markdownlint "MD013: line-length" error

TL;DR

Wrap the long lines, or set line_length to the project's agreed width in the markdownlint config. Exclude code blocks and tables if the team agrees they should not wrap. Rerun markdownlint to confirm.

The exact error

MD013/line-length: Line length [Expected: 80; Actual: 132]

Steps

1. Find the violations Run markdownlint and collect MD013 hits with file and line numbers. Success check: You have the list of lines exceeding the limit.

2. Wrap prose lines Break long prose lines at sentence or clause boundaries. Keep one sentence per line where the team uses that style. Success check: Prose lines fit within the configured width.

3. Configure exclusions In the markdownlint config, set line_length to the team width and consider disabling MD013 for code blocks and tables via the rule options. Success check: The config reflects the team's actual readability rules.

4. Rerun the linter Run markdownlint and confirm zero MD013 violations. Success check: Clean markdownlint run.

When to use

• Use when markdownlint flags MD013 line-length violations.
• Use when an agent generates markdown docs and must satisfy the repo's lint config.

When not to use

• Not for MD009 trailing spaces (different rule).
• Not for lines that cannot wrap, like long URLs (exclude or allowlist those).

Why it happens

MD013 enforces a maximum line width so diffs stay readable and narrow viewers do not horizontal-scroll. Generated docs with long URLs or table rows trip it constantly, which is why the rule supports per-element exclusions.

Edge cases

Many teams disable MD013 entirely and rely on editor word wrap; check the repo config before reformatting hundreds of lines. Prettier can enforce prose wrap automatically if the team wants it mechanical.

Provenance

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pstC8c6k5xjX3EqX5uFjAbqA

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pstC8c6k5xjX3EqX5uFjAbqA

Thread query: markdownlint "MD013: line-length" error

TL;DR: Wrap the long lines, or set line_length to the project's agreed width in the markdownlint config. Exclude code blocks and tables if the team agrees they should not wrap. Rerun markdownlint to confirm.