Do the numbers in a Markdown ordered list have to be sequential?

No. Markdown parsers automatically renumber ordered lists sequentially when rendering HTML. Writing `1. First`, `1. Second`, `1. Third` will correctly render as 1, 2, 3 in HTML. However, starting with the actual numbers improves readability in raw text.

Can a Markdown ordered list start with a number other than 1?

Yes. CommonMark standardizes custom starting numbers. If you write `5. Fifth step`, the resulting HTML will generate ` `, rendering starting from 5.

How many spaces are required to indent a nested list item?

In CommonMark, indenting by three or four spaces (or a tab) aligns a child list under the parent item. Two spaces are often accepted, but four spaces guarantees consistency across all parsers.

How do I include multiple paragraphs inside a single numbered list item?

Indent subsequent paragraphs by four spaces (or align them with the text following the list marker). This ensures the paragraph belongs to the preceding numbered item rather than breaking the list.

Markdown Numbered Lists: Ordered List Syntax Guide

Primary SyntaxCommonMark

1. First step
2. Second step
   1. Sub-step A
3. Third step

Ordered lists (also referred to as numbered lists) are essential for organizing sequential instructions, standard operating procedures, chronologies, technical runbooks, and prioritized agendas.

In CommonMark and modern Markdown editors like Oyma, ordered lists provide sophisticated capabilities including automatic renumbering, custom starting numbers, multi-level nesting, and multi-paragraph list items.

Basic ordered list syntax

To create an ordered list, begin a line with a number followed by a period (.) or a right parenthesis ()), a space, and your list item text:

1. Download the installation archive.
2. Verify the SHA-256 checksum in Terminal.
3. Move the application to the Applications directory.

Both periods and parentheses are valid CommonMark list markers:

1) First phase
2) Second phase
3) Third phase

The period syntax (1.) is by far the most widely adopted and recommended.

Automatic renumbering behavior

One of Markdown’s most convenient features is automated number calculation. You do not need to manually calculate numbers when inserting or deleting steps:

1. Initialize the Git repository.
1. Create the default main branch.
1. Configure commit signing keys.
1. Push initial commit to remote.

When rendered to HTML, this compiles to <ol>, and the browser displays clean sequential numbering: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Authoring tip: While 1. 1. 1. renders correctly, writing actual sequential numbers (1. 2. 3.) is recommended for clarity when reviewing raw text in Finder, Git diffs, or command-line tools.

Custom starting numbers

CommonMark supports arbitrary starting numbers. This is invaluable when splitting a procedure across multiple sub-sections:

### Phase 1: Setup
1. Clone the project repository.
2. Install dependencies via package manager.

### Phase 2: Configuration
3. Copy the environment template file.
4. Set encryption keys and database secrets.

The second list will start at 3. rather than restarting at 1..

Nested ordered and mixed lists

You can create multi-tiered hierarchies by indenting sub-items by three or four spaces (or pressing Tab):

1. Customer Discovery Preparation
   1. Review CRM account notes.
   2. Prepare question outline.
      1. Strategic objectives
      2. Budget constraints
2. Conduct the Interview
   1. Confirm recording permission.
   2. Document core pain points.
3. Post-Meeting Debrief
   1. Synthesize action items.
   2. Share meeting note in Oyma.

You can also nest unordered bullet lists inside numbered sequences:

1. Server Infrastructure Requirements
   - At least 8GB RAM
   - Apple Silicon M-series or 64-bit x86 CPU
   - 20GB available NVMe storage
2. Operating System Setup
   - macOS 14 Sonoma or later
   - FileVault full-disk encryption enabled

Multi-paragraph list items

To include multiple paragraphs, code blocks, or blockquotes within a single numbered step without resetting the list numbering, indent the extra content by four spaces:

1. Initialize the SQLite database connection.

   Ensure that WAL (Write-Ahead Logging) mode is activated before
   executing concurrent write operations.

   ```bash
   sqlite3 notes.db "PRAGMA journal_mode=WAL;"

Run the schema migrations.


The paragraph and code block remain part of item 1, and item 2 correctly continues the sequence.

## Writing ordered lists in Oyma

In Oyma, typing `1. ` automatically initiates an ordered list. Pressing Return creates the next sequential number (`2.`). Pressing Tab indents the item into a sub-step (`2.1` or nested `1.`), while Shift+Tab outdents. Pressing Return on an empty list item cleanly terminates the list.

Frequently asked questions

Do the numbers in a Markdown ordered list have to be sequential?: No. Markdown parsers automatically renumber ordered lists sequentially when rendering HTML. Writing `1. First`, `1. Second`, `1. Third` will correctly render as 1, 2, 3 in HTML. However, starting with the actual numbers improves readability in raw text.
Can a Markdown ordered list start with a number other than 1?: Yes. CommonMark standardizes custom starting numbers. If you write `5. Fifth step`, the resulting HTML will generate `
`, rendering starting from 5.
How many spaces are required to indent a nested list item?: In CommonMark, indenting by three or four spaces (or a tab) aligns a child list under the parent item. Two spaces are often accepted, but four spaces guarantees consistency across all parsers.
How do I include multiple paragraphs inside a single numbered list item?: Indent subsequent paragraphs by four spaces (or align them with the text following the list marker). This ensures the paragraph belongs to the preceding numbered item rather than breaking the list.