PagesToMD vs Pandoc: Choosing the Right Markdown Converter

The Two Approaches to Document Conversion

When you need to convert documents to Markdown, two tools come up repeatedly: Pandoc, the venerable command-line converter, and PagesToMD, a modern web-based solution. Both convert documents to Markdown, but they take fundamentally different approaches.

This comparison helps you understand when to use each tool—because the right choice depends entirely on your specific needs.

Quick Comparison

FeaturePagesToMDPandoc InterfaceWeb-based GUICommand-line Setup RequiredNoneInstallation + configuration Batch ProcessingUp to 100 filesUnlimited (scripted) Apple Pages SupportYesLimited Learning CurveMinimalModerate to steep CustomizationPreset optionsExtensive CostFreemiumFree (open source) Best ForQuick conversions, non-technical usersPower users, automation

PagesToMD: Simplicity First

PagesToMD takes the complexity out of document conversion. Upload your files, click convert, download Markdown.

Strengths

Zero Setup

Open your browser, drag in files, get Markdown. There's nothing to install, configure, or update. This matters when you need to convert a document right now, not after figuring out command-line syntax.

Apple Pages Support

PagesToMD was built specifically to handle .pages files—a format most converters ignore entirely. If you work on Mac, this alone might be the deciding factor.

Batch Processing with Progress

Upload up to 100 files and watch them convert in real-time. Download individually or as a ZIP. No scripting required.

Consistent Output

The web interface means everyone gets the same conversion settings. No "it worked on my machine" issues when sharing converted files with teammates.

Limitations

Internet Required

PagesToMD runs in the cloud. No offline conversion option.

Less Customization

You can't tweak every conversion parameter. The tool makes sensible defaults, but power users may want more control.

File Size Limits

Individual files cap at 50MB. Large documents need splitting.

Ideal Use Cases

Converting documents for AI/LLM workflows

Non-technical users who need Markdown output

Quick, one-off conversions

Apple Pages files

Teams wanting consistent conversion results

Pandoc: Power and Flexibility

Pandoc bills itself as the "universal document converter." It's open source, incredibly powerful, and handles more formats than any other tool.

Strengths

Unmatched Format Support

Pandoc converts between dozens of formats: Markdown, HTML, LaTeX, EPUB, Word, PDF, reStructuredText, and many more. If you need to convert from Markdown to something else, Pandoc is often the only option.

Extensive Customization

Control every aspect of conversion through command-line options, templates, and Lua filters. Want to transform specific elements during conversion? Pandoc can do it.

Automation Ready

Wrap Pandoc in scripts, integrate it into CI/CD pipelines, batch process thousands of files. The command-line interface enables workflows that GUI tools can't match.

Free and Open Source

No cost, no usage limits, no vendor lock-in. Install it once and use it forever.

Offline Operation

Everything runs locally. No internet connection needed, no files uploaded anywhere.

Limitations

Learning Curve

Pandoc's power comes with complexity. Simple conversions require learning command-line basics. Advanced use requires understanding Pandoc's document model, templates, and filters.

Installation Required

You need to install Pandoc (and potentially Haskell dependencies) on each machine. This becomes a barrier in locked-down corporate environments or when helping non-technical colleagues.

Inconsistent Format Support

While Pandoc supports many formats, quality varies. Some conversions work beautifully; others produce subpar results. Apple Pages support, in particular, is limited.

No Visual Feedback

Command-line output doesn't show you what's happening inside the document. You won't know if tables converted correctly until you open the output file.

Ideal Use Cases

Developers building documentation pipelines

Automated conversion in CI/CD

Converting FROM Markdown to other formats

Users comfortable with command-line tools

Scenarios requiring highly customized output

Head-to-Head: Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Converting 20 PDFs for a RAG System

PagesToMD approach:

Go to pagestomd.com

Drag in all 20 PDFs

Click convert

Download ZIP

Time: 5 minutes

Pandoc approach:

Open terminal

Write a bash loop or use xargs

Run: for f in *.pdf; do pandoc "$f" -o "${f%.pdf}.md"; done

Check output files

Time: 5-15 minutes (depending on familiarity)

Winner: Tie. PagesToMD is faster for occasional users. Pandoc is fine if you're comfortable with the command line.

Scenario 2: Converting Apple Pages Files

PagesToMD approach: Upload .pages files directly. They just work. Pandoc approach: Pandoc's Pages support is limited. You'd likely need to export from Pages to another format first, then convert that. Winner: PagesToMD. Native Pages support is a significant advantage.

Scenario 3: Converting Markdown to EPUB

PagesToMD approach: Not supported. PagesToMD converts TO Markdown, not FROM it. Pandoc approach: pandoc book.md -o book.epub

Simple and effective.

Winner: Pandoc. This is exactly what it's built for.

Scenario 4: Team of Non-Technical Writers

PagesToMD approach: Share the URL. Everyone can convert documents without training. Pandoc approach: Install Pandoc on each machine. Train everyone on basic command-line usage. Support inevitable "it's not working" tickets. Winner: PagesToMD. The learning curve matters when rolling out to teams.

Scenario 5: Automated Documentation Pipeline

PagesToMD approach: Would require API access (not currently available for automation). Pandoc approach: Perfect fit. Script the conversion, run it in CI, integrate with your build process. Winner: Pandoc. Automation is its strength.

Making the Decision

Choose PagesToMD if:

You need to convert documents quickly without setup

You're working with Apple Pages files

You're not comfortable with command-line tools

You want consistent results across a team

You're preparing documents for AI/LLM use

Choose Pandoc if:

You need to convert FROM Markdown to other formats

You're building automated conversion pipelines

You need highly customized conversion options

You're comfortable with command-line tools

You want free, open-source software with no usage limits

Using Both Tools

Here's a secret: you don't have to choose just one.

Many workflows benefit from both tools:

Use PagesToMD for quick conversions and formats it handles well (especially Pages)

Use Pandoc for automation, customization, and converting Markdown to other formats

The tools complement rather than compete. Keep both in your toolkit and use whichever fits the task at hand.

Conclusion

PagesToMD and Pandoc represent two philosophies: simplicity versus power. PagesToMD removes friction for the common case of converting documents to Markdown. Pandoc provides unlimited flexibility for users willing to invest in learning it.

For most users converting documents to Markdown occasionally, PagesToMD's zero-setup approach wins. For developers and power users with automation needs, Pandoc remains indispensable.

The best tool is the one that gets your documents converted with the least friction. Try both, and use what works for your workflow.