Apache PDFBox is a robust, open-source Java library built for working with PDF documents. Backed by the Apache Software Foundation, it allows developers to create new PDF files, modify existing ones, and extract text, metadata, or images with ease. PDFBox supports signing, rendering, and splitting/merging of documents, making it a versatile tool for both backend systems and desktop applications. As a fully open-source solution under the Apache License 2.0, it serves as a strong alternative to commercial libraries like Adobe PDF Services SDK, iText, and Foxit PDF SDK, especially for developers seeking flexibility and transparency in PDF processing.
Key features include:
- PDF Creation: Generate PDF documents from scratch with embedded fonts and images.
- Content Extraction: Extract Unicode text and other content from PDF files.
- Manipulation: Split, merge, and manipulate PDF files to suit specific needs.
- Form Handling: Extract data from or fill PDF forms programmatically.
- Preflight Validation: Validate PDF files against the PDF/A-1b standard for archival purposes.
- Printing: Print PDF files using standard Java printing APIs.
- Image Conversion: Save PDFs as image files (PNG, JPEG, etc.).
- Digital Signing: Secure PDF documents with digital signatures.
Use cases range from document management systems and automated report generation to data extraction tools and PDF validation services. It's a versatile tool for any Java developer working with PDF files.
