Convert DJVU to MEDIAWIKI

Why Convert DJVU to MEDIAWIKI?

Converting DJVU documents to MediaWiki markup transforms scanned archival content into the format used by Wikipedia and thousands of wiki platforms worldwide. DJVU files are commonly used for storing digitized books and historical documents, but their image-based nature prevents content reuse in collaborative wiki environments. MediaWiki format enables direct publishing to any MediaWiki-based platform.

MediaWiki markup is specifically designed for collaborative knowledge management. It supports internal linking between articles using [[double brackets]], categorization, templates for reusable content, and a robust referencing system. By converting DJVU to MediaWiki, you can bring historical and archival content into modern wiki platforms where it can be collaboratively improved and interlinked.

The Wikimedia Foundation extensively uses DJVU files in its Wikisource project for hosting scanned public domain books. Converting these to MediaWiki markup is a critical step in the proofreading and digitization pipeline. This conversion enables volunteers to transform page images into editable, searchable wiki text that can be freely distributed.

During conversion, the text is extracted from DJVU pages via OCR and formatted using MediaWiki syntax. Complex elements like tables are converted to MediaWiki table markup (using {| and |} delimiters), headings use equals signs, and emphasis uses apostrophes. Some visual layout elements may need manual adjustment for optimal wiki presentation.

Key Benefits of Converting DJVU to MEDIAWIKI:

• Wiki Publishing: Directly import content into MediaWiki-based platforms
• Collaborative Editing: Enable community-driven content improvement
• Interlinking: Connect content with [[internal links]] and categories
• Wikisource Pipeline: Standard workflow for digitizing public domain books
• Template Support: Leverage MediaWiki's powerful template system
• Searchable: Full-text search across all converted content
• Version History: Built-in revision tracking on wiki platforms

Practical Examples

Example 1: Encyclopedia Article Digitization

Input DJVU file (encyclopedia.djvu):

Scanned encyclopedia page containing:
- Article title: "Solar System"
- Multiple sections with subheadings
- Cross-references to other articles
- Illustrations with captions
(DJVU compressed scan at 300 DPI)

Output MediaWiki file (encyclopedia.mediawiki):

== Solar System ==

The '''Solar System''' consists of the
[[Sun]] and the objects that orbit it.

=== Inner Planets ===

* [[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]]
* [[Venus]]
* [[Earth]]
* [[Mars]]

=== See Also ===
* [[Galaxy]]
* [[Milky Way]]

[[Category:Astronomy]]

Example 2: Historical Document for Wikisource

Input DJVU file (historical.djvu):

Scanned 19th-century public domain book:
- Title page with publication details
- Preface by the author
- Chapter content with footnotes
- Table of contents
(Multi-page DJVU, text layer present)

Output MediaWiki file (historical.mediawiki):

{{header
 | title = Historical Chronicles
 | author = J. Smith
 | year = 1887
}}

== Preface ==

This volume presents a comprehensive
account of the events of the period.

== Chapter I ==

The story begins in the spring of
1842, when...<ref>Archives, Vol. 3</ref>

== References ==
<references />

Example 3: Technical Reference Wiki

Input DJVU file (reference.djvu):

Scanned technical reference manual:
- Specification tables
- Parameter descriptions
- Cross-reference index
- Appendix with formulas
(DJVU with foreground/background separation)

Output MediaWiki file (reference.mediawiki):

== Technical Specifications ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Parameter !! Value !! Unit
|-
| Voltage || 220 || V
|-
| Current || 15 || A
|-
| Power || 3300 || W
|}

=== Parameters ===

See [[Voltage Regulation]] for details.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is MediaWiki markup?

A: MediaWiki markup is the formatting language used by MediaWiki software, which powers Wikipedia, Wiktionary, and thousands of other wikis. It uses == for headings, '''triple apostrophes''' for bold, ''double apostrophes'' for italic, [[double brackets]] for links, and special syntax for tables and templates.

Q: Can I import the output directly into Wikipedia?

A: The output format is compatible with MediaWiki software, but Wikipedia has strict content policies. You can import the content into any self-hosted MediaWiki instance directly. For Wikipedia or Wikisource, the content must meet notability and sourcing guidelines, and the original DJVU text must be in the public domain.

Q: How are tables from DJVU converted to MediaWiki format?

A: Tables in DJVU documents are extracted and converted to MediaWiki table syntax using {| to start, |- for rows, | for cells, ! for headers, and |} to close the table. The wikitable CSS class is applied by default for clean formatting. Complex merged cells may require manual adjustment.

Q: Will cross-references become wiki links?

A: Identified cross-references and index terms are converted to MediaWiki internal links using [[double bracket]] syntax. However, automatic link detection depends on the clarity of the source text and the consistency of reference patterns. Manual review is recommended for important interlinking.

Q: Can I use templates in the converted output?

A: The basic conversion produces standard MediaWiki markup. You can then add templates (like infoboxes, navigation boxes, and header templates) manually or through batch processing. The plain wiki markup output serves as an excellent foundation for template-enhanced content.

Q: Is MediaWiki markup the same as Wikipedia markup?

A: Yes, they are the same. Wikipedia runs on MediaWiki software, so Wikipedia's markup language is MediaWiki markup. The terms are used interchangeably. Any content formatted in MediaWiki markup will render correctly on Wikipedia and all other MediaWiki installations.

Q: How do I handle images from the DJVU source?

A: Images from DJVU pages need to be extracted separately and uploaded to the wiki's file repository. The MediaWiki output includes [[File:imagename.png]] references that link to these uploaded images. On MediaWiki platforms, images are managed through the Special:Upload page.

Q: Can I convert multi-page DJVU books to MediaWiki?

A: Yes, multi-page DJVU documents are fully supported. The output can be structured as a single wiki article with section headings, or split into separate pages per chapter. For Wikisource-style projects, each page can be transcluded into a main article using MediaWiki's transclusion feature.