Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about converting Markdown to PDF

Getting Started

MarkdownPDF is a free, browser-based tool that converts Markdown documents to professionally formatted PDF files. No installation, no registration, and completely private.

Quick Start

  1. Open the converter page
  2. Type or paste your Markdown content in the left editor
  3. See the live preview on the right
  4. Customize page size and orientation if needed
  5. Click "Download PDF" to save your document
💡 Pro Tip: Your work is automatically saved in your browser. You can close the tab and come back later without losing your progress!

Markdown Syntax Guide

Headings

Create headings using the # symbol. More # symbols = smaller heading.

# Heading 1 ## Heading 2 ### Heading 3 #### Heading 4 ##### Heading 5 ###### Heading 6

Text Formatting

**Bold text** *Italic text* ***Bold and italic*** ~~Strikethrough~~ `Inline code`

Lists

Create unordered lists with -, *, or +. Create ordered lists with numbers.

Unordered list: - Item 1 - Item 2 - Nested item - Another nested item - Item 3 Ordered list: 1. First item 2. Second item 3. Third item

Links and Images

[Link text](https://example.com) [Link with title](https://example.com "Title") ![Alt text](image-url.jpg) ![Image with title](image-url.jpg "Image title")

Code Blocks

Use triple backticks for code blocks. Optionally specify the language for syntax highlighting.

```javascript function greet(name) { console.log(`Hello, ${name}!`); } ``` ```python def greet(name): print(f"Hello, {name}!") ```

Tables

| Header 1 | Header 2 | Header 3 | |----------|----------|----------| | Cell 1 | Cell 2 | Cell 3 | | Cell 4 | Cell 5 | Cell 6 | Alignment: | Left | Center | Right | |:-----|:------:|------:| | L1 | C1 | R1 |

Blockquotes

> This is a blockquote > It can span multiple lines > > And have multiple paragraphs

Horizontal Rules

--- or *** or ___

PDF Customization

Page Size Options

  • A4: 210 × 297 mm (International standard)
  • Letter: 8.5 × 11 inches (US standard)
  • Legal: 8.5 × 14 inches (US legal documents)
  • A3: 297 × 420 mm (Larger format)

Orientation

  • Portrait: Vertical orientation (default)
  • Landscape: Horizontal orientation (good for wide tables)
💡 Pro Tip: Use landscape orientation for documents with wide tables or code blocks to prevent horizontal scrolling in the PDF.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Work faster with these keyboard shortcuts:

  • Ctrl/Cmd + S: Download PDF
  • Ctrl/Cmd + K: Clear editor
  • Tab: Insert indentation (4 spaces)

Best Practices

1. Use Proper Heading Hierarchy

Start with H1 for the title, then use H2 for main sections, H3 for subsections, etc. This creates a clear document structure.

2. Keep Lines Short

For better readability, keep lines under 80-100 characters when possible.

3. Use Code Blocks for Code

Always use fenced code blocks (```) for multi-line code instead of indentation. Specify the language for better syntax highlighting.

4. Preview Before Downloading

Always check the live preview to ensure your document looks exactly how you want it before downloading the PDF.

5. Save Complex Documents

For complex documents, consider saving the Markdown file locally as a backup before converting to PDF.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the zoom controls to check fine details in your preview before downloading!

Privacy & Security

Your privacy is our top priority:

  • ✅ All processing happens locally in your browser
  • ✅ Your documents never leave your device
  • ✅ No data is sent to any server
  • ✅ No tracking or analytics on your content
  • ✅ Works completely offline once loaded

Troubleshooting

Preview Not Updating?

Try refreshing the page. Your content should be automatically restored from local storage.

PDF Download Not Working?

Ensure you have content in the editor and that your browser allows downloads. Try a different browser if issues persist.

Formatting Looks Different in PDF?

Check the preview before downloading. The PDF should match the preview exactly. If not, try adjusting your Markdown syntax.

Lost Your Work?

Check if your browser's local storage was cleared. The tool auto-saves, but clearing browser data will remove saved content.