codeDown

codeDown is a simple yet powerful CLI tool that converts Markdown (.md) files into beautiful themed PDFs — complete with syntax-highlighted code blocks.

Built for developers who love clean documentation, readable code snippets, and automated workflows.

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Features

• Syntax Highlighting for code blocks
• Selectable Themes – interactive picker or CLI flag (light, dark)
• Watch Mode – auto-regenerate PDF on file save
• Self-Update – update from the CLI (code-down update)
• Configurable – set a default theme via code-down config set-theme
• Fast & Lightweight – converts Markdown to PDF in seconds

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Installation

Via pip

pip install code-down

Via binary (Linux)

1. Download the latest release Visit the Releases Page and download the latest Linux binary.

2. Make it executable and move to PATH

   chmod +x code-down
   sudo mv code-down /usr/local/bin/

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Usage

Convert a Markdown file into a themed PDF:

code-down input.md output.pdf -s dark

Watch mode

Automatically rebuild the PDF when the Markdown file changes:

code-down -w input.md

Options

Flag	Description	Default
-o, --output	Output PDF file path	Same as input with .pdf extension
-s, --style	Theme style (e.g. light, dark)	Config default or dark
-w, --watch	Watch file and rebuild PDF on changes
-v, --version	Print version and exit

Commands

Command	Description
code-down themes	Pick a theme interactively (sets as default)
code-down config show	Show current configuration
code-down config set-theme	Set the default theme (interactive or by name)
code-down update	Update codeDown to the latest version

Examples

Quick test file:

code-down examples/example.md

Convert README.md to README.pdf using the default theme:

code-down README.md

Convert with a dark theme and custom output name:

code-down README.md -o README_dark.pdf -s dark

Watch a file and rebuild on every save:

code-down -w notes.md -s light

Pick a theme interactively:

code-down themes

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Notes

• Ensure your Markdown files are UTF-8 encoded for best results.
• Supports syntax highlighting for most major programming languages.
• Works completely offline — no internet connection required (except for update).