# Markdown Topic Normalizer > Normalize escaped topic markers in notes. Convert literal \# and leading * item markers into proper Markdown headings, while preserving fenced code blocks and real lists. Use when this capability is needed. - Skill: `tomevault-io/markdown-topic-normalizer` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files) - Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/markdown-topic-normalizer` - Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/markdown-topic-normalizer/raw - Safety review: pending - Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex - Category: Docs & Writing - Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io) - Updated: 2026-09-17 - Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/markdown-topic-normalizer --- # Markdown Topic Normalizer ## Purpose Standardize notes that use literal topic markers like `\# ...` and leading `*...` / `* ...` as pseudo-headings. ## When To Use - A note uses `\#` to denote a topic start. - A note uses leading `*`/`\*` as item-level topic markers (not intended as list bullets). ## Core Rules 1. Never edit inside fenced code blocks - Skip all lines between opening and closing fences (` ``` ` or ` ~~~ `). 2. Normalize escaped hash topic markers - `^\\#\s*(.+)$` -> heading (`##` or `###` based on file style) - `^\\#\s*$` -> blank line - `^(#{1,6})\s+\\#\s*(.+)$` -> keep same heading level, remove escaped hash 3. Normalize leading star topic markers (file-level decision) - If file clearly uses star-prefixed topic items: - `^\*+\s*(.+)$` -> heading (`###` by default) - `^\\\*+\s*(.+)$` -> heading (`###` by default) - Empty marker-only lines -> blank line - Do not convert normal bullet lists in files where `*` is used as actual list syntax. 4. Handle wrapped marker variants - If content appears as italic-wrapped markers (e.g. `*\# title*`), strip wrappers and normalize. ## Heading Level Heuristic - Prefer `##` if the note already uses `##` for top-level topics. - Otherwise use `###` to avoid flattening document structure. ## Verification After conversion, confirm no marker remnants outside code fences: - no literal escaped hash topics remain: `^\\#` - no escaped hash directly under headings: `^#{1,6}\s+\\#` - no leftover star markers (if star conversion was intended): `^\\?\*\s*\S` Also spot-check beginning + a middle section for readability. ## Safety - Preserve original prose content; only change marker syntax. - Avoid broad global replacements without line-anchored patterns. - Keep changes minimal and deterministic. --- > Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/ye99) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.