Markdown Tools
File to MD Python Overview
Convert PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and HTML documents to Markdown with a single universal Python library, without picking a converter per file type.
Markdown is the format large language models read best, so this converter is built for AI workloads. The output keeps the document structure that matters downstream: headings become Markdown headings, so chunking on them keeps every chunk in context; tables become Markdown tables that models read reliably; lists, emphasis and links are preserved. Page headers and footers are left out, keeping the text free of the noise that pollutes embeddings; spreadsheets become one table per worksheet, labeled with its sheet name, and presentations one section per slide, under its title.
The Images parameter decides what happens to the pictures in a document. Use embed for one self contained file, extract to get the images as separate files, remove for the most compact text, or describe to let an AI model turn them into text: scanned paragraphs and tables are transcribed, charts and photos get short descriptions, and decorative images are dropped. Content that only exists inside an image becomes searchable text this way.
Typical uses are RAG document ingestion, feeding documents into a vector database, passing files as model context, and moving document archives into wikis or static sites.
Lightning Fast Conversions
Process and convert files in seconds with our high-performance cloud infrastructure.
Accuracy Guaranteed
Our advanced algorithms ensure pixel-perfect and content-accurate file conversions.
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ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR compliant with encrypted file processing.
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Developer Friendly
Comprehensive SDKs and clear documentation for quick and simple integration.
Time-Saving Automation
Automate repetitive document workflows and focus on what matters most.
Customizable Parameters
Fine-tune your automation with these powerful conversion options
File
File Supported formats: .doc .docx .pdf .html .htm .xls .xlsx .ppt .pptxFile to be converted. Value can be URL or file content.
PageRange
String Default: 1-2000Set page range or individual pages to convert. Example 1-10 or 1,2,5.
Password
StringSets the password to open protected documents.
Images
Collection Default: embedControls how images are handled in the resulting Markdown. Embed produces a self-contained document with images embedded as base64 data URIs. Extract saves images as separate files referenced by relative links, the result is a zip archive with the Markdown and image files, or a plain Markdown file when the document has no images. Remove replaces images with their alt text when available, producing compact output suited for machine processing. Describe replaces every image with AI generated text: scanned text and tables are transcribed, pictures become short descriptions, producing text-only Markdown for LLM and RAG scenarios.
ListBulletChar
Collection Default: -The character used to mark bullet list items. Markdown allows a hyphen, an asterisk or a plus sign, all three are rendered the same.
Values: - * +DetectHeadings
Bool Default: TrueDetect headings by font size in documents that use direct formatting instead of named heading styles, for example documents recreated from PDF. Documents with real heading styles are unaffected.
StoreFile
Bool Default: FalseWhen the StoreFile parameter is set to True, your converted file is written to ConvertAPI’s encrypted, temporary storage and made available via a time-limited secure download URL, valid for up to 3 hours. After this period, the file is permanently deleted.
When StoreFile is set to False, conversion happens entirely in-memory. The raw file bytes are streamed back in the API response without touching disk or external storage, ensuring maximum security and zero persistence so that only you can access the content.
Step-by-Step Guide
Easy File to MD integration using our Python library
1. ConvertAPI Python library install
ConvertAPI provides a Python library that allows you to perform a File to MD conversion with just a few lines of code. Convert File to MD documents using Python SDK with no effort at all!
Install with pip:
pip install --upgrade convertapi
2. Authenticate your Python library
You can obtain your API Token by signing up for a free account. Once you sign up, you'll receive 250 free conversions instantly! Grab your API Token from the account dashboard, and authenticate the ConvertAPI Python library like this:
# get your API Token here: https://www.convertapi.com/a/auth
import convertapi
convertapi.api_credentials = 'api_token'
3. Convert File to MD using Python in no time!
Once you have your authentication in place, simply copy-paste this file to md conversion code snippet into your Python project:
Integrate within minutes
Easy File to MD automation using our simple Python SDK
Compatible With all Python Frameworks & Tools
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Highest rated File Conversion API on major B2B software listing platforms: Capterra, G2, and Trustpilot.
"ConvertAPI has been a game-changer for our document automation workflows. Their conversion accuracy and API reliability are unmatched in the industry for over 7 years."
"ConvertAPI is a reliable, cost-effective solution with a proven track record of stability. It has grown significantly in maturity, adopting enterprise-grade practices over the years."
"We've integrated ConvertAPI across our entire document processing platform. The performance is exceptional and the support team is always responsive. Highly recommended!"
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