Markdown Underline: How to Underline Words in Markdown

Standard Markdown intentionally omits native underline syntax to avoid confusion with hyperlinks. However, you can underline text by inserting the HTML tag your text, or in Discord using two underscores (__text__).

Syntax Code Snippet

In standard Markdown, use HTML: <u>underlined text</u>
In Discord chat, use double underscores: __underlined text__

Rendered HTML Output Preview

In standard Markdown, use HTML: underlined text

Note: In standard web markdown, links are underlined by default, so manual underlining is discouraged unless necessary.

Platform Compatibility & Differences

GitHub (GFM):

Supports the HTML `underlined` tag in READMEs and issues.

Discord Chat:

Supports `__underlined__` natively (two underscores).

Reddit:

Does not support underlines in Markdown mode to prevent link confusion.

Jupyter Notebooks:

Supports the HTML `` tag.

How to Use Markdown Underline

Copy the ready-to-use Underline syntax snippet below.
Inspect the rendered live preview in both light and dark themes.
Review platform compatibility differences for GitHub, Discord, Reddit, and Jupyter notebooks.
Check common pitfalls and copy formatted snippets directly.

Practical Examples

Underline Syntax Pattern

Underlines in digital text often signal clickable links. When underline is required, use HTML `` or platform-specific syntax.

Input:

In standard Markdown, use HTML: <u>underlined text</u>
In Discord chat, use double underscores: __underlined text__

Output:

Rendered visual format

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

Using underscores thinking it underlines: single underscore `_text_` creates italics, and double `__text__` creates bold in standard CommonMark (except on Discord).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Markdown not have native underline syntax?

John Gruber designed Markdown prioritizing web readability: on the web, underlined text is expected to be a clickable hyperlink. Underlining non-clickable text harms usability.