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Have you ever tried to efficiently extract information from a PDF? Whether you need the content for documentation, a blog project, or better organization, converting PDFs to Markdown provides a clear and flexible way to access and work with that information. With marker [1], you have a powerful tool at your fingertips to do just that.

In this post, I’ll show you how to set up and use marker-pdf to transform PDFs into Markdown files. Markdown is a versatile, text-based format that’s perfect for structured content. This approach will help you quickly unlock important information and make it actionable for your projects.

Why Convert PDFs to Markdown?

PDFs are a widely used format, but they’re not always easy to edit or repurpose. Markdown, on the other hand, is simple, lightweight, and incredibly flexible. By converting PDFs to Markdown, you can better organize, analyze, and integrate the content into your workflow.

Setting Up marker-pdf: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with marker-pdf is straightforward. Follow these steps to have the tool up and running in no time:

1. Create a Working Directory

First, create a clean directory to work from:

mkdir marker_pdf

cd marker_pdf

2. Set Up a Virtual Environment

To use marker-pdf, it’s a good idea to create a virtual Python environment. This isolates your project dependencies:

uv venv --python 3.11

3. Install Required Dependencies

Now, install the necessary packages to run marker-pdf:

uv pip install torch torchvision

uv pip install streamlit

uv pip install marker-pdf==1.2.3

⚠️ Note: Avoid version `1.2.4` as it contains known issues. Version `1.2.3` is stable and recommended.

4. Converting PDFs: How It Works

marker-pdf gives you two flexible options for converting PDFs to Markdown – using a graphical user interface (GUI) or directly via the command line.

Option 1: Using the GUI

For a visual and user-friendly approach, launch the GUI with this command:

uv run marker_gui

In the interface, you can simply select your PDF and start the processing. The result will be automatically generated.

Option 2: Processing Directly via Command Line

If you prefer working in the command line, you can process a PDF directly. First, create an output directory:

mkdir output

Then process the PDF with the following command:

uv run marker_single path/to/example.pdf output

The contents of the PDF will be converted into Markdown files and saved in the `output` directory.

Results: What You Get

After processing with marker-pdf, you’ll find the following in your output directory:

– Markdown Files: These contain the structured content from the PDF, ready for further use.

– Extracted Images: Any images included in the PDF are saved separately for easy access.

These files are a great starting point to unlock content and make it actionable.

A Tool for Clear Content

marker-pdf is a valuable tool for making content from PDFs accessible and editable. Converting to Markdown helps you structure information and integrate it into your workflow. Whether for documentation, analysis, or creative projects, this tool simplifies working with PDF content.

Now it’s your turn: try out marker-pdf and see how easy it is to unlock content from PDFs and transform it into a usable format. It’s a step toward more clarity and structure in your work.

Sources:

[1]: The Github Repo for Marker

In personal knowledge management, a Zettelkasten can serve as a lifelong companion for capturing, organizing, and interlinking ideas. However, while the benefits of the Zettelkasten method are widely discussed, less attention is given to the underlying system’s longevity. A robust setup ensures that your notes remain accessible and usable regardless of how software and tools evolve.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my setup, which prioritizes durability, portability, and adaptability, and explain the practical benefits from a user perspective.

Why Focus on System Longevity?

Software changes fast. Tools like Notion, Obsidian, or Roam Research can offer incredible features today but may change their business models, lose support, or even disappear. To prevent losing years of valuable notes, it’s essential to design a system independent of any single tool.

The key? Use open formats, decentralized storage, and workflows that can adapt to new tools as they emerge.

My Evergreen Zettelkasten Setup

1. Markdown for Portability

All my notes are stored as plain-text Markdown files. This approach offers several advantages:

– Open standard: Markdown is widely supported by many tools and platforms.

– Human-readable: Even without specialized software, the files can be easily read and edited.

– Tool-agnostic: Since almost every note-taking app supports Markdown, switching tools becomes simple.

2. Structured File Naming for Easy Navigation

To keep my notes organized, I use a structured file naming convention inspired by Niklas Luhmann’s Zettelkasten system. Each note receives a unique identifier, such as 123_17_knowledge_management_03d7dc503.md. This method ensures clear navigation and avoids issues with duplicate names.

I developed a Python script to automate this process:

– It generates unique IDs for new notes.

– It updates internal links whenever notes are renamed or moved.

This automation helps maintain consistency as the Zettelkasten grows.

3. Git for Version Control and Backup

To ensure my notes are always backed up and versioned, I store them in a Git repository. The benefits include:

– Version history: I can track every change and revert to previous versions if necessary.

– Reliable backup: The distributed nature of Git means my notes are stored across multiple devices.

– Cross-device sync: I can seamlessly sync my Zettelkasten between desktop, laptop, and mobile devices.

On mobile (iOS), I use Working Copy to pull my Git repository and edit notes in Obsidian. This workflow keeps my notes accessible wherever I am.

4. Flexible Editing with Multiple Tools

For editing, I rely on two main tools:

– Obsidian: A versatile Markdown editor with excellent linking and graph visualization features.

– VS Code: Ideal for bulk editing and working with large text files.

This flexibility ensures that I’m never locked into a single tool. If a new, better tool emerges, I can adopt it without disrupting my workflow.

5. Managing Media Files for Long-Term Access

Since I frequently use diagrams and images in my notes, I’ve established a straightforward approach to media management:

– I create visuals using apps like Concepts.

– Final images are saved in universal formats like JPEG or PNG.

– Media files are stored alongside the relevant notes, ensuring they remain accessible even if I switch tools.

Key Benefits of This Setup

1. Data durability: By using open formats and decentralized storage, my notes remain future-proof.

2. Portability: Switching tools is easy because my data isn’t locked into any proprietary platform.

3. Consistency: Automated naming and linking ensure that my Zettelkasten stays well-organized, even as it grows.

4. Flexibility: I can integrate new tools or workflows without losing access to my existing notes.

Practical Tips for Your Own Zettelkasten

– Start simple: Use plain text or Markdown for your notes.

– Automate where possible: Scripts can save time and reduce errors in large systems.

– Back up regularly: Use a version control system like Git to keep your notes safe.

– Stay adaptable: Design your system so that you can easily adopt new tools as needed.

Final Thoughts: Building for the Long Haul

A well-designed Zettelkasten system isn’t just about capturing knowledge—it’s about ensuring that your knowledge remains accessible and usable for years to come. By focusing on open formats, flexible tools, and reliable backups, you can build a system that grows with you and adapts to whatever the future holds.

I hope this post has provided some useful insights into creating a durable Zettelkasten setup. If you have your own strategies or questions, feel free to share them—I’m always interested in learning how others approach this challenge!

Imagine turning your long drives into a personal language lab. No more wasted time—just an opportunity to improve your language skills effectively, without needing a screen or taking your hands off the wheel. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it?

If you’ve ever tried to learn a foreign language, you’ve likely noticed how hard it can be to find methods that seamlessly fit into your daily routine. That’s where my approach comes in: interactive language exercises in MP3 format that make learning possible and flexible during long drives.

How Does It Work?

Creating the Content:

The first step is creating the exercises. This is where ChatGPT comes into play. I use this AI tool to generate specific language exercises tailored precisely to my current learning goals. The exercises are structured in JSON files and include:

Lessons: Thematically organized content (e.g., grammar or conversation).

Tasks: Sentences or questions that you need to answer in the target language.

Solutions: The correct answer for comparison.

Example of a JSON task:

"teacher_speaks": {
    "text": "Hij zegt: 'Ik ga morgen naar Amsterdam.'",
    "language_code": "nl"
  },
  "student_response_time": 5000,
  "teacher_solution": {
    "text": "Hij zegt dat hij morgen naar Amsterdam gaat.",
    "language_code": "nl"
  }
}

Automatic Voice Conversion:

To create audio exercises from these texts, I developed a Python script. This script processes the JSON files and uses the text-to-speech technology from ElevenLabs to convert them into MP3 files. The voices are clear and natural—perfect for language learning.

German voices explain the tasks and provide instructions.

Voices in the target language present the tasks and solutions.

Structure of the Audio Exercises:

The finished MP3 files are logically structured:

Introduction: A brief explanation of the task.

Task: The sentence or question is read aloud.

Pause: A 5-second pause to formulate your answer.

Solution: The correct answer is read aloud.

The pauses are deliberately designed to give you enough time to respond spontaneously without interrupting the flow of the lesson.

On-the-Go Application:

Once the MP3 files are created, I upload them to my smartphone. During drives or commutes, I listen to the lessons, formulate my answers mentally or aloud, and directly compare them with the provided solution. This way, I effectively train listening comprehension and language production—without having to set aside extra time.

Why This Method Works So Well

Hands-Free, Screen-Free: Perfect for driving and commuting.

Flexibility: The content can be tailored to your current learning needs.

Realistic Listening Practice: Thanks to the natural voices from ElevenLabs.

Easy to Implement: MP3 files work on any device.

Make Your Drives Productive

With this method, you can turn your driving time into an opportunity to build new language skills—without added stress or effort. Give it a try and make every drive a lesson! Which language would you like to learn this way? Let me know in the comments and share your experiences!

Welcome to my blog! Here, the focus is on tools, methods, and ideas to help you build an effective personal knowledge management system. The name of my blog, Mycelium of Knowledge, is no coincidence—it’s inspired by the fascinating world of fungi.

The mycelium of a fungus spreads through its substrate in ever-expanding circles, connecting and transforming it. I see this as a perfect metaphor for effective knowledge management: we take in a vast amount of external information, creatively connect it, and shape something entirely new that goes far beyond the sum of its parts.

In an era where information is virtually limitless and easily accessible, the ability to organize and use it meaningfully has become more crucial than ever. My goal is to help you find the right methods and tools to grow your personal “knowledge mycelium” and let your ideas flourish.

This blog is for anyone who enjoys not just consuming knowledge but also processing, connecting, and applying it creatively. I invite you to dive into this exciting world with me and discover new ways to organize your knowledge.

Let’s weave a web of knowledge together—a living mycelium that grows and supports you on your journey.