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SPECIFICTION
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PDFtk

pdflabs.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.9 #16 of 36 in PDF Merger Software

What it is

PDFtk is a PDF toolkit from PDF Labs, available as graphical and command-line editions for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted deployments. PDFtk Free provides a graphical interface for merging and splitting PDF documents and pages, and includes the PDFtk Server command-line tool. PDFtk Pro adds splitting, merging, rotation, watermarks, stamps, and security controls for pages and documents. PDFtk Server handles command-line processing such as filling forms with X/FDF data, adding or updating bookmarks and metadata, attaching or unpacking files, and attempting repairs on corrupted PDFs. It can decrypt an input when its password is supplied and encrypt output. Pro can set opening passwords or restrict printing, assembly, copying, and editing. Server is free under GPL Version 2; commercial redistribution generally needs a separate license. PDF Labs lists Free and Server at free, Pro at $3.99, paid once, and a redistribution license at $995 as a one-time purchase. Products may create temporary local troubleshooting logs.

Spec sheet

Purpose
PDFtk is a toolkit for everyday work with PDF documents, offered as free GUI, paid GUI, and command-line editions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
Platforms
PDFtk Server runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux; PDFtk Pro and Free are listed for Windows 10 and 11.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
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.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
Integrations
PDFtk Pro includes PDFtk Server, providing both a graphical interface and command-line interface; the product pages list no third-party integrations.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
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.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
Privacy
PDF Labs says products may create temporary local troubleshooting logs, and customers are responsible for applying their privacy policies to those files.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
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.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
License
PDFtk Server is available at no charge under GPL Version 2, while commercial redistribution in a product generally requires a separate redistribution license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
Maker
PDF Labs says it is operated by Sid Steward, and the site copyright identifies Steward and Lee, LLC.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
Free GUI features
PDFtk Free is a graphical tool for merging and splitting PDF documents and pages.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
Pro features
PDFtk Pro can split, merge, rotate, watermark, stamp, and secure PDF pages and documents.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
Refunds
PDF Labs says it will refund the purchase price if a customer is not satisfied with a purchased product.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
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.Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com

Plans and prices

PDFtk Free Free Free to use for as long as you like Windows 10 and 11 · GUI for merging and splitting PDFs and pages · includes PDFtk Server command-line tool Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
PDFtk Server Free Free to install and use under the GNU General Public License Version 2 Command-line tool · commercial redistribution in a commercial product requires a separate license unless the product uses a GPL-compatible license Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
PDFtk Pro $3.99, paid once Only $3.99 Windows 10 and 11 · includes installer download link and license key · includes PDFtk Server command-line tool Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com
PDFtk Server Redistribution License $995, paid once Now available for $995 Allows redistribution of an unlimited number of PDFtk Server binaries as part of one distinct commercial product, subject to license terms Read 9 Oct 2026 · pdflabs.com

Every PDFtk plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Graphical and command-line editions
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted systems
  • Fills forms and manages PDF metadata
  • Supports encryption and permission restrictions
  • Free editions available under stated terms

Limits

  • Commercial redistribution requires a separate license
  • Pro features require a paid purchase
  • Temporary local troubleshooting logs may be created
  • Server is GPL Version 2 licensed

Who it suits

PDFtk suits people who need desktop PDF merging, splitting, or security tools, plus developers and organizations processing PDFs from scripts or servers. It also fits OEMs and ISVs that need command-line PDF operations, subject to licensing.

Verdict

PDFtk combines a basic free GUI with a broader paid GUI and a capable server command-line edition. Its licensing and redistribution terms matter most for organizations embedding or distributing Server.

Where Specifiction places it

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