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Export & PDF

Basalt includes built-in document export capabilities to generate publication-ready PDF files or send notes directly to your printer.

Single Renderer Snapshot (ADR-031)​

In traditional editors, PDF export often uses a separate rendering pipeline from the live editor, resulting in broken margins, missing diagram fonts, or misaligned math equations.

Basalt exports a direct snapshot of Reading Mode:

  • Math: KaTeX formulas render with vector clarity.
  • Diagrams: Mermaid sequence, flowchart, and class diagrams render at native resolution.
  • Code: Syntax-highlighted code blocks maintain theme token styling.
  • Embeds: Internal note embeds and local vault images are fully resolved.
  • Callouts & Tables: Custom styling and borders are preserved exactly as seen on screen.

Exporting to PDF​

  1. Open the note you wish to export.
  2. Open the command palette (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P) and select Export: Export note to PDF (or right-click the note tab and select Export to PDF).
  3. Choose your layout preferences:
    • Page Size: A4, US Letter, Legal.
    • Orientation: Portrait or Landscape.
    • Margins: Default, Narrow, or Custom.
    • Include Frontmatter: Toggle whether YAML metadata headers appear at the top.
    • Page Numbers: Add standard page footers (Page X of Y).
  4. Click Export to select the target file path.

Basalt uses clean print stylesheets designed for ink efficiency:

  • Background colors default to clean white, while preserving typography hierarchy and table borders.
  • Page breaks avoid splitting inside headings, code blocks, or image figures (break-inside: avoid).