• Basic Syntax

    Chalk extends Markdown with a few lightweight patterns to make authoring course content easier.

    Basic Building Blocks

    1. Headings, paragraphs, lists

    Just like regular Markdown:

    ## Understanding Visual Hierarchy

Visual hierarchy helps users understand what's important.
You can use size, contrast, spacing, and alignment to guide attention.

- Headings
- Buttons
- Images

    2. Embed Blocks (!!!)

    Use !!! blocks to embed images, videos, or motion content.

    !!!
figure-01.png

[Flow diagram of the onboarding steps.]

This visual illustrates the user journey from welcome to profile.

<https://figma.com/file/abc123>
!!!
    • [Alt text] goes in brackets on its own line
    • You can include a filename, description, caption, credit, or source link
    • Links can be bare (https://...) or in angle brackets (<https://...>)
    • For videos, you can add flags like ?loop&autoplay to control behavior

    You can start with just a description, or even just the block itself:

    !!!
image
!!!

    Or the simplest placeholder:

    !!!
!!!

    3. Prompt Blocks (???)

    Use ??? blocks to prompt reflections, encourage active learning, or outline instructional steps.

    ???
What is a component in Figma?
???

    Or leave it empty for now:

    ???
???

    You can use ??? blocks to ask students to reflect or take action.

    ???
Think of a digital product you use often.
What visual cues help you understand how to use it?
???

    You can use ??? blocks to indicate a set of instructional steps for a learner to follow:

    ???
1. Open the file.
2. Press <<R>> to use the Rectangle tool.
3. Click and drag a rectangle on the canvas.
4. With the rectangle still selected, press <<Shift + X>> to swap the fill and outline colors.
???

    4. Quiz Blocks (??? with answers)

    Use ??? blocks with multiple-choice answers for quick checks or self-assessments.

    ???
What is the purpose of a wireframe?

[ ] To polish final design
Wireframes are typically used earlier in the process.

[x] To plan structure and layout
Correct! This is their main purpose.
???
    • [x] = correct answer
    • [ ] = incorrect answer
    • Include feedback after each option

    5. Inline Styling

    You can use standard markdown formatting:

    Use bold text to **add strong emphasis**.

Use italic text to _add emphasis_.

Use a link to reference [a resource](https://buttonschool.com).

    Chalk also supports some additional formatting:

    You can ==highlight a key word or phrase==.

You can mark keystrokes like <<Shift + Return>> or <<Command + R>>.

You can mark UI labels like ::Fixed:: or ::Clip content::.

    These are all intended to add clarity and intention to our writing, in ways that feel natural to write, and add expressiveness to what our writing means.