Watch the Short
The 60-second version.
Saw the YouTube short and want the full setup? You're in the right place. The step-by-step prompts and code are below — built so a non-developer can ship it in 15 minutes.
Why this matters
You're paying for formatting Claude doesn't need.
When you upload a PDF or Word doc, Claude reads all the hidden data inside — fonts, layout, embedded metadata. None of it helps. All of it costs tokens. Convert to Markdown first and you keep the content while stripping the overhead.
Original PDF
~9,275
File size: 37 KB
Converted Markdown
~985
File size: 4 KB
89.6% fewer tokens — same content.
Easiest Path — 3 Steps
Don't want to read? Let Claude do it.
Download one file, hand it to Claude, and the whole setup runs itself. Covers Windows, Mac, and Linux — including the Python 3.14 quirk.
- 1Download markitdown-setup.md
- 2Open a new Claude conversation, attach the file, type: "follow these instructions"
- 3Claude runs the setup automatically and tells you how to use it daily
One-Time Setup
Four prompts. Claude does the rest.
Open Claude Code and paste each one in order. You don't need to write any code — Claude handles all the technical work.
Step 01
Set up a Python environment
Open Claude Code and paste these. Say "yes" if it asks to confirm.
python -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activateStep 02
Install MarkItDown
This downloads Microsoft's open-source converter. May take a minute.
git clone https://github.com/microsoft/markitdown.git
cd markitdown
pip install -e packages/markitdownStep 03
Create the conversion script
Paste this prompt and Claude will write the Python script for you.
I want to create a script I can run that will look in a folder called convert and review the files in there and provide the md.convertStep 04
Create the batch file
One more prompt and you get a double-clickable file that runs the whole thing.
can you have a bat file that runs this?Daily Use
Once it's built, it takes 10 seconds.
- 1Drop your files (PDF, Word, PowerPoint, Excel) into the convert folder
- 2Double-click convert.bat
- 3Find your .md files in the convert\output folder
- 4Attach the .md to Claude instead of the original document
That's it. Same content. 90% fewer tokens.
Supported Formats
Works with everything you're already using.
- PDF (.pdf)
- Word (.docx)
- PowerPoint (.pptx)
- Excel (.xlsx, .xls)
- HTML pages
- Outlook email (.msg)
- Plain text & CSV
Behind the video
The gear I use to make these.
Everything here is sitting in my office right now. If you buy through an Amazon link, I earn a small commission — it helps the channel, and costs you nothing extra.
Sony Alpha a5000
Compact mirrorless camera for talking-head videos.
View on Amazon →Elgato Facecam
Dedicated webcam when I don't want to rig the mirrorless.
View on Amazon →Elgato Key Light
Bright, dimmable, computer-controlled key light.
View on Amazon →Elgato Stream Deck +
One-press control for lights, scenes, and apps.
View on Amazon →Elgato Wave:3 Mic
Clean mic for voiceovers and screen recordings.
View on Amazon →DJI Mic Mini
Wireless lav mic for away-from-desk shots.
View on Amazon →Elgato Prompter
Built-in screen so I can read while looking at the lens.
View on Amazon →Meross Smart Plug
Reliable HomeKit smart plugs for fans and lamps.
View on Amazon →Govee Smart Bulbs
Color Wi-Fi bulbs with app and voice control.
View on Amazon →EMART Umbrella Lights
Budget-friendly fill lights for even coverage.
View on Amazon →Amazon Associates disclosure: I earn from qualifying purchases. I only list gear I own and use.
More from Chad
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- Visit page
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