markdown-to-docx

name	markdown-to-docx
description	Use when the user wants to convert Markdown to DOCX, make a Microsoft Word version of a Markdown file, style Word output with a reference template, fix DOCX callouts, or customize the bundled Word template for notes, reports, and review docs.

Markdown to DOCX

Converts Markdown files into Microsoft Word documents with Pandoc, a bundled Word reference template, and DOCX post-processing that makes wide tables auto-fit more naturally in Word, adds clearer spacing after tables, and removes generated heading bookmarks.

When the source Markdown contains Mermaid fenced code blocks, the bundled wrappers also render them to images with Mermaid CLI before Pandoc writes the DOCX.

This skill supports two kinds of work:

• convert Markdown to DOCX with the bundled scripts
• customize Word styling and custom-style callouts in the bundled reference.docx

Quick Start

Use the bundled launcher from this skill directory so installation does not depend on shell execute bits:

macOS/Linux:

python3 scripts/markdown_to_docx.py path/to/file.md
python3 scripts/markdown_to_docx.py path/to/file.md path/to/output.docx

Windows:

py -3 .\scripts\markdown_to_docx.py .\path\to\file.md
py -3 .\scripts\markdown_to_docx.py .\path\to\file.md .\path\to\output.docx

Fallback on macOS/Linux if needed:

bash scripts/pandoc_md_to_docx.sh path/to/file.md

Workflow

1. Detect the operating system and choose:
   • scripts/markdown_to_docx.py as the preferred launcher
   • scripts/pandoc_md_to_docx.sh on macOS/Linux when direct script invocation is needed
   • scripts/pandoc_md_to_docx.ps1 on Windows when direct PowerShell invocation is needed
2. Verify that pandoc is installed before attempting conversion.
3. If the user did not provide an output path, let the script write <input>.docx next to the source Markdown file.
4. Use the bundled scripts/reference.docx as the Word template.
5. If the user wants callouts or special formatting, confirm that the corresponding custom style exists in the template.
6. If the user wants the callout look or typography changed, edit scripts/reference.docx rather than trying to fake the styling in Markdown.
7. If the Markdown contains Mermaid code fences, make sure mmdc from @mermaid-js/mermaid-cli is installed or available through MERMAID_MMDC.

Callout Guidance

Pandoc custom-style blocks only render with special Word styling when the style exists in scripts/reference.docx.

Current bundled callout styles include:

• Note
• Tip
• Important
• Warning
• Risk
• Caution
• InfoBox
• Decision
• Open Question

When the user asks to add or fix callouts:

• keep the Markdown block in the form ::: {custom-style="Style Name"}
• make sure the style name matches Word exactly
• edit the bundled reference.docx if the style is missing or needs different colors, borders, or spacing

Dependencies

• pandoc is required on every platform
• macOS/Linux also need perl, zip, and unzip
• Mermaid diagrams require mmdc from @mermaid-js/mermaid-cli
• Windows relies on built-in PowerShell archive commands

References

Open only what you need:

• references/quick-usage.md for direct conversion commands and expected behavior
• references/callout-styles.md for style names and Markdown examples
• references/troubleshooting.md for missing-tool and template issues