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Ghostscript

ghostscript.com

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Spec score 8.2 #11 of 47 in PDF Converter Software

What it is

Ghostscript is a PostScript and PDF interpreter and rendering engine from Artifex, with conversion support for PDF, PostScript, PCL and XPS. It can convert among those formats, produce PDF/A output, and compress PDFs with adjustable settings. Its OCR device can turn printed or scanned material into searchable PDF text. Other image and print capabilities include raster and vector output, color management, overprint simulation, N-up imposition, screening and trapping.

Ghostscript runs as a standalone command-line application or can be integrated into an application as an SDK. The gsapi interface has Python, C# and Java bindings, with demos and sample applications. The maker lists uses including cloud document conversion, archiving, previews, e-invoicing, pre-press, printing and document management. It supports Windows, macOS, Unix and Unix-like systems, VMS and embedded systems. The AGPL license is free, with source code disclosure requirements and no support. Artifex says a commercial license is required for distribution in a closed-source product or SaaS deployment under its licensing guidance; commercial plans have no listed price. Conversion may not preserve extra metadata such as embedded files or document outlines.

Spec sheet

What it does
Ghostscript is a PostScript and PDF interpreter and rendering engine with conversion capabilities for PDF, PostScript, PCL, and XPS.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Support
Commercial customers can access Artifex support options; the AGPL release has no warranty or guaranteed support.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Headquarters
Novato, California, USARead 28 Sep 2026 · ghostscript.com
Founded
1989Read 28 Sep 2026 · ghostscript.com
Maker
Artifex describes Ghostscript as originating in 1989 and identifies Artifex Software Inc. as the company behind its products.Read 8 Oct 2026 · artifex.com
Commercial license
Artifex says a commercial license is required when distributing Ghostscript in a closed-source product or deploying it in a SaaS environment under its stated licensing guidance.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Current release
The releases page identifies Ghostscript 10.08.0, dated 2026-09-08, as the latest release.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
File conversion
It renders PDF, PostScript, PCL, and XPS and supports conversions among these formats, including PDF/A output.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Image and print features
Features include raster and vector output, color management, overprint simulation, N-up imposition, screening, and trapping.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Integration
Ghostscript can run as a standalone command-line application or be integrated into an application as an SDK.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Language bindings
The gsapi interface has bindings for Python, C#, and Java, with demos and sample applications.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Notable limitation
The FAQ says conversion may not preserve extra metadata such as embedded files or document outlines.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
OCR
Ghostscript provides an OCR device that can turn printed or scanned material into searchable PDF text documents.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
PDF compression
The product page describes PDF compression with settings control for reducing file sizes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Supported systems
The maker says Ghostscript runs on Windows, macOS, Unix and Unix-like systems, VMS, and embedded systems.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com
Use cases
The maker lists SaaS and cloud document conversion, archiving, previews, e-invoicing, pre-press, printing, and document management as use cases.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ghostscript.com

Plans and prices

AGPL License Free Free license AGPL requirements · source code disclosure, including app code · no support Read 8 Oct 2026 · artifex.com
OEM Distribution License Priced on request Per-copy cost with a quarterly minimum fee; contact Artifex for terms Unlimited distribution without requirements · no code disclosure · annual distribution reporting · support available Read 8 Oct 2026 · artifex.com
Subscription License Priced on request Per-copy cost with a quarterly minimum fee; contact Artifex for terms Unlimited distribution without requirements · annual distribution reporting (none for internal use) · support available Read 8 Oct 2026 · artifex.com

Every Ghostscript plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Converts among PDF, PostScript, PCL and XPS.
  • Can produce PDF/A and searchable PDF text.
  • Runs as a command-line tool or SDK.
  • gsapi bindings are available for Python, C# and Java.
  • Supports Windows, macOS, Unix-like systems and more.

Limits

  • AGPL use requires source code disclosure, including app code.
  • AGPL release has no support or warranty.
  • Closed-source distribution and SaaS deployment require commercial licensing under Artifex guidance.
  • Conversion may omit embedded files or document outlines.

Who it suits

Ghostscript suits developers and teams that need document rendering or conversion, including integration as an SDK, and organizations working with PDF, PostScript, PCL or XPS. Its AGPL terms and commercial licensing guidance matter when choosing how to distribute or deploy it.

Verdict

Ghostscript provides broad document conversion and rendering options, including OCR and SDK integration. Review the AGPL conditions, commercial licensing guidance and metadata limitation against the intended deployment.

Where Specifiction places it

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