Convert PDF, DOC, and images to Markdown using Datalab.to API

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Important notice

This workflow is provided as-is. Please review and test before using in production.

1. Workflow Overview

This n8n workflow converts various file formats (.pdf, .doc, .png, .jpg, .webp) to clean markdown text using the datalab.to API. Perfect for AI agents, LLM processing, and RAG...

Best for

Document Extraction automation workflows
Multimodal AI automation workflows
intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.formtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.httprequest, n8n-nodes-base.set, n8n-nodes-base.wait, n8n-nodes-base.stickynote, n8n-nodes-base.switch

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by Joseph.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title: Convert PDF, DOC, and images to Markdown using Datalab.to API
Workflow name: Convert PDF, DOC, and images to Markdown using Datalab.to API

This n8n workflow converts various file formats (.pdf, .doc, .png, .jpg, .webp) to clean markdown text using the datalab.to API. Perfect for AI agents, LLM processing, and RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) data preparation for vector databases.

Workflow Description

Input

Trigger Node: Form trigger or webhook to accept file uploads
Supported Formats: PDF documents, Word documents (.doc/.docx), and images (PNG, JPG, WEBP)

Processing Steps

File Validation: Check file type and size constraints
HTTP Request Node:
- Method: POST to https://api.datalab.to/v1/marker
- Headers: X-API-Key with your datalab.to API key
- Body: Multipart form data with the file
Response Processing: Extract the converted markdown text
Output Formatting: Clean and structure the markdown for downstream use

Output

Clean, structured markdown text ready for:
- LLM prompt injection
- Vector database ingestion
- AI agent knowledge base processing
- Document analysis workflows

Setup Instructions

Get API Access: Sign up at datalab.to to obtain your API key
Configure Credentials:
- Create a new credential in n8n
- Add Generic Header: X-API-Key with your API key as the value
Import Workflow: Ready to process files immediately

Use Cases

AI Workflows: Convert documents for LLM analysis and processing
RAG Systems: Prepare clean text for vector database ingestion
Content Management: Batch convert files to searchable markdown format
Document Processing: Extract text from mixed file types in automated pipelines

The workflow handles the complexity of different file formats while delivering consistent, AI-ready markdown output for your automation needs.

1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - On form submission

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.formTrigger - formTrigger
Config choices: Version 2.2

Block 2 - Get Markdown

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices: Version 4.2

Block 3 - Send to Datalab API

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.httpRequest - httpRequest
Config choices: Version 4.2

Block 4 - Set Fields

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices: Version 3.4

Block 5 - Wait

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.wait - wait
Config choices: Version 1.1

Block 6 - Sticky Note13

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices: Version 1

Block 7 - Sticky Note

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices: Version 1

Block 8 - Sticky Note2

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices: Version 1

Block 9 - Sticky Note3

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices: Version 1

Block 10 - Switch

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.switch - switch
Config choices: Version 3.2

Block 11 - Sticky Note1

Type / Role: n8n-nodes-base.stickyNote - stickyNote
Config choices: Version 1

3. Summary Table

Workflow	Convert PDF, DOC, and images to Markdown using Datalab.to API
Complexity	intermediate
Nodes	11
Categories	Document Extraction, Multimodal AI
Author	Joseph
Published	26 Aug 2025

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

1. Download the workflow JSON

Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/7887/7887.json as the source template for this automation.
2. Import the template into n8n

Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.
3. Configure credentials and variables

Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.
4. Test with sample data

Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.
5. Activate and monitor

Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Download workflow JSON Original n8n.io source Document Extraction workflows Multimodal AI workflows

Frequently asked questions

What does Convert PDF, DOC, and images to Markdown using Datalab.to API do?

This n8n workflow converts various file formats (.pdf, .doc, .png, .jpg, .webp) to clean markdown text using the datalab.to API. Perfect for AI agents, LLM processing, and RAG...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your Document Extraction, Multimodal AI use case.

Joseph

18 workflows

Nodes

n8n-nodes-base.formtrigger n8n-nodes-base.httprequest n8n-nodes-base.set n8n-nodes-base.wait n8n-nodes-base.stickynote n8n-nodes-base.switch

Complexity

intermediate

Published 26 Aug 2025

Likes 0

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Install path: /data/workflows/7887/7887.json

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Convert PDF, DOC, and images to Markdown using Datalab.to API

Workflow preview

Important notice

1. Workflow Overview

Best for

Tools used

Source and attribution

1.1 Workflow description

Workflow Description

Input

Processing Steps

Output

Setup Instructions

Use Cases

1.2 Logical Blocks

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - On form submission

Block 2 - Get Markdown

Block 3 - Send to Datalab API

Block 4 - Set Fields

Block 5 - Wait

Block 6 - Sticky Note13

Block 7 - Sticky Note

Block 8 - Sticky Note2

Block 9 - Sticky Note3

Block 10 - Switch

Block 11 - Sticky Note1

3. Summary Table

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

1. Download the workflow JSON

2. Import the template into n8n

3. Configure credentials and variables

4. Test with sample data

5. Activate and monitor

5. General Notes & Resources

Frequently asked questions