Transform Your Documents with Pandoc: The Universal Document Converter

Pandoc by John MacFarlane is a powerful tool that enables seamless conversion between a wide variety of document formats, making it essential for writers and researchers alike.
Pandoc has numerous features, including support for tables, citations, footnotes, and mathematical equations. It also allows for customizations through YAML metadata blocks and Lua filters. Pandoc can also be used to create slideshows in popular presentation formats such as Reveal.js and PowerPoint.
One of the advantages of using Pandoc is that it can help standardize document formatting across different platforms and applications. This is because Pandoc can convert between different types of markup languages, allowing users to choose the output format that best suits their needs. Pandoc is continually being updated, and new features are frequently added.
In summary, John MacFarlane's Pandoc is a highly versatile and powerful document converter that enables users to convert files between various markup formats. Its features include support for tables, citations, footnotes, mathematical equations, and customizable metadata blocks and Lua filters. Through its many functionalities, Pandoc helps to standardize document formatting across different platforms and applications.
Overview
Pandoc is a Freeware software in the category Development developed by John MacFarlane.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked Pandoc for updates 157 times during the last month.
The latest version of Pandoc is 3.7.0.2, released on 05/30/2025. It was initially added to our database on 07/12/2011. The most prevalent version is 3.6.4, which is used by 40% of all installations.
Pandoc runs on the following operating systems: Windows.
Pandoc has not been rated by our users yet.
Pros
- Supports a wide variety of input and output formats, allowing for easy conversion between different document types.
- Highly customizable through the use of templates and custom filters, giving users control over the output.
- Command-line interface makes it convenient for batch processing and automation.
- Actively maintained with frequent updates and bug fixes.
- Open-source software, available for free under the GPL license.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to the advanced features and command-line interface.
- Non-beginner friendly as it requires some technical knowledge to make full use of its capabilities.
- Documentation can be intimidating and may require some effort to understand fully.
- May not offer as robust visual editing capabilities compared to some other document conversion tools.
FAQ
What is Pandoc?
Pandoc is a free and open-source document converter that enables users to convert files from one markup format to another. It supports several markup languages including Markdown, HTML, LaTeX, reStructuredText, and many others.
Who developed Pandoc?
Pandoc was developed by John MacFarlane, a philosophy professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
What are some use cases for Pandoc?
Pandoc can be used for various purposes such as academic writing, technical documentation, blogging, and e-book creation.
What platforms does Pandoc support?
Pandoc supports Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
What output formats does Pandoc support?
Pandoc supports several output formats like HTML, PDF, Docx, LaTeX, and many others. The complete list can be found in the documentation.
Is Pandoc free to use?
Yes, Pandoc is completely free to use and distribute under the General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later.
How can I install Pandoc?
Pandoc installation instructions can be found on the official website. You can install it using package managers like brew or apt-get on Unix-based systems.
Can I use custom templates with Pandoc?
Yes. Pandoc allows the use of custom templates to create personalized output files. Documentation regarding the process of creating custom templates is available online.
Can I write extensions for Pandoc?
Yes. You can create extensions or filters for Pandoc using scripting languages like Python or Lua. Documentation about this is available in the Pandoc manual.
What is the Pandoc document model?
The Pandoc document model represents a parsed, abstract syntax tree (AST) that captures the semantics of a document. The Pandoc AST can be transformed using templates or filters to produce various output formats.

Elena Angelini
I'm Elena, your go-to software reviewer at UpdateStar and tech enthusiast. Whether you're a user seeking the latest software titles or software news I've got you covered. When I'm not diving into the latest software, you can find me exploring nature trails, camping under the stars, or competing in online multiplayer games. My reviews are designed to be fun, engaging, and packed with all the details you need to make informed decisions.
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