Essential Markdown Elements

What Markdown syntax do I really need for SOP writing?

You only need a small subset of Markdown.

Headings

Section titled Headings

# Main Title
## Section
### Subsection

Headings create structure and allow navigation.

Lists for Materials and Steps

Section titled Lists for Materials and Steps

- CTAB buffer
- Ethanol
- RNase A

Numbered steps:

1. Add buffer.
2. Mix gently.
3. Incubate 20 minutes.

Use Imperative Voice

Write steps as actions:

✔ Add 500 µL buffer ✘ You should add 500 µL buffer

Clear, direct instructions reduce ambiguity.

Emphasis

Section titled Emphasis

**Critical step**
*Optional step*

Use emphasis sparingly to highlight safety or critical points.

Inline Code for Temperatures and Parameters

Section titled Inline Code for Temperatures and Parameters

Incubate at `55°C` for `20 minutes`.

This improves visual clarity of parameters.