Format the supplied content for the actual receiving field. The user's explicit instructions take precedence over this skill's guidelines.
Select the renderer
Use the text and destination field/method as input. Infer the destination from the existing payload; if it is unclear and changes the syntax, ask which surface receives the text. For an ordinary Slack message with no other context, state that you are using message text and mrkdwn.
| Destination | Format |
|---|---|
Message text, type: "mrkdwn" objects |
Slack mrkdwn: *bold*, `<url |
markdown block, markdown_text, Work Object Markdown fields |
Standard Markdown: **bold**, [label](url) |
rich_text block |
Nested elements and style objects, not markup strings |
Labels or plain_text objects |
Literal text |
Preserve content and controls
- Escape untrusted
&,<, and>in mrkdwn, in that order. JSON escaping is separate.verbatim: truedoes not neutralize explicit<...>controls. - Use real IDs for mentions and channels. If an ID is missing, leave a clearly labeled template value or ask for it when the output must be ready to send; do not guess from a display name.
- Preserve intended mentions and links without introducing broad notifications. Date controls need a fallback containing timezone information.
- Keep supplied fallback text complete and aligned with block content. Do not assume block rendering supplies mobile notification text.
- Check field-specific limits and method combination rules; non-streaming
markdown_textcannot be combined withtextorblockson the documented chat methods.
Return the requested formatted string, text object, or corrected payload. Preserve meaning and explain a renderer mismatch when fixing one. A formatting task can be completed without posting; send only when that action is requested or already authorized.
References
Read only the part needed for the destination or control syntax.
| Task | Reference |
|---|---|
| Markdown surfaces, text objects, rich text, Work Object text | RENDERERS.md |
| mrkdwn syntax, mentions, date tokens, escaping | SYNTAX.md |
| Links/unfurls, parse flags, notifications, legacy attachments | MESSAGE-BEHAVIOR.md |
| Compact field and syntax lookup | CHEATSHEET.md |
For changing surface support, use Slack's formatting guide and the receiving field/method reference.