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Getting Started with Markdown-to-PDF
A complete walkthrough of the converter — from your first paste to a polished PDF export.
Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03
Getting Started with Markdown-to-PDF
This guide walks you through everything you need to start producing professional PDFs from Markdown. You’ll learn the core workflow, how to pick templates, and how to use the live preview to catch issues before export.
The Core Workflow
The converter has a simple three-step flow:
- Write or paste Markdown in the editor on the left.
- Preview the rendered output on the right in real time.
- Download when the layout looks right.
That’s it. No sign-up required for free exports.
Supported Markdown Features
The converter handles standard Markdown plus extended syntax:
- Headings — h1 through h4 with proper hierarchy
- Bold, italic,
strikethrough— inline formatting - Bulleted and numbered lists — nested up to 3 levels
- Code blocks — fenced with language labels for syntax highlighting
- Tables — with alignment and header rows
- Blockquotes — for callouts and citations
- Images — from URLs (PNG, JPEG, WebP)
- Mermaid diagrams — flowcharts, sequence diagrams, Gantt charts (premium)
Choosing a Template
Your choice of template determines the final look of the PDF. Each template has distinct typography, spacing, and color schemes designed for specific use cases.
| Template | Best For | Font Family | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean | Internal notes, drafts, general use | Inter (sans-serif) | Minimal, fast-loading, works everywhere |
| Executive | Client reports, proposals, board decks | Libre Baskerville + Montserrat | Serif headings, navy accents, page numbers |
| Resume | CVs, portfolios, one-pagers | IBM Plex Sans | Compact spacing, two-column layout |
| Academic | Research papers, theses, citations | EB Garamond + Source Sans 3 | Numbered headings, double-spacing option |
| Legal | Contracts, terms, formal documents | EB Garamond + Inter | Traditional serif body, formal spacing |
| Creative | Portfolios, pitch decks, marketing | Space Grotesk + DM Sans | Configurable accent colors, bold headings |
You can switch templates at any time and the preview updates instantly. Your Markdown content stays the same — only the styling changes.
Using the Live Preview
The preview panel on the right shows exactly how your PDF will look. It’s a pixel-accurate rendering of the final output, not an approximation.
Tips for the preview:
- Check page breaks: Long documents will paginate. The preview shows page boundaries.
- Resize narrow tables: Wide tables may need shorter column labels.
- Verify images: Images load from URLs. Make sure your URLs are publicly accessible.
- Scan headings: Heading hierarchy (h1 > h2 > h3) should be logical — it affects PDF bookmarks.
Conversion Options
Below the template selector, you’ll find document options:
- Page Numbers: Adds “Page X of Y” to the footer of every page.
- Text Colors: Customize body text and heading text colors independently.
- Accent Color (Creative and Legal templates): Choose from six preset accent colors that theme headings, borders, and highlights.
Exporting Your PDF
When you’re happy with the preview, click the download button. Two options are available:
- Basic PDF (free): Uses the Clean template, always available, no account required.
- Premium PDF: Uses your selected template with all options applied. Requires a free account for premium templates.
The PDF downloads immediately — no email, no waiting, no watermarks on free exports.
Next Steps
Now that you know the basics:
- Learn how to build reusable custom templates with your brand’s fonts, colors, and logo.
- Check out the API documentation to automate PDF generation from your own applications.
- Browse the template comparison guide to choose the right template for every document type.