[Updated 2025] How to Convert Markdown to PDF with Images

Before We Begin

Previously, using Markdown tools required manual collaboration, review, and multiple publishing steps, which was time-consuming.

With the new workflow platform, GoInsight.ai, the entire process from writing to proofreading and publishing is automated.

Markdown is a lightweight markup language for writing blogs and technical content for its simplicity and higher readability. However, when it's time to publish, present, or share your document with non-technical users, converting a Markdown to PDF is needed.  

With the right methods and tools, exporting Markdown as PDF is a cakewalk. Let us walk you through 6 easy Markdown conversion options without altering the original formatting!

Part 1: Can You Convert Markdown to PDF

The answer is YES. You have a variety of options, ranging from built-in text editors, online conversion tools and browser extensions to dedicated Markdown conversion software. The choice to select the preferred methods depends on your requirements and text complexity (tables, code blocks)

Practical Ways to Convert Markdown to PDF

1. Via Text Editors: For quick, one-offconversion of a basic document, as it doesn’t support formatting.

2. Online Tools: Various online tools and browser extensions support Markdown conversion to PDF without requiring the installation of any software. Examples are MarkdowntoPDF, Vertopal, and

3. Professional Tools: Dedicated applications like Pandoc and Typora provide more flexibility in converting Markdown to PDF, including batch conversion.

Here’s the brief overview of these methods:

Part 2: How to Convert Markdown to PDF

To keep the ball rolling, let us go through the detailed step of each method and tool:

Method 1. Text Editor

If you want the quick conversion of a single or few Markdown documents to PDF, try using text editors. This method doesn’t showcase the Markdown formatting, rather it only shows the raw data.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Head for the .md file location, right-click the file, and select “Open with.”

Step 2: Now, choose a text editor like Notepad or Sublime.

Step 3: Hit Ctrl+P on Windows to open the Print dialog box.

Step 4: Now, select Microsoft Print to PDF and tick the “Print to file” checkbox.

Step 5: Click Print and set the desired location to save the PDF file.

If not, then read ahead for methods all of which retain formatting.

Method 2: Online Tools and Extensions

A range of websites and browser extensions offer a one-click solution to turn your Markdown files into PDF.

1. MarkdowntoPDF: Quick Conversion Website

MarkdowntoPDF is an intuitive website, designed to perform a quick conversion between Markdown and PDF. The fact that it only supports Markdown to PDF conversion makes it ideal for super-quick conversions without customizing the settings.

However, it requires you to sign up with an account to get started. Here are the steps on how to convert Markdown to PDF online:

Step 1: Navigate to MarkdowntoPDF on your browser.

Step 2: After signing up, copy and paste the Markdown file in the left panel.

Step 3: The program will automatically convert it into a PDF.

Step 4: Hit “Download PDF” at the bottom to save the files on your computer.

2. Vertopal: A Highly-Friendly Online Converter

Vertopal is another multi-purpose online tool with options to convert your documents, images, fonts, audio, and 3D models. It lets you upload files from the computer as well as import them directly from Google Drive or Dropbox.

In addition, Vertopal supports batch Markdown to PDF conversion in the paid version. To convert a Markdown document into PDF:

Step 1: Go to Vertopal and click “Choose File.”

Step 2: Hit Convert and wait for the process to finish.

Step 3: Click the Download button to get your PDF document.

And that’s it. Navigate to the Download folder and check your converted PDF file.

3. VS Code with Extensions: For an Integrated Approach  

VS Code is a rich text editor that comes loaded with plenty of plugins to manage different file management requirements. Its Markdown PDF extension allows you to convert Markdown to various Rich Text formats, including PDF and HTML.

This method is ideal for people who have already integrated VS in their workflow. Let’s jump to the step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Head to the VS Code marketplace and click VS Code at the top bar.

Step 2: Search for and install the “Markdown PDF” extension.

Step 3: Open the Markdown file in VS Code. Right-click it and select “Markdown PDF: Export (PDF).”

Step 4: It will be saved in the same folder containing the Markdown file.

Method 3: Use Advanced Tools

If you need a hassle-free and automated solution to convert bulk of Markdown files to PDF with images, use a professional Markdown converter.

1. Pandoc: The Swiss Knife  

Pandoc is a powerful command-line tool that supports quick conversion of Markdown files into various formats, including PDF. It’s extensively used in academia, research, technical writing, and automation because of its highly customizable output.

Requirements:

1. Install Pandoc

2. For better PDFs conversion, also install a LaTeX engine like XeLaTeX or TeX Live.

Here are the steps to proceed:

Step 1: Install Pandoc and LaTex engine, and open the Command Prompt on your PC.

Step 2: Use the “cd” command to head to the folder containing the Markdown files

Step 3: The basic command for single Markdown to PDF file conversion is:

pandoc myfile.md -o myfile.pdf

(Note: Replace myfile.md with your Markdown file name)

One key advantage of Pandoc is its ability to convert batch files in one go. For batch conversion in Terminal (Linux or macOS), use the below command,

for file in *.md; do
pandoc "$file" -o "${file%.md}.pdf"
done 

This command loops through all .md files in a folder and creates a .pdf for each.

For Windows:

Step 1: Open Notepad and paste the following code:

@echo off
for %%f in (*.md) do
pandoc "%%f" -o "%%~nf.pdf"
)
pause 

Step 2: Save it as: convert_md_to_pdf.bat

Step 3: Place this .bat file in the same folder as your .md files.

Step 4: Double-click it to run.

2. Typora: Editor + Export Tool in One

Typora is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Markdown editor that allows users to write and format Markdown visually, then export directly to PDF.

It comes with built-in themes like dark, GitHub style, and newsprint. But unlike Pandoc, it doesn’t support batch processing.

To use this tool:

Step 1: Install Typora and open your .md file in the application.

Step 2: Apply formatting like bold, italic, or code blocks

Step 3: Go to File > Export > PDF.

Step 4: Choose the filename and click Save.

Part 3: Why Need to Convert Markdown to PDF?  

Markdown is fantastic for developers and high-end writing, but it lacks native formatting when it comes to commonly-used editors. Some common reasons why it’s a good idea to export Markdown as PDF include:

1. Universal Compatibility: PDF is known for wider compatibility than a Markdown file, making it easier to share or upload on any platform without formatting issues.

2. Additional Security: Users can easily protect the PDF document with a password, making it ideal for sensitive information.

3. Print Ready: PDF by default is optimized for printing, which saves a lot of time and effort.

4. Add Custom Styles and Images: The PDF format offers more editing options to give it a more professional look. You can add images, charts, and mathematical formulas.

Part 4: Tips for Achieving a Perfect Markdown to PDF Conversion

To ensure a seamless Markdown conversion process:

• Make sure the Markdown file is free of errors.
• When converting files one by one, stick to a consistent format style for headings, lists, and links.
• Convert a simple, short file first to confirm what methods works best for your needs.
• Proofread the document, especially the important content and formatting, especially after the first conversion.

Conclusion and Recommendations

And that’s all you need to know about how to convert Markdown to PDF using various online tools and desktop applications. The next step is to choose the preferable method that suits your Markdown conversion requirements.

Overall, online tools are best for quick conversion, while desktop software like Pandoc + LaTeX is suited for frequent conversion needs.