diff --git a/docs/tech_docs/pdf-tools.md b/docs/tech_docs/pdf-tools.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0bae4ce --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/tech_docs/pdf-tools.md @@ -0,0 +1,42 @@ +# Guide to PDF and PostScript Tools + +This guide provides an overview of three key tools used for handling PDF and PostScript files: Ghostscript, MuPDF, and PDF.js. Each tool has unique features and typical use cases. + +## Ghostscript + +### Role +- A versatile tool for handling PDF and PostScript (PS) files. +- Used for rendering, converting, and processing these file types. + +### Typical Uses +- **PDF and PostScript Rendering**: Renders pages from PDF and PS files to bitmap formats for previewing and printing. +- **File Conversion**: Converts between PDF and PostScript formats and to other image formats like JPEG, PNG. +- **Processing and Analysis**: Analyzes, modifies, and creates PDF and PS files. +- **Integration**: Often integrated into other applications to provide PDF/PS processing capabilities. + +## MuPDF + +### Role +- Lightweight software developed by Artifex Software for viewing PDF, XPS, and eBook documents. +- Known for its high performance and simpler licensing. + +### Typical Uses +- **PDF and XPS Viewing**: Primary use as a viewer for PDF and XPS files, suitable for desktop and mobile applications. +- **Annotations and Form Filling**: Supports interactive features in PDFs. +- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Works across various platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and mobile OS. + +## PDF.js + +### Role +- An open-source PDF viewer developed by Mozilla, implemented entirely in JavaScript. +- Designed for web-based PDF viewing. + +### Typical Uses +- **Web-based PDF Viewing**: Displays PDF files within web browsers, ideal for web applications. +- **Cross-Browser Compatibility**: Works across different web browsers without the need for specific PDF plugins. +- **Interactive Features**: Supports hyperlinks, annotations, and form fields in PDFs. +- **Customization and Integration**: Can be customized and integrated into web applications for a seamless user experience. + +--- + +Each tool serves a distinct role in managing and presenting PDF and document content, catering to different needs and platforms.