How can doc/docx files be converted to markdown or structured text?

Question

Is there a program or workflow to convert .doc or .docx files to Markdown or similar text?

PS: Ideally, I would welcome the option that a spec

Answer 1

Given that you asked this question on stackoverflow you're probably wanting a programmatic or command line solution for which I've included another answer.

However, an alternative solution might be to use the Writage Markdown plugin for Microsoft Word.

Writage turns Word into your Markdown WYSIWYG editor, so you will be able to open a Markdown file and edit it like you normally edit any document in Microsoft Word. Also it will be possible to save your Word document as a Markdown file without any other converters.

Under the covers, Writage uses Pandoc that you'll also need to install for this plugin to work.

It currently supports the following Markdown elements:

• Headings
• Lists (numbered and bulleted)
• Links
• Font styles such as bold, italic
• Tables
• Footnotes

This might be the ideal solution for many end users as they won't need to install or run any command line tools - but rather just stick with what they are most familiar.