A PDF is useful when the reader needs a fixed page, a printable handout, or a file that looks the same on another device. Markdown is useful while the document is still changing. A good workflow keeps both: the .md source for editing and a PDF for delivery.
The quick route: print the rendered note
For a short note, open it in the Markdown preview tool, check the rendered view, then choose More → Print / Save PDF. Your browser opens its print sheet. Select Save as PDF or the equivalent option on your device.
Before saving, look at the print preview rather than assuming the screen layout will carry over. Check:
- headings are not stranded at the bottom of a page;
- code blocks and tables fit without being cut off;
- links remain visible or clickable;
- images have enough resolution for the intended paper size;
- private source notes and comments are not present in the rendered output.
The preview tool processes the note locally in your browser. Printing is handled by the browser and operating system.
Choose the workflow for the job
Browser print
Use browser print for a personal note, handout, or quick archive. It has the fewest moving parts and gives you a visual preview. Browser and font differences can change pagination, so recheck the PDF after saving.
A document converter
A command line converter can make repeated exports predictable. This is useful for a handbook, report, or documentation set. The exact syntax and supported extensions depend on the converter. Pin its version in an automated project and keep a small fixture document that tests tables, code, links, and images.
A publishing system
Use a publishing system when the PDF needs a table of contents, citations, running headers, controlled page breaks, or a house style. Markdown can remain the source, while templates and build files define the publication. This costs more setup but makes recurring documents easier to reproduce.
Images and relative paths
A Markdown image often points to a file beside the note:
The exporter must be able to find images/flow.png relative to the Markdown file. Moving only the .md file will break that reference. Keep the note and its attachment folder together, and test the export from a clean copy of the folder.
Remote images introduce another dependency: the export may need network access, and the remote server can change or disappear. For a document you need to preserve, save an allowed local copy and record its source.
A repeatable export checklist
- Keep the original
.mdfile and attachments in one named folder. - Render the document with the same tool and version you plan to use later.
- Open every important link and inspect every image.
- Review the PDF at normal size and at 200% zoom.
- Search the PDF for a known phrase to confirm the text is selectable.
- Copy the folder and PDF to your backup location.
- Record the export date if the content changes over time.
PDF is a snapshot
A PDF can preserve appearance, but it is harder to revise and reuse than plain text. Treat it as an output, not the only surviving copy. The export guide covers the rest of the note library: filenames, folders, attachments, links, and a test restore.