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.
QPDF image
pdf editor manipulation encryption decryption repair

QPDF: Open-Source Command-Line Tool & C++ Library for PDF Manipulation

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.

What is QPDF?

QPDF is an open-source software suite consisting of both a command-line tool and a C++ library for manipulating and inspecting Portable Document Format (PDF) files. It was created to address common needs in PDF workflow that are not met by Adobe Acrobat and other proprietary PDF tools.

Some key features of QPDF include:

  • Splitting and merging PDFs
  • Adding, replacing, and removing pages
  • Encrypting and decrypting PDFs with 40-bit, 128-bit, and 256-bit AES encryption
  • Repairing damaged PDFs
  • Linearizing PDFs for optimized web viewing
  • Comprehensive inspection of PDF structure and contents
  • Extensive support for transforms between content streams and other PDF objects

As both a library and command-line tool, QPDF enables batch PDF manipulation and scripted workflows. It aims to faithfully preserve PDF contents during manipulations by ensuring that document metadata and content streams remain consistent. Output PDFs adhere strictly to PDF specification standards.

QPDF is written in C++ and runs on Windows, Linux, and other POSIX systems. It is released under the Apache 2.0 open source license. The command-line tool provides an easy way to access QPDF's capabilities, while the library allows developers to integrate QPDF functionality into their own software.

QPDF Features

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


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