How do I merge table cells vertically in Markdown?

2024-09-26

Short version

Markdown does not natively support merging table cells vertically. For vertical merging, you may need to use HTML within Markdown or utilize other Markdown variants like GitHub Flavored Markdown that support additional table features.

Long version

Introduction

Merging cells vertically in Markdown is a common requirement when creating tables for better organization of data. Unfortunately, standard Markdown does not support this feature. However, you can work around this limitation in a few ways.

1. Using HTML in Markdown

Since Markdown allows you to include HTML, you can use HTML table tags to create the desired layout. Here's an example:

<table>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td rowspan="2">This cell spans two rows</td>
            <td>Cell 1</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Cell 2</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

This will render as:

This cell spans two rows	Cell 1
	Cell 2

2. Using Markdown Variants

Some Markdown processors, like GitHub Flavored Markdown, may support additional features including extended table syntax. However, vertical merging might still be limited. If your platform supports such features, consult its specific documentation.

Conclusion

While standard Markdown does not support vertical cell merging, using HTML tags is an effective workaround. For advanced table features, check if your Markdown processor has options for enhanced table support. This insight should help you organize your tables better and make your content more readable.

Author's Note: Be mindful of the environments where your Markdown will be rendered to determine the best approach for handling tables.