How to use the command 'mupdf' (with examples)

The ‘mupdf’ command is a lightweight PDF, XPS, and E-book viewer. It allows users to open and view PDF documents with various options and settings.

Use case 1: Open a PDF on the first page

Code:

mupdf path/to/file

Motivation: This use case is useful when you want to quickly open a PDF document and start reading from the first page without any specific requirements.

Explanation:

• ‘mupdf’: The command to launch the ‘mupdf’ viewer.
• ‘path/to/file’: The file path of the PDF document.

Example output: The PDF document will be opened on the first page, and you can start reading it immediately.

Use case 2: Open a PDF on page 3

Code:

mupdf path/to/file 3

Motivation: When you want to navigate directly to a specific page in a PDF document, this use case allows you to open the document and start viewing from the desired page.

Explanation:

• ‘mupdf’: The command to launch the ‘mupdf’ viewer.
• ‘path/to/file’: The file path of the PDF document.
• ‘3’: The desired page number to open the PDF document.

Example output: The PDF document will be opened on page 3, allowing you to view the content from that specific page.

Use case 3: Open a password secured PDF

Code:

mupdf -p password path/to/file

Motivation: Use this use case when you need to view a password-protected PDF document and have the correct password to access its content.

Explanation:

• ‘mupdf’: The command to launch the ‘mupdf’ viewer.
• ‘-p password’: The option to provide the password required to open the PDF document.
• ‘path/to/file’: The file path of the password-protected PDF document.

Example output: If the password provided is correct, the PDF document will open, and you can view its content. Otherwise, an error message will be displayed indicating an incorrect password.

Use case 4: Open a PDF with an initial zoom level of 72 DPI

Code:

mupdf -r 72 path/to/file

Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to specify an initial zoom level in DPI (dots per inch) for better readability or to focus on specific details in the PDF document.

Explanation:

• ‘mupdf’: The command to launch the ‘mupdf’ viewer.
• ‘-r 72’: The option to set the initial zoom level to 72 DPI.
• ‘path/to/file’: The file path of the PDF document.

Example output: The PDF document will be opened with the specified initial zoom level of 72 DPI, allowing you to view the content in the desired level of detail.

Use case 5: Open a PDF with inverted color

Code:

mupdf -I path/to/file

Motivation: When you need to view the PDF document in a different color scheme, such as for better visibility or personal preference, you can use this use case to open the document with inverted colors.

Explanation:

• ‘mupdf’: The command to launch the ‘mupdf’ viewer.
• ‘-I’: The option to enable inverted colors.
• ‘path/to/file’: The file path of the PDF document.

Example output: The PDF document will be opened with inverted colors, where black text and graphics will appear as white, and white backgrounds will appear as black.

Use case 6: Open a PDF tinted red #FF0000 (hexadecimal color syntax RRGGBB)

Code:

mupdf -C FF0000 path/to/file

Motivation: This use case allows you to add a tint to the PDF document and view it with a specific color overlay. Using hexadecimal color syntax gives you control over the color and tint intensity.

Explanation:

• ‘mupdf’: The command to launch the ‘mupdf’ viewer.
• ‘-C FF0000’: The option to set a red tint (#FF0000) using the hexadecimal color syntax RRGGBB.
• ‘path/to/file’: The file path of the PDF document.

Example output: The PDF document will be opened with a red tint overlay, which can be useful for highlighting specific sections or for aesthetic purposes.

Use case 7: Open a PDF without anti-aliasing (0 = off, 8 = best)

Code:

mupdf -A 0 path/to/file

Motivation: When you want to view the PDF document without any anti-aliasing, which can sometimes cause blurry text or graphics, this use case allows you to turn it off completely.

Explanation:

• ‘mupdf’: The command to launch the ‘mupdf’ viewer.
• ‘-A 0’: The option to disable anti-aliasing completely.
• ‘path/to/file’: The file path of the PDF document.

Example output: The PDF document will be opened without any anti-aliasing, resulting in clear and sharp text and graphics, without any blurriness.

Conclusion:

The ‘mupdf’ command provides a lightweight PDF viewer with various options to customize your viewing experience. Whether you need to open a PDF from a specific page, apply visual enhancements, or disable anti-aliasing, ‘mupdf’ offers the flexibility to tailor your viewing preferences.