# MD035 - Keep line breaks consistent
## What this rule does
Ensures all horizontal line breaks (dividers) use the same style throughout your document.
## Why this matters
- **Visual consistency**: Mixed styles (---, ***, ___) look unprofessional
- **Clear document structure**: Consistent dividers make sections easier to identify
- **Reduces confusion**: One style means less to remember when editing
- **Better readability**: Readers know what to expect for section breaks
## Examples
### ✅ Correct
All dividers use the same style:
```markdown
Chapter 1 content here.
---
Chapter 2 content here.
---
Chapter 3 content here.
```
### ❌ Incorrect
Different divider styles mixed together:
```markdown
Chapter 1 content here.
***
Chapter 2 content here.
___
Chapter 3 content here.
```
### 🔧 Fixed
All dividers now use the same style:
```markdown
Chapter 1 content here.
---
Chapter 2 content here.
---
Chapter 3 content here.
```
## Configuration
```yaml
MD035:
style: "---" # Choose your preferred style
```
### Style options
- `"---"` Three hyphens (default)
- `"***"` Three asterisks
- `"___"` Three underscores
- `"- - -"` Spaced hyphens
- `"* * *"` Spaced asterisks
## Automatic fixes
This rule will convert all horizontal dividers to match your configured style, preserving any spacing patterns.
## Learn more
- [CommonMark specification for thematic breaks](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/#thematic-breaks)
## Related rules
- [MD003 - Heading style](md003.md) - Keep heading formats consistent
- [MD012 - Multiple consecutive blank lines](md012.md) - Control spacing between sections
- [MD022 - Headings should be surrounded by blank lines](md022.md) - Ensure proper spacing around headings