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MD012 - Remove multiple blank lines

Aliases: no-multiple-blanks

What this rule does

Reduces multiple consecutive blank lines to just one, keeping your documents clean and consistent.

Why this matters

  • Readability: Too many blank lines make documents feel disconnected and harder to follow
  • File size: Extra blank lines waste space without adding value
  • Professional appearance: Clean spacing looks polished and intentional
  • Consistency: Standard spacing makes documents easier to maintain

Examples

✅ Correct

# Chapter 1

This is the introduction paragraph.

## Section 1.1

Content for this section.

## Section 1.2

More content here.

❌ Incorrect

# Chapter 1


This is the introduction paragraph.



## Section 1.1

Content for this section.


## Section 1.2


More content here.

🔧 Fixed

# Chapter 1

This is the introduction paragraph.

## Section 1.1

Content for this section.

## Section 1.2

More content here.

Configuration

[MD012]
maximum = 1  # Maximum number of consecutive blank lines allowed (default: 1)

Automatic fixes

This rule automatically removes excess blank lines, keeping at most the configured maximum (default: 1) between content blocks.

Learn more

  • MD009 - Remove trailing spaces
  • MD047 - End files with a single newline