• What is Chalk?

    Chalk is a simple, human-first format for writing lessons, prompts, quizzes, and media blocks using Markdown-style text files.

    It’s designed to:

    • Be easy to write (like taking notes)
    • Scale from rough drafts to production-ready content
    • Keep content readable, editable, and versionable

    Chalk files use the .chalk extension and are treated similarly to Markdown in many text editors. You can write and preview them like Markdown, and they support a few lightweight enhancements to make authoring course content easier.

    Core Principles

    • Writing comes first. You don’t need to learn any code or syntax beyond a few lightweight patterns.
    • Structure can evolve. Start loose. Add more detail as your content matures.
    • Tools will support you. We’ll have validators, previews, and converters — but you don’t need them to begin writing.

    Starting Small

    Chalk supports content at all levels of fidelity. You can begin with:

    • Empty blocks to mark intent
    • Just a URL or a description
    • Notes like <!-- Fill this in later -->

    That’s totally fine. The format is designed to support evolving drafts.

    Need Help?

    You can write your content in Notion, Google Docs, or Markdown.

    If you’re unsure how to format something, just write it naturally — we’ll help clean it up.

    If you ever get stuck, we’re here to help. Chalk is meant to support your thinking, not get in the way.