Markdown to YAML Converter

About Markdown to YAML Converter

Convert Markdown tables to YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) format. YAML is a human-friendly data serialization language commonly used for configuration files, data exchange, and structured documents in modern applications.

Key Features

• Multiple Output Formats: Array of objects or object with row keys
• Automatic Type Detection: Detects strings, integers, floats, booleans, null, and dates
• Custom Root Key: Specify your own root key name
• Configurable Indentation: Choose 2, 4, 6, or 8 space indentation
• Comment Support: Optional metadata comments
• Smart Quoting: Automatically quotes strings when needed
• Multiline Support: Handles multiline strings with literal style
• File Upload & Download: Easy import/export

How to Use

1. Input Markdown Table: Paste your Markdown table or upload a .md file
2. Configure Options: Set root key, format, and indentation
3. Review Output: The YAML format updates automatically
4. Copy or Download: Use the Copy button or download as .yaml file
5. Use in Your Application: Import into your config files or applications

Output Format Options

• Array of Objects: Each row becomes an object in an array (recommended for lists)
• Object with Row Keys: Each row becomes a named object (row_1, row_2, etc.)

Type Detection

The converter automatically detects and formats values as:

• Strings: Text values, quoted when necessary
• Integers: Whole numbers (e.g., 42, -17)
• Floats: Decimal numbers (e.g., 3.14, -0.01)
• Booleans: true/false values (case-insensitive in input)
• Null: null or nil values
• Dates: ISO 8601 format dates and datetimes

Example Conversion

Markdown Input:

| Name | Age | City | Active |
|------|-----|------|--------|
| John Doe | 28 | New York | true |
| Jane Smith | 34 | London | true |

YAML Output (Array of Objects):

# Generated from Markdown table
# Format: array
# Rows: 2

data:
  - name: John Doe
    age: 28
    city: New York
    active: true
  - name: Jane Smith
    age: 34
    city: London
    active: true

Common Use Cases

• Configuration Files: Create app config files in YAML format
• Docker Compose: Generate docker-compose.yml configurations
• Kubernetes: Create Kubernetes resource definitions
• CI/CD Pipelines: Generate GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or CircleCI configs
• Ansible Playbooks: Create Ansible inventory or playbook data
• OpenAPI/Swagger: Generate API specification data
• Data Serialization: Store structured data in human-readable format

YAML Compatibility

This converter generates YAML 1.2 compliant output that works with:

• Python (PyYAML, ruamel.yaml)
• Ruby (Psych, YAML)
• JavaScript/Node.js (js-yaml, yaml)
• Go (gopkg.in/yaml.v3)
• Java (SnakeYAML)
• Kubernetes, Docker, Ansible
• Any YAML 1.2 compliant parser

YAML Syntax Reference

• key: value: Key-value pair
• - item: Array/list item
• Indentation: Defines structure (spaces, not tabs)
• "string": Quoted string
• 42: Integer value
• true/false: Boolean values
• null: Null value
• #: Comment prefix

String Quoting Rules

Strings are automatically quoted when they contain:

• Special YAML characters (: # [ ] { } | > @ ` " ')
• Leading or trailing whitespace
• Leading special indicators (! & *)
• Newline characters (uses literal style |)

Advanced YAML Features

• Anchors & Aliases: Can be added manually with &anchor and *alias
• Multiline Strings: Supports literal (|) and folded (>) styles
• Tags: Can specify explicit types with !!type
• Documents: Multiple documents with --- separator

Indentation Best Practices

• 2 spaces: Most common, compact and readable
• 4 spaces: More visual separation, Python-style
• Consistency: Use the same indentation throughout
• Never tabs: YAML requires spaces, not tabs

Markdown Table Support

Supports GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) table syntax:

• Pipe-delimited columns
• Header separator line with dashes
• Optional column alignment indicators
• Leading and trailing pipes

Tips for Best Results

• Use descriptive root key names that match your data structure
• Choose "Array of Objects" for lists of similar items
• Use 2-space indentation for most applications
• Ensure boolean values are "true" or "false" for proper detection
• Use ISO 8601 format for dates (YYYY-MM-DD)
• Validate output with a YAML parser before production use
• Keep key names simple and lowercase for consistency

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is the generated YAML safe to use in production configuration files?

  The YAML output is syntactically valid and follows common best practices, but you should always validate it with your application's parser and test in a staging environment before deploying to production.

• What if my Markdown table contains complex nested data or JSON-like values?

  The converter treats each cell as a scalar value. Complex nested structures (like embedded JSON or YAML) will be represented as strings. You can post-process those values manually if you need nested YAML objects or arrays.

• How are special characters and reserved YAML symbols handled?

  The tool automatically quotes strings that contain YAML-sensitive characters such as colons, hashes, brackets, or curly braces ({ and }), as well as values with leading/trailing whitespace or newlines, to keep the YAML valid.

• Can I control the exact key names used in the YAML output?

  Key names are derived from table headers and sanitized for YAML compatibility. If you need specific key names, adjust your Markdown headers accordingly before converting or edit the YAML output after generation.

• Is my Markdown or YAML data uploaded or logged anywhere?

  No. All processing is performed entirely in your browser. Your Markdown input and YAML output never leave your device, which helps protect sensitive configuration data.

Privacy & Security

All conversions happen locally in your browser. Your Markdown data is never uploaded to any server, ensuring complete privacy and security.