Convert MD to INI

Why Convert Markdown to INI?

Converting Markdown files to INI format is useful when you need to transform documentation or structured notes into simple configuration files for Windows applications, games, or programs that use INI-style settings. When you convert MD to INI, Markdown headers become section names (enclosed in square brackets), lists can be converted to key-value pairs, and the plain text content is transformed into a format suitable for configuration management. INI files have been the standard configuration format for Windows applications since the 1980s.

Markdown is excellent for writing structured documentation with headers and lists, and when that structure maps to configuration settings, converting to INI provides a simple, editable format that doesn't require special parsing libraries. The conversion strips away all Markdown formatting syntax (bold, italic, links, code blocks) and reorganizes the content into the INI format's section-and-key structure. This is particularly valuable when you're documenting configuration options in Markdown and want to generate actual config files.

Our converter processes the Markdown content by converting headers (# Header) into INI sections ([Header]), and optionally converting list items into key=value pairs. The resulting INI file uses a simple, human-readable format that can be edited in any text editor and is compatible with Python's configparser module, PHP's parse_ini_file(), and countless Windows applications. Comments can be added with semicolons (;) or hash symbols (#).

The conversion is perfect for scenarios where you're creating configuration files from documentation, generating settings files for applications, converting README documentation into actual config files, or preparing simple key-value settings that need to be easily editable by non-technical users. INI files are also ideal for game configuration, application preferences, server settings, and any scenario where you need simple, human-readable configuration without the complexity of JSON or XML.

Key Benefits of Converting Markdown to INI:

• Simple Format: Easy to read and edit manually
• Windows Standard: Native format for Windows application configs
• Python Support: Direct support via configparser module
• No Dependencies: No special libraries needed to parse
• Human-Editable: Non-technical users can modify settings easily
• Game Configs: Standard format for game settings and mods

Practical Examples

Example 1: Application Settings

Input Markdown file (settings.md):

# Database

- host: localhost
- port: 5432
- database: myapp
- username: admin

# Server

- port: 8000
- debug: true
- workers: 4

Output INI file (settings.ini) - Ready for configparser:

[Database]
host = localhost
port = 5432
database = myapp
username = admin

[Server]
port = 8000
debug = true
workers = 4

Example 2: Game Configuration

Input Markdown file (game-config.md):

# Graphics

- resolution: 1920x1080
- fullscreen: true
- vsync: enabled
- quality: high

# Audio

- master_volume: 80
- music_volume: 60
- sfx_volume: 70

Output INI file (game-config.ini) - Game settings:

[Graphics]
resolution = 1920x1080
fullscreen = true
vsync = enabled
quality = high

[Audio]
master_volume = 80
music_volume = 60
sfx_volume = 70

Example 3: PHP Configuration

Input Markdown file (php-settings.md):

# PHP

- display_errors: On
- error_reporting: E_ALL
- max_execution_time: 30
- memory_limit: 128M

# MySQL

- default_socket: /tmp/mysql.sock
- connect_timeout: 60

Output INI file (php-settings.ini) - PHP config format:

[PHP]
display_errors = On
error_reporting = E_ALL
max_execution_time = 30
memory_limit = 128M

[MySQL]
default_socket = /tmp/mysql.sock
connect_timeout = 60

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is an INI file?

A: An INI file (initialization file) is a simple configuration file format used primarily in Windows. It consists of sections in square brackets [Section] and key=value pairs. INI files are used for application settings, game configs, and system configuration (like boot.ini, desktop.ini, php.ini).

Q: How are Markdown headers converted?

A: Markdown headers (# Header) are converted to INI sections ([Header]). First-level headers become top-level sections, and the content under each header is organized within that section. This creates a clear hierarchical structure in the INI file.

Q: Can I use this with Python configparser?

A: Yes! The output INI format is fully compatible with Python's configparser module. Use: import configparser; config = configparser.ConfigParser(); config.read('file.ini'); value = config['Section']['key'].

Q: What about comments in INI files?

A: INI files support comments using semicolon (;) at the start of a line. Some parsers also support hash (#) for comments. Our converter can add comments based on Markdown text that doesn't fit the key=value pattern.

Q: Can Windows applications read these files?

A: Absolutely! INI is the native configuration format for Windows applications. Many Windows programs use GetPrivateProfileString() and WritePrivateProfileString() APIs to read/write INI files. The generated files are fully compatible.

Q: Does this work for game configuration?

A: Yes! Many games (especially older Windows games and indie games) use INI files for configuration. The converted files can be used directly as game config files for graphics settings, audio settings, controls, and gameplay options.

Q: What happens to Markdown formatting?

A: All Markdown formatting (bold, italic, links, code blocks) is stripped during conversion. Only the plain text content and structure (headers and lists) are preserved and converted to the INI format's section and key=value structure.

Q: Is the conversion secure?

A: Yes! Conversion happens on our secure servers. Files are processed immediately and automatically deleted after a short period. We don't store or access your document content.