abstract

The article titled "Here Are 3 Little-Known Formatting Tricks on Medium" reveals formatting features that can significantly improve the presentation of content on the platform. The author, who has been using Medium for 7 months, shares their recent discoveries of these features. The first trick is the Block Code, which allows writers to make important information stand out by placing it within a distinct grey box. The second trick involves using superscripts for source crediting or footnotes, which can be inserted by typing a caret symbol followed by a number. Lastly, the article explains a shortcut for adding emojis by typing a colon followed by a description, streamlining the process of inserting emotive elements into text. The author expresses enthusiasm for these features, particularly the emoji shortcut, and invites readers to share additional tips and subscribe for more insights.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the Block Code feature is an effective way to emphasize key points and make them more noticeable to readers.
  • Superscripts are seen as a clean method for crediting sources within a story, offering an alternative to hyperlinks.
  • The author admits to previously using inefficient methods for adding emojis and praises the convenience of the newly discovered emoji shortcut.
  • There is a sense of excitement and satisfaction in discovering these formatting tricks, as the author expresses happiness and a desire to share these findings with others.
  • The author encourages reader engagement by inviting comments on other potential shortcuts or hacks on Medium.
  • A subtle call to action is included, suggesting that readers consider subscribing to Medium for more stories from the author and contributing to their Macbook fund.

MEDIUM

Here Are 3 Little-Known Formatting Tricks on Medium

I discovered them not long ago too!

I am as happy as she is! Photo by juan mendez

Since I have been on Medium for 7 months, you would think that I am quite well versed on all of the features that Medium has to offer. WRONG! Even today, I am still discovering new short-cuts and hacks!

Here are three super useful formatting features that you may want to use to enhance your stories.

01 — Block Code

Is there something you want to emphasize for the reader? Maybe you want to include a table of contents for a long post? You can use bold or italics, but that doesn’t really help the information stand out. Use the Block Code Feature instead! Here is how it looks.

1. What is Block Code on Medium?
2. Why do I want to use Block Code?
3. How do I use Block Code?
I think the Block Code feature is really cool. I can emphasize certain points in this neat little grey box.

To insert Block Code:

  • For MAC, use this key combination: Command + Option + 6
  • For Windows, use this key combination: Control + ALT + 6

02 — Superscripts

Looking for a clean way to credit your sources? I find it nice to use a superscript and then add the link at the bottom of my story. Of course, you can always just use a hyperlink too.

Here is how a superscript looks.¹

To insert a superscript, type ^ and a number.

03 — Emojis

I was always going to my menu bar and stupidly choosing emojis that way. What a time waster. Did you know that there is a short cut to choose an emoji?

👌 😲 😜 👹 😛 ✋

I just threw in a bunch of emojis within seconds.

To insert an emoji, simply type :

After the colon, type a description of your emoji (such as smile). Don’t leave a space after the colon. If you’re not sure of the description, simply type any letter and a list of emojis will pop up. WOW! Too convenient! 😄

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

And that’s it! I was so happy to find these three simple ways to enhance my stories, especially the emoji one. Hope it helps you too! If you know of any other shortcuts or hacks, feel free to share in the comments below!

If you found this story useful, consider subscribing/following/ joining Medium as a member for more stories from me!

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