PDFtk
PDFtk is a toolkit for working with PDF documents, with graphical and command-line editions for desktop and self-hosted use.
What PDFtk is
PDFtk is a toolkit for working with PDF documents, with graphical and command-line editions for desktop and self-hosted use. PDFtk Free provides a graphical interface for merging and splitting PDFs and pages, and includes PDFtk Server’s command-line tool. PDFtk Pro adds options to split, merge, rotate, watermark, stamp, and secure documents and pages. Server can fill forms using X/FDF data, manage bookmarks and metadata, attach or unpack files, and attempt to repair corrupted PDFs. It can decrypt a password-protected input when given its password and encrypt output. PDFtk Server is free under GPL Version 2; commercial redistribution in a product generally requires a separate license. The listed plans are PDFtk Free at no cost, PDFtk Server at no cost, PDFtk Pro at $3.99, paid once, and a Server Redistribution License at $995, paid once. PDF Labs says its products may create local troubleshooting logs, for which customers are responsible under their privacy policies.
Good
- Free GUI merges and splits PDFs and pages.
- Pro adds rotation, watermarks, stamps, and security.
- Server handles forms, bookmarks, metadata, and attachments.
- Available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosting.
Watch out
- Pro costs $3.99, paid once.
- Redistribution license costs $995, paid once.
- Commercial product redistribution generally needs a separate license.
- Products may create temporary local troubleshooting logs.
Who it suits
PDFtk suits people who need to merge or split PDFs through a graphical tool, or automate document tasks with a command-line toolkit. Pro may suit users who also need page rotation, watermarking, stamping, or security controls.
Verdict
PDFtk covers basic PDF splitting and merging in a free GUI, with broader document operations available in Pro and Server. Consider its licensing terms if redistributing Server as part of a commercial product.
Plans and prices
From PDFtk's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| PDFtk Free | Free | Windows 10 and 11 · GUI for merging and splitting PDFs and pages · includes PDFtk Server command-line tool · Free to use for as long as you like |
| PDFtk Server | Free | Command-line tool · commercial redistribution in a commercial product requires a separate license unless the product uses a GPL-compatible license · Free to install and use under the GNU General Public License Version 2 |
| PDFtk Pro | $3.99, paid once | Windows 10 and 11 · includes installer download link and license key · includes PDFtk Server command-line tool · Only $3.99 |
| PDFtk Server Redistribution License | $995, paid once | Allows redistribution of an unlimited number of PDFtk Server binaries as part of one distinct commercial product, subject to license terms · Now available for $995 |
The facts
Each one read from PDFtk's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Deployment
- PDFtk Server is commonly used for client-side scripting and server-side PDF processing, and is also used by OEMs and ISVs in their products.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Integrations
- PDFtk Pro includes PDFtk Server, providing both a graphical interface and command-line interface; the product pages list no third-party integrations.checked 9 Oct 2001
- License
- PDFtk Server is available at no charge under GPL Version 2, while commercial redistribution in a product generally requires a separate redistribution license.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Privacy
- PDF Labs says products may create temporary local troubleshooting logs, and customers are responsible for applying their privacy policies to those files.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Pro features
- PDFtk Pro can split, merge, rotate, watermark, stamp, and secure PDF pages and documents.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- PDFtk is a toolkit for everyday work with PDF documents, offered as free GUI, paid GUI, and command-line editions.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Refunds
- PDF Labs says it will refund the purchase price if a customer is not satisfied with a purchased product.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Security
- PDFtk Server can decrypt input when the password is supplied and encrypt output; PDFtk Pro can apply passwords to open a PDF or restrict operations such as printing, assembly, copying, or editing.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Server operations
- PDFtk Server can fill PDF forms with X/FDF data, add or update bookmarks and metadata, attach or unpack files, and repair corrupted PDFs where possible.checked 9 Oct 2001
- Support
- PDF Labs invites questions about its products by email to Sid Steward and asks users to include PDF Labs in the subject for prompt delivery.checked 9 Oct 2001
Money
- Free GUI features
- PDFtk Free is a graphical tool for merging and splitting PDF documents and pages.checked 9 Oct 2001
The company
- Maker
- PDF Labs says it is operated by Sid Steward, and the site copyright identifies Steward and Lee, LLC.checked 9 Oct 2001
Where it runs
- Platforms
- PDFtk Server runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux; PDFtk Pro and Free are listed for Windows 10 and 11.checked 9 Oct 2001
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