erbsland-ansi-convert

Convert captured ANSI terminal output into ANSI, HTML, or plain text artifacts.

Updated Feb 17, 2026

Search Tags:#documentation #html #terminal #conversion #capture #pty #ansi

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/erbsland-dev/skills --skill erbsland-ansi-convert

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: erbsland-ansi-convert
Source: https://github.com/erbsland-dev/skills/tree/main/erbsland-ansi-convert
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/erbsland-dev/skills --skill erbsland-ansi-convert

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This tool helps teams document dynamic terminal applications by turning live or recorded terminal output into stable, reusable artifacts.

Core Features & Use Cases

Preserves cursor motion, redraws, and ANSI sequences when converting captures to static formats (ANSI, HTML, or text).
Produces embed-ready fragments and guides for documentation, including CSS-friendly HTML output and references.
Uses PTY-based captures to ensure fidelity for CLIs and TUIs in real-world environments.

Quick Start

Capture a terminal session with a PTY recorder and run erbsland-ansi-convert to generate the final artifact.

Frequently Asked Questions about erbsland-ansi-convert

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I convert terminal output with ANSI escape sequences to HTML for documentation?▼

Converting terminal output to HTML is done by transforming captured ANSI sequences into stable, CSS-friendly HTML fragments. This preserves cursor motion, redraws, and terminal styling so dynamic CLI sessions can be embedded directly into static documentation.

What is the best way to document TUIs that rely on cursor movement and redraws?▼

Documenting TUIs requires capturing the session via a PTY recorder and converting the output into static artifacts. This approach accurately preserves complex cursor movement, screen redraws, and live terminal effects across ANSI, HTML, or plain text formats for reusable guides.

Can I preserve terminal layout and styling when converting CLI captures to plain text?▼

Yes, converting CLI captures to plain text preserves the terminal layout by processing PTY-based recordings. The conversion translates dynamic terminal effects and ANSI sequences into a stable text format suitable for documentation without losing structural fidelity.

Do I need a PTY recorder to capture terminal sessions for ANSI to HTML conversion?▼

Yes, a PTY recorder is required to capture the terminal session before conversion. Using a PTY ensures high fidelity for CLIs and TUIs in real-world environments, accurately recording the raw ANSI sequences needed to generate stable HTML or ANSI documentation artifacts.

Why does my terminal capture lose formatting when I paste it into documentation?▼

Terminal captures lose formatting because dynamic ANSI sequences and cursor movements are not preserved by standard copy-pasting. Converting PTY-based captures into stable HTML or ANSI artifacts ensures the original layout, styles, and redraws remain intact for documentation.