PdfDing

PdfDing is a self-hosted PDF manager, viewer, and editor. It provides a centralized web application for organizing and interacting with PDF documents across different devices. The software is designed for minimal overhead and is deployed as a server application using Docker, Docker Compose, or Helm, making it accessible for users who prefer to manage their own infrastructure.

Users can upload PDF files to the server to maintain a personal digital library. The application serves as both a storage system and a functional reader, allowing users to track their reading progress and manage document metadata. It is intended for individuals who want to maintain full control over their document collections while accessing them via a web browser on any device. The system focuses on a fast and minimal user experience to ensure that document retrieval and viewing remain efficient.

Key features

• Browser based PDF viewing with reading position memory
• Organization via workspaces, collections, and multi-level tagging
• PDF editing tools for adding text, highlights, and drawings
• Signature integration for adding signs to documents
• Exportable highlights and comments in dedicated sections
• User interface options including dark mode and custom theme colors
• External sharing via links or QR codes with access control
• Account security through two-factor authentication and OIDC SSO
• Integrated Markdown notes for document accompaniment

The application includes a variety of layout options to suit different screen sizes and viewing preferences. It incorporates security measures such as TOTP and WebAuthn to protect user accounts, and supports Single Sign-On via OIDC for streamlined authentication. The architecture focuses on a lightweight experience, providing visual indicators like progress bars to show how much of a document has been read at a quick glance. This allows users to maintain a high level of organization across large volumes of technical or academic papers.

PdfDing serves as a lightweight document management system for users who require a self-hosted environment for PDF annotation, organization, and secure sharing.