How to Add Links and Images in Markdown
Add inline links, reference links, and images in Markdown, including titles and clickable image links.
Direct answer
A Markdown link is [visible text](https://url) and an image is the same with a leading exclamation mark: . Use reference-style [text][ref] links to keep long paragraphs clean, and wrap an image in a link to make it clickable. Preview each one to confirm the URL resolves.
Open the Markdown EditorWhen to use this
- You want to add a clickable link or an inline image to Markdown.
- Your paragraphs are cluttered with long URLs you want to move out of the way.
- You need an image that links somewhere when clicked.
Steps
- Write a basic link as [visible text](https://url).
- Add a hover title with [text](https://url "Title text").
- Insert an image with ; the alt text describes it for accessibility.
- Use reference links [text][id] with [id]: https://url defined at the bottom to declutter.
- Make an image clickable by wrapping it: [](link-url).
- Preview to confirm each link opens and each image loads.
Example
A basic [link to MarkdownMe](https://markdownme.com). A link with a [tooltip](https://markdownme.com "Free Markdown tools"). An inline image:  A clickable image: [](https://markdownme.com/tools/markdown-editor) Reference style: see the [docs][1]. [1]: https://markdownme.com/tools
A basic link to MarkdownMe. (underlined, clickable) A link with a tooltip. (title shows on hover) An inline image: [image: MarkdownMe logo] A clickable image: [image that links to /tools/markdown-editor] Reference style: see the docs. (resolves to /tools)
Common mistakes
- Do not leave a space between the ] and the ( in a link, or it renders as literal text.
- Image alt text is not optional for accessibility; describe the image, do not leave it blank.
- Reference labels must match exactly, including case, between [text][id] and the [id]: definition.
FAQ
- What is the difference between a link and an image in Markdown?
- They use the same bracket syntax, but an image starts with an exclamation mark: [text](url) is a link and  is an image.
- How do I make an image clickable in Markdown?
- Nest the image inside a link: [](destination-url). Clicking the image then opens the destination URL.
- When should I use reference-style links?
- Use them when long URLs make a paragraph hard to read. You write [text][id] inline and define [id]: https://url once, usually at the bottom of the document.
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