File Converter
Convert documents between formats and merge multiple PDFs—all without leaving SafeAppeals.
Overview
The File Converter is a built-in tool for transforming documents between formats. Whether you need to convert a Word document to PDF for filing, merge multiple PDFs into a single exhibit, or convert images to different formats, the File Converter handles it all.
Single Conversion
Convert one file at a time between supported formats
Batch Conversion
Convert multiple files at once to the same format
Merge PDFs
Combine multiple PDF files into a single document
Opening the File Converter
Access the File Converter in several ways:
- Keyboard: Press
Ctrl+Shift+C - Command Palette:
Ctrl+Shift+P→ "Open File Converter Dashboard" - Activity Bar: Click the convert icon (↔) in the left sidebar
- Right-click menu: Right-click a file in the Explorer → "Convert File..."
Converting a Single File
- Open the File Converter (
Ctrl+Shift+C) - Select the Convert tab
- Choose or drag your input file
- Select the desired output format
- Choose the output location (defaults to same folder)
- Click Convert
Supported Conversions
| From | To | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| .docx (Word) | Prepare documents for filing | |
| .docx (Word) | .md (Markdown) | Convert to plain text for editing |
| .md (Markdown) | .docx, .pdf | Create formatted output from notes |
| .docx, .txt | Extract text from PDFs for editing | |
| .xlsx (Excel) | .csv, .pdf | Export spreadsheet data |
| Images (.png, .jpg) | .pdf, other formats | Include images in filings |
Batch Conversion
Convert multiple files at once—perfect for preparing a batch of documents for submission.
- Open the File Converter
- Select the Batch tab
- Drag multiple files or click to select them
- Choose the target format
- Select the output directory
- Click Convert All
Tip: Batch conversion maintains original filenames. If you convert letter.docx, evidence.docx, and summary.docx to PDF, you'll get letter.pdf, evidence.pdf, and summary.pdf.
Merging PDFs
Combine multiple PDF files into a single document—useful for creating consolidated exhibits or filing packages.
- Open the File Converter
- Select the Merge PDFs tab
- Add PDF files (drag and drop or click to select)
- Arrange files in the desired order (drag to reorder)
- Name your merged output file
- Click Merge
Common Use Cases
Exhibit Package
Merge all evidence documents (photos, letters, records) into a single numbered exhibit PDF.
Appeal Filing
Combine cover letter, appeal brief, and supporting documents into one filing package.
Medical Records Compilation
Merge multiple medical reports into a single chronological document.
Configuration
The File Converter uses Python for document processing. If you have a specific Python installation you want to use, you can configure it in settings.
Setting a Custom Python Path
- Open Settings (
Ctrl+,) - Search for "File Converter"
- Find "Python Path" setting
- Enter the path to your Python executable (e.g.,
C:\Python311\python.exe) - Leave blank to use system default
Python Required
File conversion requires Python to be installed on your system. If you see conversion errors, ensure Python 3.8+ is installed and accessible from your system PATH.
Command Palette Commands
Access File Converter functions directly from the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P):
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| Open File Converter Dashboard | Open the converter sidebar |
| Convert File... | Start a single file conversion |
| Batch Convert Files | Open batch conversion mode |
| Merge PDFs | Open PDF merge mode |
Troubleshooting
Conversion fails with 'Python not found'
→ Install Python 3.8+ from python.org and ensure it's added to your system PATH. Alternatively, set a custom Python path in settings.
PDF merge creates blank pages
→ Ensure the source PDFs are not corrupted. Try opening them individually first to verify they're valid.
Word to PDF conversion loses formatting
→ Complex formatting may not convert perfectly. For critical documents, review the PDF output and manually adjust if needed.