- Home
- PDF Merger Software
- PDFtk
PDFtk
What it is
PDFtk is a toolkit for everyday PDF work, offered through free and paid graphical editions plus command-line software. PDFtk Free provides a GUI for merging and splitting documents and pages, and includes PDFtk Server. Pro adds splitting, merging, rotating, watermarking, stamping, and security controls. Server handles form filling with X/FDF data, bookmark and metadata changes, file attachment or unpacking, and possible repairs for corrupted PDFs. It can decrypt input when supplied the password and encrypt output. Pro can require an opening password or restrict printing, assembly, copying, or editing. PDFtk Server is free under GPL Version 2, while commercial redistribution generally needs a separate license. Listed plans are PDFtk Free at no cost, PDFtk Server at no cost, PDFtk Pro at $3.99, paid once, and a redistribution license at $995, paid once.
For and against
For
- Free GUI merges and splits PDFs
- Pro adds watermark and security tools
- Server supports X/FDF form filling
- Command-line and graphical editions
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
Against
- Commercial redistribution may require a license
- Pro costs $3.99, paid once
- Products may create local troubleshooting logs
The verdict
PDFtk offers both visual and command-line routes for common PDF operations, with deeper server functions for forms and metadata. Its licensing distinction matters most when embedding Server in a commercial product.
Who it suits
It suits people needing desktop or self-hosted PDF merging, splitting, form handling, metadata work, or command-line processing. Commercial product makers should review the separate redistribution licensing requirement.
Plans and prices
PDFtk Free
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
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
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
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
On the record
- 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.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Free GUI features
- PDFtk Free is a graphical tool for merging and splitting PDF documents and pages.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- PDFtk Pro includes PDFtk Server, providing both a graphical interface and command-line interface; the product pages list no third-party integrations.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- License
- PDFtk Server is available at no charge under GPL Version 2, while commercial redistribution in a product generally requires a separate redistribution license.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Maker
- PDF Labs says it is operated by Sid Steward, and the site copyright identifies Steward and Lee, LLC.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- PDF Labs says products may create temporary local troubleshooting logs, and customers are responsible for applying their privacy policies to those files.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Pro features
- PDFtk Pro can split, merge, rotate, watermark, stamp, and secure PDF pages and documents.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PDFtk is a toolkit for everyday work with PDF documents, offered as free GUI, paid GUI, and command-line editions.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Refunds
- PDF Labs says it will refund the purchase price if a customer is not satisfied with a purchased product.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- 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.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- 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.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- 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.pdflabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
