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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.