Project README Markdown Template

Document a software project with prerequisites, installation, usage, configuration, testing, support, contribution, and license sections.

Markdown

# Example Project

> Example Project is a fictional command-line application used only to demonstrate this README structure.

## Overview

Describe what the project does, who it is for, and its current stability.

## Prerequisites

- [Runtime or platform] [supported version]
- [Package manager or build tool]
- [Required external service, if any]

## Installation

```bash
git clone https://example.com/example-org/example-project.git
cd example-project
[install command]
```

## Quick start

```bash
[command] --input example.md --output example.html
```

Expected result: [Describe the example output without claiming unverified behavior.]

## Usage

```text
[command] [options] <input>
```

| Option | Required | Description |
| :--- | :---: | :--- |
| `--input <path>` | Yes | Example input file |
| `--output <path>` | No | Example output destination |

## Configuration

Copy `example.config.sample` to `example.config`, then document each supported setting. Do not commit secrets.

## Testing

```bash
[test command]
```

## Contributing

Read `CONTRIBUTING.md), open an issue for substantial changes, and include relevant tests with a pull request.

## Support

Use the fictional issue tracker at `https://example.com/example-org/example-project/issues`. Replace this URL with the project's real support channel.

## License

State the verified license and link to its file, for example: `[License name](LICENSE)`.

Preview

Example Project

Example Project is a fictional command-line application used only to demonstrate this README structure.

Overview

Describe what the project does, who it is for, and its current stability.

Prerequisites

[Runtime or platform] [supported version]
[Package manager or build tool]
[Required external service, if any]

Installation

git clone https://example.com/example-org/example-project.git
cd example-project
[install command]

Quick start

[command] --input example.md --output example.html

Expected result: [Describe the example output without claiming unverified behavior.]

Usage

[command] [options] <input>

Option	Required	Description
`--input <path>`	Yes	Example input file
`--output <path>`	No	Example output destination

Configuration

Copy example.config.sample to example.config, then document each supported setting. Do not commit secrets.

Testing

[test command]

Contributing

Read `CONTRIBUTING.md), open an issue for substantial changes, and include relevant tests with a pull request.

Support

Use the fictional issue tracker at https://example.com/example-org/example-project/issues. Replace this URL with the project's real support channel.

License

State the verified license and link to its file, for example: [License name](LICENSE).

When to use this template

Use this when a repository needs one dependable entry point for users and contributors. It suits new projects and README refreshes where setup or usage knowledge is scattered.

Section guide

Overview and prerequisites: Set expectations before readers install anything.
Quick start and configuration: Provide the shortest verified path to a working example.
Testing and contributing: Explain how maintainers expect changes to be checked and proposed.

How to use this template

1
Copy the Markdown
Click the Copy button above to put the full template on your clipboard.
2
Paste into your editor
Paste into the mdkit editor, a repository, a notes app, or another Markdown editor. Check tables and task lists in your target renderer because Markdown support varies.
3
Fill in your content
Replace bracketed examples with verified information, adapt fields to your context, and remove sections that do not apply.
4
Export or share
Review sensitive information, links, facts, and formatting. Then commit to Git, share the Markdown, or export to HTML or PDF.

Check before you use it

Replace every example command, package name, URL, and license with verified project information.
Move lengthy API references or architecture material into dedicated documentation and link to it.

Template details

What it solves

A README helps a reader decide what a project is, whether it fits their needs, and how to try or contribute to it without searching the repository.

Key features

Prerequisites, installation, and a copyable quick start
Usage and configuration placeholders
Testing, contribution, support, and license sections
Fictional names and URLs that are clearly marked for replacement

Pro tips

>Test commands in a clean environment before publishing them.
>Lead with the smallest useful example, then link to advanced documentation.
>Add a table of contents only when the README is long enough to need one.

Useful Markdown tools

Start in the Markdown editor, then use a relevant tool when you need to format or export the finished document.

Markdown table of contents generator Markdown to HTML converter