Power Automate: Craft Markdown-Formatted Approval Emails Without HTML

Key insights

• Markdown is a simple markup language that you can use in Power Automate approval emails to format text without using HTML. This makes it easier for users who do not know HTML to create well-structured messages.
  
• Simplicity and Consistency: Markdown syntax is easy to learn, and the formatted emails look consistent across different devices and email clients. You avoid the unpredictable results that sometimes happen with HTML.
  
• You can use basic Markdown features like headers, bold, italic, and lists. For example, use # for headers, ** for bold, * for italics, and - or * for bullet points.
  
• The main benefit of this approach is that you do not need any HTML knowledge. The process is faster and more efficient because editing and reviewing the content stays simple and readable.
  
• Community Adoption: Recent tutorials confirm that using Markdown in Power Automate approval flows remains current and popular. Users value being able to format emails professionally without extra technical steps.
  
• Reliability: While Markdown usually works well, there are occasional reports of formatting issues due to changes in Power Automate or how email clients display content. It’s important to test your flows after updates to make sure everything displays correctly.
  

Introduction to Markdown in Power Automate Approval Emails

In a recent video by Softchief Learn, the focus is on the practical use of Markdown formatting within Power Automate approval emails, particularly for Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement CRM users. The tutorial demonstrates how Markdown can be used to create well-structured and visually appealing approval emails without relying on HTML. This approach is gaining traction among professionals seeking an efficient and user-friendly way to enhance business process automation workflows.

Traditionally, approval emails in Power Automate were limited to either plain text or complex HTML formatting. However, the introduction of Markdown as an alternative offers a simpler and more accessible solution. As organizations continue to automate their approval processes, the ability to quickly and consistently format emails has become essential for maintaining professionalism and clarity in communication.

The Advantages of Markdown over HTML

One of the main benefits of using Markdown in Power Automate approval emails is its simplicity. Unlike HTML, which often requires technical knowledge and careful maintenance, Markdown uses straightforward syntax that is easy to learn. For example, users can create headers with # symbols, bold text with **, and bullet points with - or *. This allows even non-technical team members to produce formatted emails efficiently.

Additionally, Markdown ensures consistency across different devices and email clients, addressing a common challenge with HTML emails where formatting can appear differently depending on the recipient’s platform. The readability of Markdown also means that the content remains clear and easy to edit, both during the creation process and when reviewing approval requests later. This combination of usability and reliability makes Markdown an appealing choice for many organizations.

Implementing Markdown in Power Automate Approval Flows

To utilize Markdown in Power Automate, users simply enter their formatted text in the Details field of the "Start and wait for an approval" action. Power Automate then automatically converts the Markdown syntax into rich text formatting in the final email. This streamlines the workflow design and eliminates the need for complex HTML coding.

The video tutorial by Softchief Learn provides clear examples, such as using # for headings, ** for bold, and bullet points for lists. This method supports faster iterations and enhances communication clarity. However, it is important to note that while Markdown covers most basic formatting needs, it may not offer the same level of customization as HTML for highly specialized layouts.

Challenges and Tradeoffs in Using Markdown

Despite its advantages, there are tradeoffs to consider when relying solely on Markdown. While Markdown is generally reliable, some users have reported occasional inconsistencies in how emails are rendered, especially after updates to Power Automate or changes in email client behavior. This means that organizations must test their approval flows regularly to ensure formatting remains consistent.

Furthermore, although Markdown is excellent for basic formatting, those needing advanced design elements or interactive features may still find HTML necessary. The decision between Markdown and HTML ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the workflow and the technical skill level of the team involved. Balancing ease of use with formatting flexibility is a key consideration for workflow creators.

Current Adoption and Community Feedback

As highlighted in Softchief Learn’s July 2025 video, Markdown continues to be widely adopted within the Power Automate community. Many users prefer Markdown due to its accessibility and the speed with which formatted emails can be created. The "No HTML" approach remains especially attractive to teams looking to minimize technical complexity while maintaining professional communication standards.

However, the community also acknowledges the occasional challenges with rendering consistency. To address these issues, it is recommended to stay informed about Power Automate service updates and to thoroughly test any approval flow changes before deploying them across an organization.

Conclusion

In summary, the use of Markdown in Power Automate approval emails offers a practical and streamlined alternative to HTML, making it easier for users to create clear and consistent communications. While there are some limitations and potential challenges with rendering, the overall benefits in terms of simplicity, efficiency, and professional appearance make Markdown a valuable tool for modern workflow automation. As always, balancing these benefits with the specific needs of each organization will ensure the most effective use of this approach.

Keywords

Power Automate Markdown email formatting Power Automate approval email Markdown in Power Automate no HTML email formatting Power Automate tips Markdown for approval emails Power Automate workflow markdown