# Convert PDF, DOC, and images to Markdown with Datalab.to API: n8n workflow

> Started by someone submitting a form. It calls services over plain HTTP rather than through connectors.

Source: https://millionrounds.com/workflow/convert-pdf-doc-and-images-to-markdown-with-datalab-to-api (Millionrounds; every figure on the page links to its filing or article)

[Automation library](https://millionrounds.com/workflows) · [Documents and files](https://millionrounds.com/workflows?category=Documents+and+files#library)

# Convert PDF, DOC, and images to Markdown with Datalab.to API

Started by someone submitting a form. It calls services over plain HTTP rather than through connectors. 6 steps, 1 branch, 1 loop or waits: small enough to read in one sitting and change without fear.

Small

[Download free](https://millionrounds.com/login?next=%2Fapp%2Fworkflow%2Fconvert-pdf-doc-and-images-to-markdown-with-datalab-to-api)

**6 steps** Small: readable in one sitting

**1** Branch: places the flow splits

**1** Loop or waits

**0** Services by connector: it calls them over plain HTTP

## The flow

Starts it 1 Logic 3 Service 2

The steps in the order they run, from what starts it.

- 1 **On form submission** Form trigger *Starts it*
- 2 **Switch** Switch *Logic*
- 3 **Send to Datalab API** Http Request *Service*
- 4 **Wait** Wait *Logic*
- 5 **Get Markdown** Http Request *Service*
- 6 **Set Fields** Set *Logic*

## How it's built

- **Starts on:** Someone submitting a form
- **Steps:** 6, with 1 branch, 1 loop or waits
- **Size:** Small: readable in one sitting
- **Connects to:** Nothing by connector; it calls services over plain HTTP
- **Model:** None. This is plumbing, not judgement

## Questions

What does it need to run?

An n8n account. You connect your own accounts after importing it; none are included.

What starts it?

It starts on someone submitting a form.

Does it use AI?

No. Every step is fixed logic or a call to a service, so it does the same thing every time.

How long does it take to set up?

Not long. At 6 steps it can be read in one sitting and changed without fear.

How do I import it?

Copy the workflow, open a new workflow in n8n and paste. The steps appear on the canvas, ready for your own accounts.

**Before you run it**

Nothing here has been tested by us. It is somebody's working automation, read and described from its own steps. Treat the connections it wants as a list of accounts it will touch, and read the 6 steps before you point it at anything that matters.

## Run it in n8n

- **Create your n8n account** Free to start. n8n is where the workflow runs. [Create an n8n account ↗](https://millionrounds.com/n8n)
- **Download the workflow** Free with a Millionrounds account. [Download free](https://millionrounds.com/login?next=%2Fapp%2Fworkflow%2Fconvert-pdf-doc-and-images-to-markdown-with-datalab-to-api)
- **Paste it into n8n** Open a new workflow in n8n and paste. Then connect your own accounts.

Stored with the author's traces removed: canvas notes, instance identifiers, saved credential names and any live document they had left behind.

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Also documents and files, with the same services where possible, closest in size first.

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- [**Automatic n8n Workflow Backup to Telegram (JSON)** 6 steps · Telegram](https://millionrounds.com/workflow/automatic-n8n-workflow-backup-to-telegram-json)