Markdown Anything

Convert PDF, DOCX, and images to Markdown in N8N workflows. Step-by-step guide using the HTTP Request node.

N8N is a self-hosted workflow automation tool. This guide shows how to convert files to Markdown using the HTTP Request node.

Prerequisites

Use this approach for small files where you want the result immediately.

Add an HTTP Request node to your workflow and configure:

Set the body to Form-Data / Multipart:

Parameter Name: file
Parameter Type: File
Input Data Field Name: The field from your previous node that contains the binary file

Optionally add text parameters:

The response JSON contains:

{
    "success": true,
    "markdown": "# Your converted content...",
    "credits_used": 1,
    "credits_remaining": 499
}

Access the Markdown with {{ $json.markdown }} in subsequent nodes.

For large files or batch processing, use async mode to avoid timeout issues.

Add a Webhook node at the start of a separate workflow. Copy its URL — this is where Markdown Anything will send results.

In your main workflow, configure the HTTP Request node as above, but add these extra form parameters:

The API returns 202 Accepted immediately with a status URL.

Your webhook workflow receives the completed conversion:

{
    "id": "uuid",
    "status": "completed",
    "markdown": "# Converted content...",
    "completed_at": "2025-01-15T10:30:05+00:00"
}

Verify the X-Webhook-Signature header if you provided a secret.

N8N webhook URLs must be publicly accessible for async mode. If self-hosting behind a firewall, use sync mode or set up a tunnel.