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

pdftk, short for PDF Toolkit, is a powerful command-line utility designed for handling PDF files. This versatile tool allows users to extract, merge, split, and rotate pages within PDF documents, among other functionalities. It is particularly valuable for users who need to automate PDF manipulations in their workflows. Originating from PDF Labs, pdftk is freely accessible and easy to use, making it a must-have in the toolkit of anyone dealing with PDFs regularly.

Use Case 1: Extract Specific Pages from a PDF

Code:

pdftk input.pdf cat 1-3 5 6-10 output output.pdf

Motivation:

In many situations, users only need certain pages from an extensive PDF document rather than the entire file. For instance, when working with legal documents or reports, you might only require specific sections to share with a colleague or to store for reference. This example demonstrates how to extract only those pages that are necessary, enabling efficient data management and sharing.

Explanation:

• pdftk: Invokes the PDF toolkit command.
• input.pdf: The source PDF file from which pages are to be extracted.
• cat 1-3 5 6-10: The cat option specifies which pages are to be compiled into the new output file. This extracts pages 1 through 3, page 5, and pages 6 through 10.
• output output.pdf: Saves the extracted pages into a new file named output.pdf.

Example Output:

A new PDF file named output.pdf containing pages 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 is created.

Use Case 2: Merge Multiple PDF Files

Code:

pdftk file1.pdf file2.pdf ... cat output output.pdf

Motivation:

Combining several PDF documents into a single file is a common requirement, especially in collaborative environments where multiple contributors might be working on parts of a document. This use case illustrates how pdftk can be used to concatenate several PDFs into one cohesive document, which is beneficial for presentations or comprehensive reports.

Explanation:

• pdftk: Initiates the PDF toolkit command.
• file1.pdf file2.pdf ...: Lists the PDF files to be merged. The ellipsis (...) represents additional filenames.
• cat: Used here to concatenate the input files.
• output output.pdf: Specifies the output file name for the combined PDF.

Example Output:

A single PDF document named output.pdf that contains the contents of file1.pdf, file2.pdf, and any other specified files.

Use Case 3: Split a PDF into Individual Pages

Code:

pdftk input.pdf burst output out_%d.pdf

Motivation:

This functionality is ideal when each page of a document needs to be treated as a separate file. It is particularly useful for creating individual page documents for tasks like page-specific editing, sharing, or archiving. Splitting pages into individual files maximizes flexibility in handling document sections independently.

Explanation:

• pdftk: Executes the PDF toolkit command.
• input.pdf: The input file that will be split into distinct pages.
• burst: Splits the document into individual pages.
• output out_%d.pdf: Defines the naming pattern for new files, where %d is a placeholder for page numbers, generating files named out_1.pdf, out_2.pdf, etc.

Example Output:

Separate files out_1.pdf, out_2.pdf, and so forth for each page in the original input.pdf.

Use Case 4: Rotate All Pages of a PDF by 180 Degrees

Code:

pdftk input.pdf cat 1-endsouth output output.pdf

Motivation:

Rotating pages is necessary in scenarios where documents scanned in reverse orientation need correction. pdftk simplifies this process by allowing users to rotate all pages uniformly, ensuring document readability and uniformity, which is crucial in professional settings.

Explanation:

• pdftk: Calls the PDF toolkit command.
• input.pdf: The PDF file whose pages are to be rotated.
• cat 1-endsouth: Specifies rotation; 1-end targets all pages, and south indicates rotating by 180 degrees clockwise.
• output output.pdf: Names the resultant PDF with the corrected orientation.

Example Output:

An updated PDF output.pdf with all pages rotated 180 degrees for correct viewing.

Use Case 5: Rotate a Specific Page

Code:

pdftk input.pdf cat 1-2 3east 4-end output output.pdf

Motivation:

Sometimes, only a specific page in a multi-page PDF requires rotation due to incorrect scanning or inclusion. This example demonstrates adjusting only the necessary page, preserving the format of all other pages. This capability is particularly beneficial in maintaining the integrity of a document where certain pages need individualized modification.

Explanation:

• pdftk: Initiates the PDF toolkit command.
• input.pdf: File in which the rotation is needed.
• cat 1-2 3east 4-end: Decides page rotation; pages 1 and 2 remain unchanged, page 3 is rotated 90 degrees east (clockwise), and pages 4 to the end remain unchanged.
• output output.pdf: Saves the newly adjusted document with the appropriate rotations.

Example Output:

The output output.pdf contains all pages from input.pdf, with only page 3 rotated 90 degrees for correct display.

Conclusion

pdftk is a versatile tool that can significantly enhance document management processes. It offers easy manipulation of PDFs for different needs such as extraction, merging, splitting, and rotation of pages. With the examples provided, users can confidently incorporate pdftk into their workflow, gaining efficiency and precision in document handling tasks.