Written and tested by the MD Converter editorial team
Markdown Document Converter Quick Start in 4 Steps
The fastest way to create HTML or PDF with Markdown Document Converter: load a file, check the preview, adjust layout, and export.
What you'll learn
- The fastest path from a Markdown file to HTML or PDF
- Three ways to load files (drag-drop, button, paste)
- How to preview and understand view modes
- Basic layout settings (fonts, margins, page breaks)
- Why browser-only processing matters for privacy
This is the quick-start version. For the full feature reference, see How to Convert Markdown to HTML and PDF.
What you can do
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| HTML export | One self-contained .html file with embedded styles |
| PDF export | Save as PDF via the browser print dialog |
| Live preview | See the rendered result immediately after import |
| Layout settings | Margins, fonts, line height, page breaks |
| Image embedding | Paste/drop images; they embed as Base64 |
| Browser-only conversion | Local Markdown is not uploaded to this site's servers |
Start in 4 steps
Step 1: Load your file
Choose one:
- Drag & drop a .md file onto the drop zone in the center
- Choose file button in the upload area
Supported: .md text files, up to 10 MB.
Step 2: Check the preview
After loading, the rendered result appears in the Preview pane. Verify headings, lists, tables, and code blocks look right.
The document opens directly in the rendered preview, where page boundaries and break controls match the PDF workflow.
Step 3: Adjust layout (optional)
Click Layout settings to open the panel:
- Font size — default 14 px
- Line height — spacing between lines
- Max width — body text width cap
- Font family — sans-serif or serif
Under Advanced: set print margins (mm per side) and page-break rules (e.g. break before h1, avoid splitting tables).
Step 4: Export
- Download HTML — click the button at the bottom. Styles and images embed in one .html file.
- Save as PDF — click "Save as PDF" to open the print dialog; choose "Save as PDF" as the destination. Google Chrome gives the most stable output.
Privacy: your files stay in the browser
Local-file processing (load, convert, preview, download) runs entirely in your browser. Your Markdown is not uploaded to this site's servers for conversion. Remote images still contact their hosts, so follow your organization's policy when working with confidential documents.
FAQ
HTML or PDF — which should I use?
HTML for web or portal embedding; PDF for printing, sharing, or formal submission. Both are available from the same screen.
Will a page reload lose my work?
No. Your Markdown and layout settings are stored in the browser for the session and survive a reload.
Can I use images?
Yes. Drop an image onto the preview near the block where it belongs. It is embedded into the document and can be resized from a corner, aligned, or moved behind a page break. Formats: PNG, JPEG, GIF, and WebP. Limit: 5 MB per file.
How do I control page breaks?
Do not add page-break markup to the Markdown source. Instead, use Layout → Page breaks for document-wide rules and drag the break handles in Preview for fine-tuning. See Adjust page breaks by dragging in Preview.
Why does the PDF look different from the preview?
Reset the print dialog margin to default and zoom to 100%. For deeper diagnosis, see Why Markdown PDFs and Print Look Broken.
Can I start from a preset?
Yes. Before loading a file, choose a document preset for a specification, proposal, meeting notes, report, technical document, or minimal layout. It applies a cover, TOC choice, margins, numbering, and typography together. Use the CTA below the preset gallery to select the Markdown file.
How is the PDF filename chosen?
The tool proposes a safe filename from the cover title, first H1, or original Markdown filename, then adds the date and version when available. Review the suggestion in the save dialog before confirming.
Reopen the exported PDF and verify its first page, final page, links, images, and page count before sharing it.
Related articles
- How-to & BlogHow to Print Markdown or Save It as PDFLearn how to print Markdown or save it as PDF, choose a conversion workflow, control paper and page breaks, and check the final file before sharing.Read article
- How-to & BlogCreate a PDF with Markdown Document Converter in Five MinutesLoad a file, check the preview and layout, then save your first PDF with Markdown Document Converter in five practical steps.Read article
- How-to & BlogMarkdown Document Converter Page Breaks: Drag, Click, and Auto-InsertControl page breaks in Markdown Document Converter: drag or toggle breaks in Preview, use Precise mode, combine layout rules, and fix pagination issues.Read article
- How-to & BlogWhy Markdown Line Breaks Don't Show — Causes and FixesLearn why one Enter does not create a Markdown line break, and choose correctly between blank lines, trailing spaces, backslashes, and `<br>`.Read article