Stirling PDF

Stirling PDF is a self-hosted PDF manipulation platform that allows users to edit, convert, and automate documents. It operates as a web application that can be deployed on private servers, used in a browser, or run as a personal desktop application. The software processes documents locally, ensuring that files are not sent to external services for processing or storage.

The application provides a wide range of tools for managing PDF files through a graphical user interface or a private API. It is designed for users who require document processing capabilities while maintaining complete control over their data and infrastructure. Deployment is commonly handled via Docker for rapid setup on various server environments, though it also supports Kubernetes for scaled deployments.

Key features

• Over 50 PDF tools for merging, splitting, signing, and redacting
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for text extraction
• Document compression and format conversion
• No-code automation pipelines for document workflows
• REST APIs for integrating PDF tools into other systems
• Support for Single Sign-On (SSO) and auditing
• User interface available in more than 40 languages
• Private API for server-side document processing

The software is built with Java and provides a comprehensive set of utilities for both individual and organizational use. It serves as a developer platform by exposing nearly all of its internal tools via REST APIs, which allows for the automated processing of millions of PDFs within existing system architectures. The inclusion of enterprise features such as auditing and SSO makes it suitable for organizational environments that require strict compliance, security, and access control over their document workflows.

For developers, the project utilizes Task as a unified command runner for build, development, and test commands. This structure facilitates the addition of new translations and the expansion of the toolset through community contributions. The platform is designed to handle everything from simple one-off edits to complex, automated document pipelines without requiring an internet connection.

Stirling PDF is an open-core document management tool for individuals and enterprises seeking a private PDF processing infrastructure.