Ghostscript is a powerful, open-source software suite used for interpreting, converting, and rendering page description languages such as PDF, PostScript (PS), PCL, and XPS. Available as both a command-line utility and embeddable SDK, Ghostscript is widely used in printers, publishing workflows, and document processing applications. With support for rasterization, vector rendering, and advanced color management, it serves as a robust open-source alternative to proprietary engines like Adobe Acrobat Distiller, Foxit PDF SDK, and PDFium. Its cross-platform compatibility and licensing under AGPL make it ideal for developers and enterprises needing powerful PDF and print processing without commercial licensing constraints.
Key Features:
- PDL Conversion: Converts between various page description languages and raster/vector formats.
- Interpreters: Includes interpreters for PostScript, PDF (including a new C-based interpreter), PCL, and XPS.
- Graphics Library: A robust graphics library supporting multiple imaging models.
- Flexible Integration: Can be used as a standalone application or integrated as an SDK.
- Feature Rich: Offers features like imposition, color management, and custom screening.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Runs on Windows, macOS, Unix-like systems, and embedded systems.
- PDF Compression: Provides powerful PDF compression capabilities.
- OCR Support: Includes OCR device support for converting images to searchable PDF text.
- Language Bindings: Offers bindings for Python, C#, and Java.
Use Cases:
- Printing Solutions: Used in printers, MFPs, and RIPs.
- Document Management Systems: Integrated into systems for managing and processing documents.
- PDF Generation Tools: Used for creating PDF documents.
- Cloud-Based Printing: Suitable for cloud-based printing solutions.
- Workflow Automation: Automates document processing workflows.
- Enterprise Document Processing: Commercial version (Ghostscript Enterprise) supports processing of office documents like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
