---
id: docutils
version: "0.23"
license: unclear
license_treatment: unclear
maintenance: active
---

# docutils — Docutils -- Python Documentation Utilities

License: unclear · Maintenance: active · Popularity: top 1,000 on PyPI

## Install

pip install docutils
uv add docutils
poetry add docutils

## Description

=======================
 README: Docutils 0.23
=======================

:Author: David Goodger
:Contact: goodger@python.org
:Date: $Date: 2026-05-27 19:20:40 +0200 (Mi, 27. Mai 2026) $
:Web site: https://docutils.sourceforge.io/
:Copyright: This document has been placed in the public domain.

:Abstract: Docutils is a modular system for processing documentation into
           useful formats, such as HTML, XML, and LaTeX.
           For input Docutils supports reStructuredText, an easy-to-read,
           what-you-see-is-what-you-get plaintext markup syntax.

.. contents::


Quick-Start
===========

This is for those who want to get up & running quickly.

1. Docutils requires **Python**, available from
   https://www.python.org/.
   See Dependencies_ below for details.

2. Install the latest stable release from PyPi with pip_::

       pip install docutils

   For alternatives and details, see section `Installation`_ below.

3. Use the `front-end scripts`_ to convert reStructuredText documents.
   Try for example::

       docutils FAQ.rst FAQ.html

   See Usage_ below for details.


Purpose
=======

The purpose of the Docutils project is to provide a set of tools for
processing...

## AI interpretation — verify before relying

Docutils converts plaintext documentation in reStructuredText format into HTML, XML, LaTeX, and other output formats using a modular processing system.

Verdict: Docutils is a mature, widely-used documentation processor with zero known vulnerabilities, low install friction, and active maintenance. The unclear license classification warrants verification before adoption in proprietary contexts, but the package is otherwise a solid foundation for reStructuredText-based documentation workflows.

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/docutils) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/docutils/)