Logseq import: turn paragraphs into blocks and add page references
Logseq keeps each page as an outline of bullets. A plain paragraph in a file only continues the bullet above it, so ocrtomarkdown’s Logseq format gives every heading, paragraph and list item its own bullet. Save the file in your graph’s pages folder.
Why Logseq wants bullets
Logseq keeps every note as an outline. Each bullet is a block, and each page is a file in the pages folder of your graph. In a file, a plain paragraph is not a bullet of its own, so an ordinary Markdown note collapses into one long block under its first line.
That is why the Logseq format writes a dash in front of every block. It also makes the outline flat. The converter cannot know which bullets you would nest under which heading, so you do that in Logseq with Tab. Flat is not a flaw: it leaves the structure to you, which is the point of an outliner.
Logseq comes in a file-based version and a newer database version. This guide is about the file-based one, where pages are Markdown files. For the database version, check Logseq’s own documentation on importing Markdown.
Bring a converted PDF into Logseq in six steps
- Convert with the Logseq formatOn Evernote, OneNote and more pick Logseq in step 2 and download the .md file. Name it the way you want the page called, since Logseq normally builds the page name from the file name.
- Save it in the pages folderPut the file in the pages folder inside your graph’s folder. Logseq stores each page as a file there, and sub-pages are organised with links and tags rather than with folders.
- Re-index if it does not appearIf the page does not show up, try Re-index from the graph menu. It rebuilds the graph from the files on disk.
- Read the outlineEvery heading, paragraph and list item is its own bullet. Tables and code blocks sit inside one bullet each. Compare a few against the PDF before you reorganise anything.
- Nest with TabSelect the bullets that belong under a heading and press Tab to indent them. Shift and Tab moves a bullet back out. A few minutes here turns a flat list into a real outline.
- Add page referencesIn a bullet type [[ and the name of a page, or pick one from the suggestions. Typing #tag works like a link too. Logseq creates a page you link to if it does not exist yet. Link the terms you expect to revisit, such as key concepts, people and course names.
The same note, plain and as an outline
The first block is the Notion format. The second is the Logseq format of the same text.
# Cell membranes
## Transport
Diffusion moves molecules down a gradient.
- Passive transport needs no energy
- Active transport does
| Process | Energy needed |
| --- | --- |
| Diffusion | No |- # Cell membranes
- ## Transport
- Diffusion moves molecules down a gradient.
- Passive transport needs no energy
- Active transport does
- | Process | Energy needed |
| --- | --- |
| Diffusion | No |Each block now starts with a dash. The two list items stay at the same level as the paragraph until you press Tab, and the table lives inside one bullet.
What each part of a PDF becomes in Logseq
Read across each row: what the PDF has, what the Logseq file holds, and what is left for you to do.
| In your PDF | In the Logseq file | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Title and headings | One bullet each, with the # marks kept | Nest the bullets under each heading with Tab. |
| Paragraphs | One bullet each | Split or merge bullets as you like. |
| Bulleted and numbered lists | Bullets, nested where the nesting was recognised | Check the nesting and the numbering. |
| Tables | One bullet holding the Markdown table | See how your Logseq version draws it. |
| Code and quotes | One bullet each | Check the text inside. |
| Pictures | Left out | Add a screenshot by hand. |
| Links to other pages | Not added | Type [[ for a page or # for a tag. |
What goes wrong when you import into Logseq
The page is one long block
You saved a plain Markdown file, not the Logseq format. Convert again with Logseq selected so every block gets its dash.
The page does not appear
Check that the file sits in the graph’s pages folder, then try Re-index from the graph menu.
Everything is on one level
That is expected. The outline is flat until you indent. Press Tab on a bullet to nest it under the one above. Work heading by heading, from the top of the page down.
A typo makes a new page
Linking to a page that does not exist creates it, so a misspelt [[Osmosis]] leaves a stray page behind. Pick from the suggestions instead of typing the whole name.
The table looks like pipes
A table sits as Markdown text inside one bullet. How it is drawn depends on your Logseq version, so check one first.
The wikilinks box does nothing
The converter’s wikilinks option applies to the Obsidian format only. For Logseq, add references yourself. Evernote to Markdown shows another way into an outliner.
How ocrtomarkdown helps
ocrtomarkdown’s Logseq format turns every heading, paragraph, list item, table and code block into its own bullet, nests list items where it can see the nesting, and leaves the rest of the outline for you. Joined paragraphs, ordered headings and tables are the same as in the other formats. Convert on Evernote, OneNote and more. Free: 3 files a day, up to 10 pages each, no account. Files over 10 pages are converted up to page 10 on the free allowance; a page code converts the whole file, up to 150 pages. See pricing.
Logseq and converted PDFs: your questions
Why is every paragraph a bullet in Logseq?
Logseq files are outlines. A plain paragraph is only a continuation of the bullet above, so the Logseq format gives each block its own bullet.
Where do I save the file?
In the pages folder of your graph. Logseq stores pages as files there, with no nested folders.
The page is not showing up. What now?
Check the folder, then try Re-index from the graph menu so Logseq reads the files again.
How do I nest bullets under a heading?
Select them and press Tab. Press Shift and Tab to move a bullet back out.
How do I link to another page?
Type [[ and the page name. If the page does not exist, Logseq creates it.
What is the difference between [[Page]] and #tag?
Pages and tags work in a very similar way. A tag with several words is written #[[Page name]].
Does the converter add page references?
No. Its wikilinks option is for the Obsidian format only, so add references in Logseq as you read.
Does this work with the Logseq database version?
This guide covers file-based graphs. Check Logseq’s documentation for how the database version imports Markdown.