Block Editor

Structured editing with drag-and-drop blocks

The Block Editor provides a Notion-like editing experience where content is organized into discrete blocks. Drag to reorder, use slash commands to insert new block types, and enjoy seamless Markdown conversion.

Overview

Block-Based Structure

Each paragraph, heading, or list is its own movable block.

Drag to Reorder

Grab any block and drag it to reorganize your content.

Slash Commands

Type / to quickly insert any block type.

What is Block Editing?

Block editing treats your document as a collection of discrete content blocks rather than one continuous stream of text. This approach offers powerful organization capabilities while maintaining full Markdown compatibility.

Each element is a block

Paragraphs, headings, lists, code blocks, and images are all individual blocks.

Blocks can be rearranged

Drag any block to move it anywhere in your document instantly.

Visual manipulation handles

Hover to reveal drag handles and block menus for quick actions.

Seamless Markdown conversion

Switch to code view anytime - your blocks convert to clean Markdown.

Slash Commands

Type / anywhere in your document to open the command palette. Continue typing to filter commands, then press Enter or click to insert. AnySlate offers 18 slash commands organized into 3 categories.

Basic Blocks

/text

Plain text paragraph

/heading1# + space

Big section heading

/heading2## + space

Medium section heading

/heading3### + space

Small section heading

/bullet-list- + space

Create a bulleted list

/numbered-list1. + space

Create a numbered list

/todo[] + space

Track tasks with checkboxes

/quote> + space

Capture a quote

/divider---

Visually divide blocks

Media

/code```

Capture a code snippet

/image

Upload or embed an image

/file

Upload a document file (cloud)

/table

Add a table to organize data

/mermaid

Create flowcharts and diagrams

/bookmark

Save a link as visual bookmark

Advanced

/callout

Make writing stand out

/toggle

Hide and show content

/page

Create a new sub-page (cloud)

Pro Tip

You can also convert existing text by selecting it and using the block type menu, or by typing Markdown syntax directly (e.g., # for heading, - for bullet list).

Drag and Drop

Reorganize your content effortlessly by dragging blocks to new positions.

Hover over a block

A drag handle (six dots) appears on the left side of the block.

Grab the handle

Click and hold the drag handle to pick up the block.

Drag to position

Move the block up or down. A blue line shows where it will drop.

Release to drop

Let go to place the block in its new position.

Visual Drop Indicators

As you drag a block, a blue horizontal line appears between blocks to show exactly where your content will be placed. This makes precise positioning easy and intuitive.

Converting Between Modes

Seamless Mode Switching

AnySlate lets you switch between Block Editor and Code Editor at any time. Your content is automatically converted, preserving all formatting.

Block Editor → Code Editor

Blocks are converted to clean, standard Markdown. Perfect for copying, version control, or when you need direct text access.

Code Editor → Block Editor

Markdown is parsed into blocks. Each element becomes a draggable, editable block with visual handles.

When to use each mode:

Block Editor: Visual editing, reorganizing content, structured documents
Code Editor: Direct Markdown editing, complex tables, raw text manipulation

Block Types Explained

Text Blocks

Regular paragraph text. The default block type for writing content.

Rich text formatting (bold, italic, etc.)

Inline code and links

Automatic Markdown conversion

Heading Blocks

Six levels of headings (H1-H6) for document structure.

Hierarchical document structure

Auto-generated table of contents

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd + 1-6

List Blocks

Bullet lists, numbered lists, and task lists with checkboxes.

Nested list support

Tab to indent, Shift+Tab to outdent

Task lists track completion

Code Blocks

Syntax-highlighted code with language selection.

100+ language support

Copy code button

Line numbers option

Quote Blocks

Blockquotes for citations and callouts.

Nested quotes supported

Attribution line option

Visual indent styling

Divider Blocks

Horizontal rules to separate content sections.

Visual content separator

Converts to --- in Markdown

Click to select, delete to remove

Keyboard Shortcuts

Open slash command menu/

Create new block belowEnter

Delete empty block / merge with aboveBackspace

Indent block (lists)Tab

Outdent block (lists)Shift + Tab

Move block upCmd/Ctrl + Shift + Up

Move block downCmd/Ctrl + Shift + Down

Duplicate blockCmd/Ctrl + D

Ready to explore more?

Learn about other editor features like code editing, preview modes, and keyboard shortcuts.

Back to Editor Guide