gs-batch-pdf
gs-batch-pdf is a free, MIT-licensed command-line tool for batch processing PDF files with parallel execution.
What gs-batch-pdf is
gs-batch-pdf is a free, MIT-licensed command-line tool for batch processing PDF files with parallel execution. It applies Ghostscript compression presets such as /screen, /ebook, /printer, /prepress, and /default, and can convert files to PDF/A-1, PDF/A-2, or PDF/A-3. The README notes that correct PDF/A-2 and PDF/A-3 conversion requires Ghostscript 10.04.0 or later. The tool can recursively process directory trees, show per-file progress, and choose whether to keep the smaller file or always keep the processed version. Filename prefixes and suffixes are supported. If processing fails, users can prompt, skip the file, or abort; silent batch options support unattended runs. Ghostscript must be installed separately, as must Python 3.12 or later. Installation is recommended through pipx, with pip also supported. Users can pass arbitrary Ghostscript command-line options. The project accepts bug reports and feature requests through GitHub Issues and contributions through pull requests. It runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS; it is a command-line tool rather than an offline desktop app, and no API access is listed.
Good
- Processes PDF batches with parallel execution.
- Can recursively search directory trees.
- Offers several Ghostscript compression presets.
- Supports unattended batch options.
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Watch out
- Requires Python 3.12 or newer.
- Ghostscript must be installed separately.
- PDF/A-2 and PDF/A-3 require Ghostscript 10.04.0 or newer for correct conversion.
- No API access is listed.
Who it suits
gs-batch-pdf suits users comfortable with command-line workflows who need to process PDF collections across Windows, Linux, or macOS. It can also fit automated batch jobs that need recursive processing or error-handling options.
Verdict
gs-batch-pdf offers batch compression and conversion controls for command-line users. Its separate Ghostscript dependency and Python version requirement are important setup considerations.
Plans and prices
From gs-batch-pdf's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | MIT-licensed command-line tool; requires Python 3.12+ and Ghostscript |
The facts
Each one read from gs-batch-pdf's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation
- The README documents silent and unattended batch use, including options to force overwrites, suppress opening the output folder, and skip errors.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Batch controls
- It can recursively process directory trees and report per-file progress.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Batch search
- It can recursively search directory trees when run with the -r flag.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Compression
- It supports Ghostscript compression presets /screen, /ebook, /printer, /prepress, and /default.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Custom options
- Users can pass arbitrary Ghostscript command-line options to the tool.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Error handling
- On processing errors, it can prompt, skip failed files, or abort.checked 11 Oct 2026
- File handling
- It can keep the smaller of the original and processed files, or always keep the new version, and supports filename prefixes and suffixes.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Install requirements
- The README lists Python 3.12 or later and Ghostscript as prerequisites, and recommends installing the package with pipx; pip is also supported.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Integration
- PDF processing uses Ghostscript, which must be installed separately.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The tool uses Ghostscript for PDF processing and can be installed with pipx or pip.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The README says gs-batch-pdf is licensed under MIT and describes Ghostscript as AGPL-licensed.checked 11 Oct 2026
- PDF/A
- It converts PDFs to PDF/A-1, PDF/A-2, or PDF/A-3, and the README says PDF/A-2 and PDF/A-3 require Ghostscript 10.04.0 or higher for correct conversion.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- gs-batch-pdf is a command-line tool for batch processing PDFs with parallel execution.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- Running the tool requires Python 3.12 or newer and an installed Ghostscript executable.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Security and licensing
- The project says gs-batch-pdf is licensed under MIT and identifies Ghostscript as AGPL-licensed; the README does not state security certifications or compliance claims.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project invites bug reports and feature requests through GitHub Issues and contributions through pull requests.checked 11 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platforms
- The README states support for Windows, Linux, and macOS.checked 11 Oct 2026
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