Convert RST to PDF

Why Convert RST to PDF?

Converting reStructuredText (RST) documents to PDF creates professional, print-ready documents that look exactly the same on any device. PDF is the gold standard for sharing documentation, ensuring your technical content maintains its formatting regardless of the reader's system.

PDF output is essential when your documentation needs to be printed, shared via email, or archived for long-term preservation. Unlike web-based documentation, PDF files work offline and can be easily distributed to stakeholders who may not have access to your documentation system.

The conversion produces properly paginated documents with headers, footers, page numbers, and a clickable table of contents. Code blocks are rendered with syntax-appropriate styling, and RST directives like notes and warnings become visually distinct boxes in the PDF.

While Sphinx can generate PDF through LaTeX, our conversion provides a simpler alternative that works directly with RST files. This is particularly useful for quick PDF generation without setting up a full Sphinx build environment.

Key Benefits of Converting RST to PDF:

• Universal Viewing: Opens on any device, any operating system
• Print Ready: Professional output for physical documentation
• Offline Access: No internet connection required to read
• Exact Formatting: Looks identical everywhere
• Clickable Links: Internal and external hyperlinks work
• Bookmarks: Navigate large documents easily
• Archival Format: PDF/A is an ISO standard for long-term preservation

Practical Examples

Example 1: Basic Document Structure

Input RST file (document.rst):

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

Introduction
------------

Welcome to the **project documentation**.
This guide will help you get started.

Installation
------------

Install using pip::

    pip install myproject

.. note::
   Requires Python 3.8 or higher.

Result in PDF:

The PDF displays as a professionally formatted document:

Page 1:
+----------------------------------------+
| Getting Started Guide                   |
| [24pt Bold, Centered Title]            |
|                                        |
| Table of Contents                      |
| 1. Introduction ................... 1  |
| 2. Installation ................... 1  |
+----------------------------------------+

Page 1 (continued):
+----------------------------------------+
| 1. Introduction                        |
|                                        |
| Welcome to the project documentation.  |
| This guide will help you get started.  |
|                                        |
| 2. Installation                        |
|                                        |
| Install using pip:                     |
|                                        |
| [Shaded Code Box]                      |
| pip install myproject                  |
|                                        |
| [Blue Note Box]                        |
| Note: Requires Python 3.8 or higher.   |
|                                        |
|                            Page 1 of 1 |
+----------------------------------------+

Example 2: Code Blocks with Formatting

Input RST file (code_example.rst):

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

.. code-block:: python
   :linenos:

   def calculate_total(items):
       """Calculate the total price."""
       return sum(item.price for item in items)

.. warning::
   This function does not handle empty lists.

Result in PDF:

+----------------------------------------+
| API Reference                          |
| [18pt Bold Heading]                    |
|                                        |
| [Monospace Font, Gray Background]      |
| 1  def calculate_total(items):         |
| 2      """Calculate the total price."""|
| 3      return sum(item.price ...)      |
|                                        |
| [Yellow Warning Box with Icon]         |
| Warning: This function does not        |
| handle empty lists.                    |
+----------------------------------------+

Example 3: Tables and Figures

Input RST file (reference.rst):

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

+---------------+----------+------------------+
| Option        | Default  | Description      |
+===============+==========+==================+
| debug         | false    | Enable debugging |
+---------------+----------+------------------+
| timeout       | 30       | Request timeout  |
+---------------+----------+------------------+

.. figure:: architecture.png
   :width: 80%

   System Architecture Diagram

Result in PDF:

+----------------------------------------+
| Configuration Options                  |
|                                        |
| [Formatted Table with Borders]         |
| +----------+---------+----------------+|
| | Option   | Default | Description    ||
| +----------+---------+----------------+|
| | debug    | false   | Enable debug   ||
| | timeout  | 30      | Request timeout||
| +----------+---------+----------------+|
|                                        |
| [Embedded Image - 80% width]           |
|    +---------------------------+       |
|    |   [architecture.png]      |       |
|    +---------------------------+       |
|    Figure 1: System Architecture       |
|                                        |
+----------------------------------------+

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How is the PDF generated from RST?

A: The RST content is first parsed and converted to an intermediate format, then rendered to PDF using professional typesetting. This ensures proper pagination, font embedding, and formatting. The result is a high-quality PDF suitable for printing and distribution.

Q: Will code blocks have syntax highlighting in PDF?

A: Yes, code blocks are rendered with appropriate styling including monospace fonts and background shading. While the highlighting may differ from web-based Sphinx output, the code remains clearly formatted and readable in the PDF.

Q: Are images embedded in the PDF?

A: Yes, images referenced in your RST document are embedded directly in the PDF file. This means the PDF is self-contained and can be shared without additional files. Images are optimized for the target output quality.

Q: Does the PDF include a table of contents?

A: Yes, the PDF includes a clickable table of contents generated from your RST document's heading structure. PDF viewers also show bookmarks in the sidebar for easy navigation through large documents.

Q: Can I customize the PDF styling?

A: The conversion produces standard professional styling. For custom styling like specific fonts, colors, or layouts, consider using Sphinx with LaTeX for full control over PDF output, or convert to HTML first and then to PDF with custom CSS.

Q: How are RST cross-references handled?

A: Internal cross-references become clickable links within the PDF that navigate to the target section. External URLs become clickable hyperlinks that open in your default browser when the PDF is viewed on a connected device.

Q: Is the PDF suitable for printing?

A: Yes, the generated PDF is print-ready with proper page sizing, margins, and pagination. It's suitable for both desktop printing and professional print services. Page numbers and headers/footers are included for physical documentation.

Q: What happens to RST directives like note and warning?

A: RST directives are converted to visually distinct elements in the PDF. Notes appear in blue boxes, warnings in yellow/orange boxes, and tips in green boxes. This visual distinction helps readers identify important information quickly.