PDF to Markdown
Turn the text of a PDF into a Markdown file, with its headings, emphasis, lists, links and tables, columns read in their order. Structure is read from the look of the page, so check the result. Runs in your browser.
About This Tool
PDF to Markdown reads the text of a PDF and writes it as a Markdown (.md) file, in the order it is read. It takes the structure from the look of the page: a line in clearly larger type becomes a heading, a line that begins with a bullet or a number becomes a list item, lines that keep to the same columns become a table, words in bold or italic are marked, typewriter type is kept as code with its spacing, and a link keeps its address.
A page set in columns is read one column after the other, and Arabic is written in reading order whichever way the file holds it. This is a reading of the page and not a record of how it was made, so check the result against the PDF: a page laid out freely can come out with its parts in another order, a table of long sentences can be taken for columns of text, a bullet that is drawn rather than typed is not seen, and pictures are not included. A link to another page of the same PDF has no address to keep and comes out as plain text.
The conversion runs in your browser and the file is not uploaded.
How to Use
Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF file or click to select.
Configure Options
Under "Page Range", type the pages you want, such as 1-3, 5, or leave it empty for all. Tick "Put each page's number above it as a heading" to head each page with its number, and untick "Preserve line breaks" to join the lines of a paragraph.
Convert and Download
Click "Convert to Markdown". The result appears below under "Preview" and "Markdown Source"; click "Download" to save the .md file. Change an option and convert again whenever you like.
Use Cases
Documentation
Convert PDF manuals and guides to Markdown for version-controlled documentation.
Note Taking
Extract content from PDF articles and books for your note-taking system.
Content Migration
Migrate PDF content to CMS platforms that support Markdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is formatting preserved?
In part, and as a reading of the page. A line in clearly larger type becomes a heading, a line that begins with a bullet or a number becomes a list item, lines that keep to the same columns become a table, bold, italic and typewriter faces are marked, and links keep their addresses. Pictures are left out, and a page laid out freely may need putting in order by hand.
Can I convert specific pages?
Yes. Type them under "Page Range", for example 1-3, 5, 7. If nothing you type matches a page of the file, you are told so and nothing is converted.
Does it work with scanned PDFs?
Not on its own. A scanned page holds a picture, not text. A file of nothing but scans is refused, and when only some of the pages are scans the page names them and converts the rest. Run OCR PDF on the file first, then convert the searchable PDF it gives you.