document-conversion

# document-conversion

Robust PDF and document conversion with intelligent tool selection. Chooses the best available conversion method based on document complexity and MCP availability.

## When to Use

Use this skill when:
- User needs to convert PDFs, especially with tables or figures
- User mentions "convert", "PDF", "document processing"
- User has complex academic papers to import
- User asks about document conversion options

## Conversion Options

| Feature | MinerU (Optional) | Manual Conversion |
|---------|-------------------|-------------------|
| API Key Required | Yes (MINERU_API_KEY) | No |
| PDF Accuracy | 90%+ (VLM mode) | Varies |
| Table Extraction | Excellent | Manual cleanup |
| Figure Handling | Extracts + describes | Manual description |
| Formula Recognition | Yes | Limited |
| Multi-column | Excellent | Manual formatting |
| Cost | Pay per page | Free |

## When to Use Which

### Use MinerU When:
- PDF has complex tables with merged cells
- Document has multi-column layouts
- Figures/charts need extraction
- Mathematical formulas present
- Academic paper with structured formatting
- Accuracy is critical

### Use Manual Conversion When:
- Simple text-based documents
- MinerU API key not available
- Cost is a concern
- Document is straightforward

## Tool Selection Logic

```
Is the document a PDF with tables/figures?
├── Yes, complex tables
│   └── MinerU available?
│       ├── Yes → Use MinerU (vlm mode)
│       └── No → Manual conversion + review
├── Yes, simple formatting
│   └── Manual conversion or external tool
└── No, other format
    └── Is it audio?
        ├── Yes → External transcription service
        └── No → Manual conversion
```

## Usage Examples

### MinerU (Complex PDF)
```
Use mineru_parse to convert this academic paper:
- URL: https://example.com/paper.pdf
- Model: vlm (for 90% accuracy)
- Enable: formula, table recognition
```

### Manual Conversion (Simple Document)
```
For simple PDFs without MinerU:
1. Use Adobe Acrob