Generated files are in ANSI format, not UTF-8

[hmogensen]

I do not know if this is a feature, bug or neither, but when I run the make command the generated files are generated as ANSI format. This causes an error when trying to convert the generated document (e.g. release/510.md) to a word document using pandoc

Running MS Windows 10 Enterprise, Python 3.8

[johndgiese]

Could you upload the original file as well as the generated one?

[hmogensen]

Sure, I will have a look at it again. I have had a lot of use of your project to get started but now I have created my own system (MS Word templates, unfortunately). But if you need it for debugging purposes I will get back soon with the files

[johndgiese]

@hmogensen no that's okay, I don't want to take up too much of your time. I'd love to learn why you switched to Word templates and any suggestions you have for RDM. Feel free to post here, or email me at [email protected]

[hmogensen]

The original file in rdm\init_files\documents\ is set to UTF-8.
First I run the make command in Anaconda3 prompt.

Then I run pandoc from Git bash, and the following file is generated:
510k.md
Console output (git bash):

$ pandoc -o 510.docx 510k.md
UTF-8 decoding error in 510k.md at byte offset 707 (96).
The input must be a UTF-8 encoded text.

If I open the 510.md file in Notepad and save as utf-8 it works.

[hmogensen]

@hmogensen no that's okay, I don't want to take up too much of your time. I'd love to learn why you switched to Word templates and any suggestions you have for RDM. Feel free to post here, or email me at [email protected]

Short answer to your question: the place where I work have their predefined word templates, so I couldn't just use the markdown files. Also, as you mentioned in the README or FAQ, most 'normal' people prefer working in Word as opposed to using text-based files. I took inspiration from your structure and created generic Word documents (in Swedish) corresponding to each required attachment. I am working with the EU's medical device regulation (MDR), also for non-software product so it does not translate perfectly.
If you want more input you are more than welcome to email me at firstname lastname at gmail com