Convert ORG to RST

Why Convert ORG to RST?

Converting Org-mode documents to reStructuredText is essential when you need to integrate your documentation with Python projects or Sphinx-based documentation systems. RST is the de facto standard for Python documentation, used by virtually all major Python projects.

If you've been writing technical notes or documentation in Org-mode and want to publish them on Read the Docs or include them in a Sphinx documentation project, converting to RST provides seamless integration with the Python documentation ecosystem.

RST offers powerful features for technical documentation that complement Org-mode's strengths. Sphinx's autodoc feature can automatically generate API documentation from Python docstrings, and RST's directive system allows for rich, semantic content that goes beyond basic markup.

The conversion is particularly valuable for Python developers who use Org-mode for personal notes but need to contribute to or maintain project documentation in RST format. This bridges the gap between personal productivity tools and project standards.

Key Benefits of Converting ORG to RST:

• Python Ecosystem: Standard format for Python project documentation
• Sphinx Integration: Full compatibility with Sphinx documentation generator
• Read the Docs: Direct publishing to Read the Docs platform
• API Documentation: Combine with autodoc for automatic API docs
• Cross-References: Powerful linking between documentation pages
• Multi-Format Output: Generate HTML, PDF, EPUB from single source
• Professional Standard: Industry-accepted documentation format

Practical Examples

Example 1: Basic Document Structure

Input ORG file (guide.org):

#+TITLE: Getting Started Guide
#+AUTHOR: Documentation Team

* Introduction

Welcome to the *project documentation*.
This guide helps you get started quickly.

** Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

- Python 3.8 or higher
- pip package manager
- Virtual environment (recommended)

Output RST file (guide.rst):

====================
Getting Started Guide
====================

:Author: Documentation Team

Introduction
============

Welcome to the **project documentation**.
This guide helps you get started quickly.

Prerequisites
-------------

Before you begin, ensure you have:

- Python 3.8 or higher
- pip package manager
- Virtual environment (recommended)

Example 2: Code Blocks and Directives

Input ORG file (api.org):

* API Reference

Install the package:

#+BEGIN_SRC bash
pip install mypackage
#+END_SRC

#+BEGIN_NOTE
This requires Python 3.8 or higher.
#+END_NOTE

** Usage Example

#+BEGIN_SRC python
from mypackage import Client

client = Client(api_key="your-key")
result = client.process(data)
#+END_SRC

Output RST file (api.rst):

API Reference
=============

Install the package:

.. code-block:: bash

    pip install mypackage

.. note::

    This requires Python 3.8 or higher.

Usage Example
-------------

.. code-block:: python

    from mypackage import Client

    client = Client(api_key="your-key")
    result = client.process(data)

Example 3: Tables and Links

Input ORG file (reference.org):

* Configuration Options

| Option   | Type    | Default | Description         |
|----------+---------+---------+---------------------|
| debug    | boolean | false   | Enable debug mode   |
| timeout  | integer | 30      | Request timeout (s) |
| retries  | integer | 3       | Number of retries   |

See [[https://docs.example.com][official documentation]] for more details.

For installation, see [[*Prerequisites][the prerequisites section]].

Output RST file (reference.rst):

Configuration Options
=====================

+----------+---------+---------+---------------------+
| Option   | Type    | Default | Description         |
+==========+=========+=========+=====================+
| debug    | boolean | false   | Enable debug mode   |
+----------+---------+---------+---------------------+
| timeout  | integer | 30      | Request timeout (s) |
+----------+---------+---------+---------------------+
| retries  | integer | 3       | Number of retries   |
+----------+---------+---------+---------------------+

See `official documentation <https://docs.example.com>`_ for more details.

For installation, see :ref:`the prerequisites section`.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is reStructuredText (RST)?

A: reStructuredText is a lightweight markup language created for Python documentation. It's the foundation of Sphinx, the documentation generator used by Python, Django, Flask, and countless other projects. RST files can be converted to HTML, PDF, and other formats.

Q: How are Org-mode headers converted to RST?

A: Org-mode headers (* for level 1, ** for level 2, etc.) are converted to RST section headers with underlines. Level 1 uses "=" underlines (and overlines for document title), level 2 uses "-", level 3 uses "~", and so on.

Q: What happens to Org-mode code blocks?

A: Code blocks (#+BEGIN_SRC ... #+END_SRC) are converted to RST's code-block directive. The language specification is preserved, so Python, JavaScript, and other language blocks maintain syntax highlighting in Sphinx.

Q: Can I use the output with Sphinx?

A: Yes! The generated .rst files are fully compatible with Sphinx. Add them to your docs/ directory and include them in your toctree. Sphinx will process them along with your other documentation files.

Q: How are links converted?

A: External links [[url][text]] become RST inline links `text <url>`_. Internal links to sections require manual adjustment to use RST's :ref: role for cross-referencing within Sphinx projects.

Q: What about Org-mode tables?

A: Org tables are converted to RST grid tables with proper formatting. RST tables require specific alignment of + and | characters, which the converter handles automatically.

Q: Are admonitions (NOTE, WARNING) supported?

A: Yes, Org-mode special blocks like #+BEGIN_NOTE are converted to RST directives like .. note::. RST supports note, warning, tip, important, and other admonition types.

Q: Can I publish to Read the Docs?

A: Absolutely! Read the Docs natively supports RST files through Sphinx. After converting your Org files to RST, set up a Sphinx project and connect it to Read the Docs for automatic building and hosting.