Markdown Canvas Renderer

Convert markdown files into beautiful, shareable HTML pages with zero external dependencies.

Quick Start

When a user wants to render a markdown file:

1. Run the conversion script:

   python3 scripts/convert.py <path/to/file.md>
   

2. Open in browser (if no Canvas node available):

   open <output.html>
   

3. Or push to Canvas (if node paired):

   canvas present file://<output.html>
   

Usage Examples

Basic conversion

# Converts ai-landscape-2026.md → ai-landscape-2026.html
python3 scripts/convert.py ai-landscape-2026.md

Custom output path

python3 scripts/convert.py input.md -o /path/to/output.html

Custom page title

python3 scripts/convert.py notes.md -t "My Research Notes"

Supported Markdown Features

The converter handles:

• Headers (# through ######)
• Bold (**text** or __text__)
• Italic (*text* or _text_)
• Code blocks (language ... )
• Inline code (code)
• Links ([text](url))
• Lists (unordered: - , * , + )
• Horizontal rules (---, ***, ___)

Design Philosophy

Token efficiency: Template is pre-built; only markdown content flows through the context window.

Zero dependencies: Pure Python + self-contained HTML template with embedded CSS.

Progressive enhancement: Works offline, no CDN required, renders instantly.

Workflow

1. User requests markdown rendering
2. Run scripts/convert.py on their file
3. Script reads assets/template.html
4. Script converts markdown → HTML
5. Script injects HTML into template
6. Output saved alongside source (or custom path)
7. Open in browser OR push to Canvas

Token Cost Analysis

Per conversion:

• Read SKILL.md: ~500 tokens (first time only)
• Execute script: ~100 tokens
• Report result: ~50 tokens

Total: ~650 tokens vs ~8000 tokens for generating full HTML each time.

Output Location

By default, output is saved next to the input file:

• notes.md → notes.html
• /path/to/doc.md → /path/to/doc.html

Use -o flag to specify custom location.