markdown

name	markdown
description	Converts files to Markdown using uvx markitdown, supporting PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, HTML, images with OCR, audio with transcription, ZIP archives, and YouTube URLs. Use when the user wants to convert a file or URL to Markdown.

markdown skill

Convert files to Markdown using uvx markitdown — no installation required.

features

• converts documents, web/data files, media files, archives, and URLs to Markdown
• supports stdout, -o output files, and stdin conversion
• accepts file extension, MIME type, and charset hints for ambiguous input
• can enable or list markitdown plugins when needed

usage

# convert to stdout
uvx markitdown input.pdf

# save to file
uvx markitdown input.pdf -o output.md
uvx markitdown input.docx > output.md

# from stdin
cat input.pdf | uvx markitdown

supported formats

• Documents: PDF, Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), Excel (.xlsx, .xls)
• Web/Data: HTML, CSV, JSON, XML
• Media: Images (EXIF + OCR), Audio (EXIF + transcription)
• Other: ZIP (iterates contents), YouTube URLs, EPub

options

-o OUTPUT      # output file
-x EXTENSION   # hint file extension (for stdin)
-m MIME_TYPE   # hint MIME type
-c CHARSET     # hint charset (e.g., UTF-8)
--use-plugins  # enable 3rd-party plugins
--list-plugins # show installed plugins

examples

# convert Word document
uvx markitdown report.docx -o report.md

# convert Excel spreadsheet
uvx markitdown data.xlsx > data.md

# convert PowerPoint presentation
uvx markitdown slides.pptx -o slides.md

# convert with file type hint (for stdin)
cat document | uvx markitdown -x .pdf > output.md

workflow

1. identify the input file(s) or URL the user wants to convert
2. determine the best invocation (stdout vs -o flag vs stdin pipe) based on context
3. run uvx markitdown <input> — dependencies download on first run, then cache
4. if output looks malformed, suggest a MIME or extension hint via -x or -m
5. return the resulting Markdown to the user or confirm the saved file path

best practices

• output preserves document structure: headings, tables, lists, links
• first run caches dependencies; subsequent runs are faster
• for stdin input, always pass -x or -m so markitdown knows the format

credits

Adapted from steipete/agent-scripts — markdown-converter by @steipete.