---
title: "Nutrient PDF-to-Markdown CLI guide"
canonical_url: "https://www.nutrient.io/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown/"
md_url: "https://www.nutrient.io/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown.md"
last_updated: "2026-09-04T00:00:00.000Z"
description: "Convert PDFs to Markdown or text on your computer with the PDF-to-Markdown CLI."
---

# PDF to Markdown

Convert PDFs to Markdown or text on your computer. Standard conversion is free. Use Vision for scans, handwriting, and complex layouts.

Your files stay on your computer. The CLI reports usage details, including the conversion mode and page count. It never sends your file name, file path, document contents, or output.

## Choose a command

**pdf-to-markdown**

Create Markdown with headings, lists, tables, and reading order.

[Read more](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown/getting-started.md)

**pdf-to-text**

Create plain text while preserving columns and spacing.

[Read more](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown/cli-reference.md)

**query**

Search an extracted file and return its most relevant passages.

[Read more](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown/cli-reference.md)

**nutrient auth**

Sign in, check your plan, or sign out.

[Read more](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown/cli-reference.md)

## Standard and Vision

Standard works without an account and doesn’t use Vision pages. The CLI tries to report Standard usage, but a connection problem doesn’t stop the conversion.

Vision improves results for scanned pages, handwriting, formulas, and complex tables. Each input page uses one Vision page from your monthly allowance. Failed conversions don’t use Vision pages. The `query` command is also free.

Use a Nutrient account, an API key, or a Nutrient CLI license key to run Vision.

**Get started**

Install the CLI and convert your first PDF.

[Read more](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown/getting-started.md)

**Compare plans**

Compare monthly Vision allowances and prices.

[Read more](https://www.nutrient.io/api/pricing/pdf-to-markdown/)

---

## Related pages

- [CLI reference](/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown/cli-reference.md)
- [Get started](/guides/dws-pdf-to-markdown/getting-started.md)