Writing & StyleStyle guide

Using Block Includes for Reusable Sections

Using Block Includes for Reusable Sections records a distinct Microsoft Learn authoring convention and keeps it scoped to that documentation environment rather than presenting it as a universal writing rule.

Quick answer

Use a block include for substantial reusable content such as a paragraph, shared procedure, or shared section; do not use a block include for content smaller than a sentence.

Key details

Core Issueblock include reuse
RegisterMicrosoft Learn technical documentation

Important caveats

Scope Boundary

Microsoft Learn also supports inline includes. This page specifically covers when the contributor guide recommends block includes for larger reusable units.

Further guidance

Content

Use a block include for substantial reusable content such as a paragraph, shared procedure, or shared section; do not use a block include for content smaller than a sentence.

Purpose

Keep Microsoft Learn source readable, accessible, reusable, and predictable while following current contributor-platform conventions.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Markdown reference for Microsoft Learn — Contributor guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft Learn contributor reference for Markdown authoring, including headings/navigation, conceptual images and icons, includes, lists/checklists, nonlocalized strings, alerts, comments, tables, and other Learn extensions.

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