# MD004 - Unordered list style should be consistent
## What this rule does
Ensures all unordered lists use the same marker (* or + or -) throughout your document.
## Why this matters
- **Visual consistency**: Mixed list markers look unprofessional and disorganized
- **Readability**: Consistent markers make it easier to scan lists
- **Maintenance**: One style is easier to remember and apply
- **Style guides**: Most organizations standardize on one list marker
## Examples
### ✅ Correct (using * throughout)
```markdown
* Item 1
* Item 2
* Nested item 1
* Nested item 2
* Item 3
```
### ✅ Correct (using - throughout)
```markdown
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Nested item 1
- Nested item 2
- Item 3
```
### ✅ Correct (using sublist style)
```markdown
* Item 1
* Item 2
+ Nested item 1
+ Nested item 2
- Deep nested item 1
- Deep nested item 2
* Even deeper (cycles back to *)
* Item 3
```
### ❌ Incorrect
```markdown
* Item 1
+ Item 2 (different marker)
- Nested item 1
* Nested item 2
- Item 3 (yet another marker)
```
### 🔧 Fixed
```markdown
* Item 1
* Item 2
* Nested item 1
* Nested item 2
* Item 3
```
## Configuration
```yaml
MD004:
style: "consistent" # Options: "consistent", "asterisk", "plus", "dash", "sublist"
```
### Style options
- `"consistent"` (default): Use whatever marker appears first in your document
- `"asterisk"`: Always use * markers
- `"plus"`: Always use + markers
- `"dash"`: Always use - markers
- `"sublist"`: Each nesting level uses a different marker (cycles through *, +, -)
## Automatic fixes
This rule automatically converts all list markers to match your configured style or the first marker found.
## Learn more
- [CommonMark lists](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/#lists) - Technical specification
- [Markdown Guide - Lists](https://www.markdownguide.org/basic-syntax/#lists) - List best practices
## Related rules
- [MD005](md005.md) - List indentation
- [MD007](md007.md) - Unordered list indentation
- [MD030](md030.md) - List marker spacing
- [MD032](md032.md) - Lists should be surrounded by blank lines