How to Use the Command 'pdfjam' (with Examples)

The pdfjam command is a versatile tool that acts as a shell frontend for the LaTeX pdfpages package. It’s primarily used for manipulating PDF files in a variety of ways, such as merging, rearranging, or overlaying documents. This utility is helpful for those who work with PDFs regularly and require a streamlined method for organizing and modifying their contents. Below we explore several practical use cases to illustrate the command’s capabilities.

Use Case 1: Merging Two (or More) PDFs

Code:

pdfjam path/to/file1.pdf path/to/file2.pdf --outfile path/to/output_file.pdf

Motivation: Merging multiple PDF files into a single document can be incredibly useful when compiling reports, portfolios, or presentations from separate files. By combining multiple PDFs into one, you streamline file management and sharing efforts.

Explanation:

• path/to/file1.pdf and path/to/file2.pdf: These are the input PDF files that you want to merge.
• --outfile path/to/output_file.pdf: This option specifies the output file, which will be the merged result of the input PDFs.

Example Output: After executing the command, you’ll have a single PDF located at path/to/output_file.pdf containing the combined pages from file1.pdf and file2.pdf.

Use Case 2: Merging the First Page of Each File Together

Code:

pdfjam files... 1 --outfile path/to/output_file.pdf

Motivation: This use case is beneficial when you want to create a summary document that extracts and merges only the first pages of several documents, such as title pages of papers or cover letters.

Explanation:

• files...: This denotes a placeholder for any number of files you intend to process.
• 1: This specifies that only the first page of each input file should be included in the result.
• --outfile path/to/output_file.pdf: Defines the output file that will contain the first pages from each listed PDF.

Example Output: The resultant PDF located at path/to/output_file.pdf contains just the first page from each selected PDF file.

Use Case 3: Merging Subranges from Two PDFs

Code:

pdfjam path/to/file1.pdf 3-5,1 path/to/file2.pdf 4-6 --outfile path/to/output_file.pdf

Motivation: When you wish to merge specific pages from two PDF files, such as combining the executive summary and conclusion from separate reports, focusing on particular subranges is key.

Explanation:

• path/to/file1.pdf 3-5,1: This specifies that pages 3 to 5 and page 1 from file1.pdf are to be included.
• path/to/file2.pdf 4-6: Denotes that pages 4 to 6 from file2.pdf should be included.
• --outfile path/to/output_file.pdf: Designates the output file where the specified pages will be merged.

Example Output: The specified pages from both input PDFs will be compiled into a single document located at path/to/output_file.pdf.

Use Case 4: Signing an A4 Page with a Scanned Signature by Overlaying

Code:

pdfjam path/to/file.pdf path/to/signature --fitpaper true --outfile path/to/signed.pdf --nup "1x2" --delta "0 -842pt"

Motivation: Inserting a digital signature onto a PDF is a common requirement for document authentication and verification, such as signing contracts or official forms.

Explanation:

• path/to/file.pdf: Path to the PDF that needs to be signed.
• path/to/signature: The file path of the scanned signature.
• --fitpaper true: Ensures all content fits on the specified paper size.
• --outfile path/to/signed.pdf: Specifies the output PDF file, which will be the document with an overlayed signature.
• --nup "1x2": Tells the system to arrange files in a layout of 1 page wide by 2 pages high.
• --delta "0 -842pt": Adjusts the position by 842 points in height, compensating for A4 size.

Example Output: The output file, path/to/signed.pdf, will have the signature overlayed on each page, accurately placed as specified by the dimensional adjustments.

Use Case 5: Arranging Pages in a Fancy 2x2 Grid

Code:

pdfjam path/to/file.pdf --nup 2x2 --suffix 4up --preamble '\usepackage{fancyhdr} \pagestyle{fancy}'

Motivation: Arranging PDF pages into a grid format is often utilized in presentations and document compilations when visual aesthetics and compactness are priorities.

Explanation:

• path/to/file.pdf: The file whose pages need rearranging.
• --nup 2x2: Specifies arranging the pages into a grid of 2 rows by 2 columns.
• --suffix 4up: Produces an output file named with a -4up suffix to distinguish it.
• --preamble '\usepackage{fancyhdr} \pagestyle{fancy}': Adds Latex-like fancy headers, created via custom styling.

Example Output: The output, named file-4up.pdf, will display pages from the input PDF in an organized 2x2 arrangement with added headers.

Use Case 6: Reversing the Order of Pages and Concatenating PDFs

Code:

pdfjam {{files...}} {{last-1}} --suffix {{reversed}}

Motivation: Reversing page order can be vital for preparing documents for reversing printing tasks, or simply as a feature requirement in archival procedures.

Explanation:

• {{files...}}: Placeholder for any files where page order is to be reversed.
• {{last-1}}: Commands the utility to reverse pages from last to first.
• --suffix {{reversed}}: Appends the -reversed suffix to the output filename to indicate the operation performed.

Example Output: The reversed-page order of each input PDF will be concatenated into singular outputs named with a -reversed suffix, maintaining clarity of process.

Conclusion

As demonstrated, the pdfjam tool is proficient in handling multiple PDF manipulation tasks with ease. Whether merging, rearranging, or overlaying documents, it provides a powerful, command-line based solution for comprehensive PDF management. With these examples, users are equipped with practical techniques to manage PDF document workflows effectively.