PDFtk vs QPDF

Struggling to choose between PDFtk and QPDF? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

PDFtk is a Office & Productivity solution with tags like pdf, editor, merge, split, rotate, encrypt, decrypt.

It boasts features such as Merge PDFs, Split PDFs, Rotate PDF pages, Encrypt and decrypt PDF files, Fill PDF forms, Add or update PDF metadata, Optimize PDF files and pros including Free and open source, Lightweight and fast, Cross-platform, Powerful command-line interface, Automatable workflows.

On the other hand, QPDF is a Office & Productivity product tagged with pdf, editor, manipulation, encryption, decryption, repair.

Its standout features include Split PDF files, Merge PDF files, Encrypt PDF files, Decrypt PDF files, Linearize PDF files, Fix corrupted PDF files, and it shines with pros like Open source, Free, Command line and library interface, Actively maintained, Cross-platform.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

PDFtk

PDFtk

PDFtk is an open-source command-line tool for working with PDF documents. It enables users to merge, split, rotate, encrypt and decrypt PDF files. PDFtk is lightweight, fast and cross-platform.

Categories:
pdf editor merge split rotate encrypt decrypt

PDFtk Features

  1. Merge PDFs
  2. Split PDFs
  3. Rotate PDF pages
  4. Encrypt and decrypt PDF files
  5. Fill PDF forms
  6. Add or update PDF metadata
  7. Optimize PDF files

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Lightweight and fast

Cross-platform

Powerful command-line interface

Automatable workflows

Cons

Command-line only (no GUI)

Steep learning curve

Limited documentation and support


QPDF

QPDF

QPDF is an open-source command-line tool and C++ library for manipulating and inspecting PDF files. It can split, merge, encrypt, decrypt, linearize, and fix corrupted PDF files.

Categories:
pdf editor manipulation encryption decryption repair

QPDF Features

  1. Split PDF files
  2. Merge PDF files
  3. Encrypt PDF files
  4. Decrypt PDF files
  5. Linearize PDF files
  6. Fix corrupted PDF files

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source

Free

Command line and library interface

Actively maintained

Cross-platform

Cons

Command line only, no GUI

Steep learning curve

Requires technical knowledge to use effectively