Does every blockquote line need a greater-than marker?

Many parsers allow continuation lines without one, but repeating `>` is clearer and more reliable. It also protects multi-line quotes during later edits.

How do I create a nested Markdown blockquote?

Add one greater-than marker for each level. Use `>` for the outer quote and `>>` for the inner quote, with a space after the final marker.

Can a blockquote contain a list?

Yes, many CommonMark-compatible processors support lists inside blockquotes. Prefix the list lines with the blockquote marker and test the target renderer.

Should I use a blockquote for a warning?

Only if a simple quoted or indented block fits the meaning. For semantic warnings, use a documented callout or alert component when the publishing system provides one.

Markdown Blockquotes: Syntax and Examples

Start a blockquote line with the greater-than character `>`, followed by a space and the quoted text. Add `>` to each source line for a predictable multi-line quote. Use `>>` for a nested quote. A blank line with a quote marker separates paragraphs within the same blockquote. Blockquotes can contain lists, emphasis, links, and other block elements, but exact behavior depends on the Markdown processor.

Basic blockquote syntax

A blockquote begins with `>` at the start of a line. The usual readable form is `> Quoted text`, with a space after the marker. For a quotation spanning several lines, place the marker on every line: `> First line` and `> Second line`. Many parsers also recognize continuation lines without a marker, but repeating the marker makes the structure clear and protects the quote when someone edits surrounding content. The rendered result commonly uses an HTML `<blockquote>` element. Do not use a blockquote only to indent ordinary content. Use it when the content is a quotation, cited statement, or visually distinct callout supported by the publishing system.

Multiple paragraphs and nesting

To place multiple paragraphs inside one quote, keep the blockquote marker on the blank separator line and on the next paragraph: `> First paragraph`, then `>`, then `> Second paragraph`. Without the marker, the next paragraph may leave the quote. Add another `>` for each nesting level. A nested quote looks like `> Outer statement` followed by `>> Inner statement`. Keep nesting shallow because deep levels become difficult to read and may receive inconsistent styling. A blockquote can include emphasis, links, and code spans. It can also contain lists when every relevant line carries the quote marker. Check how the target renderer handles blank lines, because Markdown extensions can alter block structure.

Use quotes with clear attribution

A blockquote does not automatically identify the speaker, source, or citation. Add attribution in a separate line after the quote, or include a link when the platform supports it. Do not present unpublished text as a quotation without permission or a reliable source. For a warning or note that is not a quotation, use the platform's documented callout syntax when available. A blockquote can provide visual emphasis, but semantic meaning still comes from the surrounding words and HTML structure. Preview the generated page to verify indentation, link behavior, nested content, and mobile layout. If a formatter removes quote markers from blank lines, configure it to preserve block structure.

How do you do it step by step?

1Place `>` and a space before the first quoted line.
2Repeat the quote marker on every line of a multi-line quotation.
3Use a quote-marked blank line when the quotation contains multiple paragraphs.
4Add another `>` for each nested quotation level.
5Include attribution or a source link and verify the rendered HTML.

Working example

This example shows a quotation with attribution and a nested statement.

Input

`> The interface should expose clear states.\n>\n> > Users need to know when a save has finished.\n>\n> Source: [Design notes](https://example.com/notes)`

Result

The renderer displays an outer blockquote containing two paragraphs. The second paragraph contains a nested blockquote, followed by a linked source line.

Replace the example source with a real permitted citation. The nested quote marker must appear after the outer marker.

Frequently asked questions

Does every blockquote line need a greater-than marker?: Many parsers allow continuation lines without one, but repeating `>` is clearer and more reliable. It also protects multi-line quotes during later edits.
How do I create a nested Markdown blockquote?: Add one greater-than marker for each level. Use `>` for the outer quote and `>>` for the inner quote, with a space after the final marker.
Can a blockquote contain a list?: Yes, many CommonMark-compatible processors support lists inside blockquotes. Prefix the list lines with the blockquote marker and test the target renderer.
Should I use a blockquote for a warning?: Only if a simple quoted or indented block fits the meaning. For semantic warnings, use a documented callout or alert component when the publishing system provides one.