# 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.