PDF export on HackMD just got a major upgrade. đź“„
Whether you’re submitting an assignment, sharing a report, or publishing documentation, the PDF you export should match the note you see in HackMD — every time. This update is built around that expectation.
More reliable PDF conversion
Failed exports and missing content are frustrating, especially when a deadline is close. The updated export flow is built to handle complex notes more reliably, including images, UML diagrams, and LaTeX equations that previously didn’t always make it into the final file.
If your note renders correctly in HackMD, your PDF should reflect that — not a stripped-down version of it.
Better PDF quality and layout control
We focused on the layout issues users hit most often:
- LaTeX rendering that stays sharp and properly spaced
- Tables that wrap sensibly instead of running off the page
- Smarter use of page width so content doesn’t float awkwardly
- Oversized images scaled to fit the page
- Unwanted blank pages removed from the final output
The result is a PDF that reads more like a finished document and less like a rough conversion.
A dedicated export experience
Export is no longer a background action with unclear status. When you export a note, you’ll now open a dedicated export page where you can:
- Review your export settings before conversion
- Start the conversion when you’re ready
- See clearly when the file is finished and ready to download
It’s a small shift, but it replaces the guesswork with a clear, predictable flow.
Clearer download behavior
Stay on the export page and your PDF will download automatically as soon as it’s ready. Step away and come back later? You can still manually download the file from the same page. Recent converted PDFs are also easier to find, so you aren’t re-exporting the same note twice.
Configurable export options
Different documents need different settings. The new export options give you control over:
- Paper size — standard sizes to match your use case
- Orientation — portrait or landscape
- Table behavior — how tables wrap and fit on the page
- Image behavior — how images scale within the layout
- Page margin presets — quick controls for tighter or more generous margins
Set once, export confidently.
Enhancing HackMD for you
At HackMD, we know that the PDF is often the version of your note that leaves the platform — it’s what gets emailed, submitted, and printed. This update is about making sure that version holds up.
We can’t wait for you to try the improved PDF export experience. Log into HackMD today to see how these updates enhance your workflow.
Stay tuned for more and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us at support@hackmd.io or in our Discord. 💜
