md2pdf

A CLI tool to convert Markdown to PDF using Typst as the rendering backend.

Features

• Markdown parsing with pulldown-cmark (GFM tables, code blocks, math, task lists, strikethrough)
• YAML frontmatter support (title, author, date)
• 4 predefined themes: default, github, academic, minimal
• Multiple paper sizes: A4, Letter, Legal
• Math support using Typst syntax
• Bundled fonts for consistent rendering across platforms

Installation

cargo install --path .

Usage

# Basic usage - creates input.pdf
md2pdf input.md

# Specify output file
md2pdf input.md -o output.pdf

# Use a different theme
md2pdf input.md --theme github

# Change paper size
md2pdf input.md --paper letter

# Verbose output
md2pdf input.md -v

Options

Usage: md2pdf [OPTIONS] <INPUT>

Arguments:
  <INPUT>  Input Markdown file

Options:
  -o, --output <OUTPUT>  Output PDF file (defaults to input filename with .pdf extension)
      --paper <PAPER>    Paper size (a4, letter, legal) [default: a4]
      --theme <THEME>    Theme to use (default, github, academic, minimal) [default: default]
  -v, --verbose          Enable verbose output
  -h, --help             Print help
  -V, --version          Print version

Supported Markdown Features

• Headings (H1-H6)
• Paragraphs
• Bold and italic text
• Strikethrough
• Inline code and code blocks with syntax highlighting
• Links and images
• Ordered and unordered lists
• Task lists
• Blockquotes
• Horizontal rules
• GFM tables with alignment
• Math (Typst syntax): $E = m c^2$

Frontmatter

Add YAML frontmatter to customize the document header:

---
title: My Document
author: John Doe
date: 2025-01-21
---

# Content starts here...

Themes

Math Support

Math uses Typst syntax (not LaTeX). Key differences:

Inline: $E = m c^2$           (note: spaces between variables)
Block:  $$ sum_(i=1)^n x_i $$  (use sum_() not \sum_{})

See the Typst math documentation for full syntax.

License

MIT