From Markdown to LaTeX: Convert & Publish Sci Docs
By Shihab Shahriar Antor · Updated June 2026 · 5 min read
Convert Markdown to LaTeX with Pandoc: run pandoc input.md -o output.tex to get LaTeX source, or pandoc input.md -o output.pdf to go straight to PDF. Pandoc handles headings, lists, math, and citations. Then refine the .tex in LetX — adjust the document class, fix figures, and compile to a polished PDF with real-time collaboration.
Why convert Markdown to LaTeX
Markdown is fast for drafting; LaTeX gives publication-grade output. Pandoc bridges them — you draft in Markdown, convert to LaTeX, then refine the details (document class, figure placement, citation style) that Markdown can’t express.
Pandoc command reference
| Goal | Command |
|---|---|
| Markdown → LaTeX source | pandoc in.md -o out.tex |
| Markdown → PDF (via LaTeX) | pandoc in.md -o out.pdf |
| Standalone document | pandoc -s in.md -o out.tex |
| With citations | pandoc --citeproc --bibliography=refs.bib |
| Specific class | pandoc -V documentclass=report |
# Standalone LaTeX from Markdown, with citations
pandoc -s paper.md \
--citeproc \
--bibliography=references.bib \
-o paper.texWhat converts cleanly — and what needs work
| Element | Pandoc result |
|---|---|
| Headings → sections | Clean |
| Lists, bold, links | Clean |
| Math ($...$) | Preserved |
| Citations [@key] | Converted with --citeproc |
| Figure placement | Needs manual tuning |
| Custom layout | Add LaTeX by hand |
Markdown math written with $...$ and $$...$$ carries over to LaTeX directly, so equations survive the conversion.
Refine and compile in LetX
After conversion, the .tex usually needs polishing — pick a proper document class and structure, place figures, and set the citation style. Paste it into LetX and compile online in 1–2 seconds — refine with co-authors in real time, no install.
Refine your converted LaTeX and compile — free.
Open LetX FreeFrequently asked questions
How do I convert Markdown to LaTeX?
Use Pandoc: run pandoc input.md -o output.tex to produce LaTeX source, or pandoc input.md -o output.pdf to go straight to PDF. Add -s for a standalone document and --citeproc with --bibliography for citations.
Does Pandoc preserve math when converting to LaTeX?
Yes. Markdown math written with $...$ for inline and $$...$$ for display converts directly to LaTeX math, so equations survive the conversion intact.
How do I handle citations when converting Markdown to LaTeX?
Write citations as [@key] in Markdown and run Pandoc with --citeproc --bibliography=references.bib. Pandoc resolves them into a formatted bibliography in the LaTeX output.
Why does my converted LaTeX need editing?
Pandoc converts structure and text faithfully, but layout details — figure placement, document class, and citation style — usually need manual tuning. Refine the .tex in an editor like LetX and compile to a polished PDF.
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Written by Shihab Shahriar Antor — AI Engineer & Founder of Shahriar Labs. Builder of LetX (collaborative LaTeX) and QuantumSketch (AI STEM video).