Tutorial
Master all MarkPDF features from scratch
Welcome to MarkPDF! This tutorial will help you quickly get started with this professional Markdown to PDF tool. Whether you're new to Markdown or an experienced document writer, you'll find useful information here.
Step 1: Understanding the Interface
After opening the converter page, you'll see a two-column layout: the Markdown editor on the left and the live preview on the right. The toolbar at the top holds Templates, Recent documents, Settings (font, paper size, margins), fullscreen and the Download PDF button.
Step 2: Entering Markdown Content
In the left editor, type Markdown or paste an existing document. If you're new to Markdown, load an example to see how it works.
Ready to try? Paste your Markdown into the editor.
Open the converterStep 3: Real-time Preview
This is MarkPDF's signature feature! As you edit content, the right preview area updates automatically after you stop typing for 300ms. You can also click the refresh button to manually update the preview anytime. This lets you focus on writing while seeing results in real-time.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Font
In the settings panel, you can select different fonts. For Chinese content, 'Noto Sans Simplified Chinese' or 'Source Han Sans' is recommended; for Traditional Chinese, choose 'Noto Sans Traditional Chinese'; for Japanese, use 'Noto Sans Japanese'. A font that matches your text avoids missing characters and gives the right regional glyph shapes.
Pick a font and see the result instantly.
Open the converterStep 5: Adjusting Page Settings
Besides fonts, you can adjust other page settings. Paper size supports A4, Letter, A5, and other common sizes; margins can be set to none, small, normal, or large depending on your layout needs. Font size is also adjustable, with 14-16px generally suitable for body text.
Step 6: Generating and Downloading PDF
When you're happy with the preview, click Download PDF (text) and choose “Save as PDF” in the print window: the PDF keeps selectable text. For a one-click file without the print window, open the arrow next to the button and choose Quick download (image) (text is not selectable).
Download your first PDF now. It takes a few seconds.
Open the converterStep 7: Advanced Tips
After mastering the basics, explore tables, code blocks and blockquotes. See the Syntax Guide for the complete Markdown reference.
Useful Tips
Your work is saved automatically in this browser. Press Ctrl/Cmd + S to save right away, and find earlier documents under Recent.
Drag and drop a .md file onto the editor, or use the Open .md file button, to load it.
Use fullscreen mode (button in the top toolbar) for distraction-free editing of long documents.