Paratext Basic USFM Cheat Sheet

Extracted text from USFM_Cheat_Sheet_Portrait.pdf:

Basic USFM Cheat Sheet Text Section Any helpful notes.

Marker Name \Marker Example Main Title \mt (\mt1, \mt2) \mt1_Genesis

1. Identification Required. Always at beginning of book. Standard 3 letter id.

Book ID \id \id_GEN[return]

2. Book Titles Required. Before chapter number, after ID.

3. Chapter Number ers or verses.

Chapter Number \c Required. After book title, before section headings, paragraph mark- \c_6[return]

4. Headings & Labels Section Heading \s (\s1, \s2) \s1_The Thirty Wise Sayings The common marker for section headings: \s1=main, \s2=second level (less important).

Parallel Passage Reference \r \r_(Mark 1.1-8; Luke 3.1-18) Located on line under \s. A reference to a parallel passage.

Hebrew Subtitle \d \d_A Psalm of David Located on line under \s. Usually in Psalms.

5. Paragraphs and Poetic Text Paragraph Text \p \p_Some text {OR} \p[return] Marks a new paragraph. Followed by a space and paragraph text or a new line and a verse marker.

Poetic Text (or Speech) \q (\q1, \q2) \q1_Some poetry {OR} \q1[return] Identifies poetry or text which should be indented. Number represents level of indent.

5. Verses, Cross References and Footnotes Verse Number \v \v_8_This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place... Marker is placed on new line. It is followed by a space, the verse number, another space, then the verse text.

Cross Reference \x...\x* \x_+(\xo_REF)cross reference content\x* \x + \xo 1:11 \xt 2n 24:1415\x* Entered inline within the main scripture body text, usually at start of verse. Defined by an opening and closing marker.

Footnote \f...\f* \f_+(\fr_REF)footnote content\f* \f + \fr 1.21 \fk the prophet: \ft One who announces the coming of the Messiah.\f* Entered inline within the main scripture body text. Defined by an opening and closing marker.