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

2. Open in browser (if no Canvas node available): bash open <output.html>

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