Writing and Formatting
Orbit’s editor is built for team wiki writing. You can add headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, images, code snippets, diagrams, links, comments, and embeds without leaving the note.
Use this page when you want to format a note, connect it to the rest of the wiki, or prepare it for review.
Common writing tools
Section titled “Common writing tools”Use these tools for daily work:
| Tool | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Paragraph | Normal writing |
| Heading 1 to Heading 4 | Sections and document structure |
| Bullet list | Ideas, requirements, notes |
| Ordered list | Steps that must happen in sequence |
| Task list | Action items and checklists |
| Quote | Decisions, cited text, callouts |
| Code snippet | Commands, snippets, config, logs |
| Table | Owners, decisions, status, comparisons |
| Table of contents | Long notes with many headings |
| Wiki link | Connect one note to another |
| Mermaid diagram | Flowcharts and diagrams |
| Image | Screenshots, diagrams, visual evidence |
| YouTube video | Video references |
| Microsoft Stream video | Internal video references |
Fast formatting
Section titled “Fast formatting”Orbit supports familiar writing shortcuts. Examples include:
#for a main heading.##for a second-level heading.-for a bullet list.1.for an ordered list.[]for a task list.>for a quote.```for a code snippet.[[for a wiki link.```mermaidfor a diagram.
For more examples, see Editor Syntax Reference.
Toolbar actions
Section titled “Toolbar actions”Use the toolbar for common formatting:
- Bold.
- Italic.
- Underline.
- Strikethrough.
- Links.
- Lists.
- Undo and redo.
- Comments.
- Tables and inserts.
Focus mode
Section titled “Focus mode”Focus mode reduces surrounding UI so you can write or review with fewer distractions. Use it for long-form drafting, reading, and review.
Note lock
Section titled “Note lock”The note lock helps prevent accidental edits when a note is in a reviewed or stable state. Users with write access can unlock when edits are needed.
Spellcheck
Section titled “Spellcheck”Spellcheck can be enabled from Settings > Editor & Navigation. It underlines misspelled words in the editor and can store custom words.
Related notes
Section titled “Related notes”Related notes appear near the note navigation area when the setting is enabled. Use them to move through connected work without opening the full graph.