Complete guide to converting markdown files to professional PDFs. Compare tools, learn best practices, and create beautiful documents in minutes.
| Tool | Type | Ease | Quality | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diwadi | Desktop GUI | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Easy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | Free / $29 |
| Pandoc | Command-line | ⭐ Technical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | Free |
| Typora | Desktop Editor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | $15 |
| Marked 2 | macOS Preview | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good | $15 |
| VS Code | Code Editor | ⭐⭐ Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ Good | Free |
| Online Tools | Web-based | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy | ⭐⭐ Basic | Free |
Recommendation: Diwadi offers the best balance of ease-of-use and professional quality. Pandoc is best for technical users needing maximum customization. Online tools are fine for quick tests but avoid for sensitive documents.
Diwadi combines Pandoc's conversion power with a simple GUI and AI-powered styling. Perfect for non-technical users who want professional results.
Pandoc is the gold standard for document conversion. Maximum control but requires technical knowledge and command-line comfort.
# macOS
brew install pandoc
brew install basictex # For PDF output
# Windows (via Chocolatey)
choco install pandoc
choco install miktex # For PDF output
# Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)
sudo apt install pandoc
sudo apt install texlive # For PDF output# Simple conversion
pandoc input.md -o output.pdf
# With table of contents
pandoc input.md -o output.pdf --toc
# With custom styling
pandoc input.md -o output.pdf --pdf-engine=xelatex --variable=geometry:margin=1in
# With template
pandoc input.md -o output.pdf --template=custom.texPros
Cons
Typora is a beautiful WYSIWYG markdown editor with built-in PDF export. Good quality output but requires manual CSS styling for professional appearance.
Online converters upload your markdown content to their servers. Avoid for sensitive documents (legal, medical, proprietary business content). Use local tools instead.
# Main Title (H1)
## Section (H2)
### Subsection (H3)
- Use headings for clear hierarchy
- Add table of contents for long documents
- Break content into logical sectionsPro Tip: Creating markdown tables manually is tedious. Use Diwadi's AI table generator:
✅ Use Tools with Templates
❌ Avoid Default Styling
Professional documents need headers/footers with page numbers. Easy in:
Diwadi
Pandoc
Typora
Download Diwadi and convert your first markdown file in 30 seconds
Download Diwadi FreeUse tools like Diwadi (one-click with templates), Pandoc (command-line, technical), Typora (WYSIWYG editor), or VS Code extensions. For professional PDFs without technical knowledge, Diwadi is easiest with built-in styling and templates.
For professional documents: Diwadi (AI-styled, templates, one-click). For technical users: Pandoc (maximum control, LaTeX). For simple conversion: Typora or online tools. Choice depends on your technical skill and output quality needs.
Pandoc is the most powerful but requires command-line knowledge and LaTeX installation. For non-technical users, GUI tools like Diwadi offer similar quality with zero setup and one-click conversion.
Yes! Free options include: Pandoc (command-line), VS Code extensions, online converters, and Diwadi free tier. Premium options ($15-29) offer better templates, styling, and ease of use.
Use tools with built-in templates (Diwadi, Marked 2) or write custom CSS/LaTeX (Pandoc, Typora). Diwadi uses AI to apply professional styling automatically - no CSS or LaTeX knowledge required.
Pandoc: Command-line, maximum control, requires technical skills, LaTeX install, free. GUI converters (Diwadi, Typora): Graphical interface, easier, built-in templates, one-click conversion, some paid.
Yes! Pandoc (scripts), Diwadi (drag folders), and some VS Code extensions support batch conversion. Online tools typically limit to one file at a time.
Use Pandoc with custom templates, Diwadi's built-in template options, or Typora's custom CSS. Diwadi is easiest - select template with headers/footers built-in.
Yes! All markdown to PDF converters support tables. Pandoc and Diwadi handle complex tables best. For creating tables, Diwadi's AI table generator makes it easy.
Pandoc, Diwadi, Typora, and VS Code all work completely offline. Avoid online converters for sensitive documents - they upload your content to cloud servers.