pandoc-converter
Convert documents between formats using Pandoc. Use when the user asks to convert files between formats like markdown, docx, html, pdf, latex, epub, rtf, csv, xlsx, or pptx. Triggers on requests like "convert this to Word", "export as PDF", "turn this markdown into HTML", or "convert the CSV to a table".
When & Why to Use This Skill
The Pandoc Converter skill provides a powerful and versatile solution for document transformation, allowing users to seamlessly convert files between formats like Markdown, DOCX, PDF, HTML, and LaTeX. By leveraging the industry-standard Pandoc engine, it automates the process of reformatting content for different platforms, ensuring high-quality output for technical writing, academic research, and professional reporting through simple natural language commands.
Use Cases
- Case 1: Converting technical documentation or README files from Markdown to Microsoft Word (DOCX) for corporate stakeholders.
- Case 2: Exporting academic papers or research notes into professional PDF or LaTeX formats for formal publication.
- Case 3: Transforming raw data from CSV or Excel spreadsheets into clean, structured HTML tables for web presentation.
- Case 4: Repurposing long-form content or articles into EPUB or RTF formats to ensure compatibility across various e-readers and devices.
| name | pandoc-converter |
|---|---|
| description | Convert documents between formats using Pandoc. Use when the user asks to convert files between formats like markdown, docx, html, pdf, latex, epub, rtf, csv, xlsx, or pptx. Triggers on requests like "convert this to Word", "export as PDF", "turn this markdown into HTML", or "convert the CSV to a table". |
Pandoc Converter
Convert documents between common formats using Pandoc.
Quick Start
# Basic conversion (format auto-detected from extensions)
python scripts/convert.py input.md output.docx
# Specify output format only
python scripts/convert.py document.md --to html
# Check if Pandoc is installed
python scripts/convert.py --check
# List supported formats
python scripts/convert.py --formats
Supported Formats
Document formats (read/write): markdown, html, docx, latex, epub, rtf, pptx, pdf
Data formats (read only): csv, tsv, xlsx
Markdown variants: gfm (GitHub), commonmark
For detailed compatibility, see references/format-compatibility.md.
Common Conversions
| From | To | Command |
|---|---|---|
| Markdown | Word | python scripts/convert.py doc.md doc.docx |
| Markdown | python scripts/convert.py doc.md doc.pdf |
|
| Markdown | HTML | python scripts/convert.py doc.md doc.html |
| Word | Markdown | python scripts/convert.py doc.docx doc.md |
| CSV | HTML table | python scripts/convert.py data.csv data.html |
| LaTeX | python scripts/convert.py paper.tex paper.pdf |
Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
--from <fmt> |
Override input format detection |
--to <fmt> |
Specify output format (if no output file) |
--standalone |
Include document headers/footers |
--toc |
Add table of contents |
--pdf-engine <eng> |
PDF engine: pdflatex, xelatex, lualatex |
Additional Pandoc options pass through directly.
Workflow
- Check installation: Run
python scripts/convert.py --check - If not installed: Follow the installation instructions provided
- Convert: Run the conversion with input and output files
- Present result: Provide the converted file to the user
Installation (if needed)
The script provides installation guidance, but here's a summary:
# macOS
brew install pandoc
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt-get install pandoc
# For PDF output, also install LaTeX:
# macOS: brew install --cask mactex-no-gui
# Ubuntu: sudo apt-get install texlive-xetex
Limitations
- CSV/TSV/XLSX: Input only (converts to tables in other formats)
- PDF output: Requires LaTeX installation
- PPTX: Text extraction works; complex layouts may simplify
- Complex formatting: Some features may not transfer between formats