paperpile-to-markdown

Convert Paperpile JSON exports to individual Markdown files for use in my Obsidian vault.

Usage

python pp2md.py path/to/export.json

If no path is supplied the script looks for a *.json file next to itself.

macOS Quick Action

The script can be used from a macOS Quick Action by passing the selected JSON file as an argument. The generated markdown files are written next to the source JSON file so they appear in the same folder after the action finishes.

Setting up the Quick Action

1. Copy quickaction.sh somewhere on your $PATH and make it executable.
2. Open Automator and create a new Quick Action.
3. Configure the action to receive files or folders in Finder and set it to pass input as arguments.
4. Add a Run Shell Script step containing the full path to quickaction.sh.
5. Set the shell to either /bin/zsh or /bin/bash.
6. Save the workflow (e.g. Paperpile to Markdown). Now you can right-click any Paperpile JSON export and run the Quick Action to create the Markdown files next to it. The helper script accepts file paths as arguments or via stdin so it works with either Automator setting.