diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index c48df384508..ce01ef031da 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -161,6 +161,21 @@ Guidelines for a good tutorial:
 Note that the `Figure.show()` function needs to be called for a plot to be inserted into
 the documentation.
 
+### Example code standards
+
+When editing documentation, use the following standards to demonstrate the example code:
+
+1. Python arguments, such as import statements, Boolean expressions, and function 
+   arguments should be wrapped as ``code`` by using \`\` on both sides of the code.
+   Example: \`\`import pygmt\`\` results in ``import pygmt``
+   
+2.  Literal GMT arguments should be **bold** by wrapping the arguments with \*\* 
+    (two asterisks) on both sides. The argument description should be in *italicized* 
+    with \* (single asterisk) on both sides.
+    Example: `**+l**\ *label*` results in **+l***label*
+    
+3. Optional arguments are placed wrapped with [ ] (square brackets).
+4. Arguments that are mutually exclusive are separated with a | (bar) to denote "or".
 
 ## Contributing Code