Markup refers to the use of a markup language to describe the structure and appearance of a particular document. Certain symbols are placed inside a document and are interpreted by a program (such as a web browser and a word processor) or by a compiler (such as LaTeX) into a more readable version of the text.

Markups can include typeface attributes (type, size, color), placement on the page (left flush, right flush, centered), tables, images, hyperlinks, and formulas. Some markup languages (such as HTML and LaTeX) can be readily edited in a text editor directly, while others are more easily edited in a program (such as Microsoft Word). Different markup languages are designed for different purposes: Word for printable documents, papers, letters; HTML for webpages, links, images; LaTeX for formulae, research papers, data presentation.

The Wiki markup is based on LaTeX.