In the world of digital documents, PDFs are a staple for sharing and preserving information. They maintain formatting across different devices and platforms, making them ideal for everything from reports to eBooks. However, when it comes to manipulating these files, particularly when using parsing libraries like FPDI and TCPDI, users often encounter a significant and persistent limitation: the disappearance of internal links.
What are internal links in a PDF? Internal links are links leading to another page of a PDF, often seen in the table of contents (TOC) or index. They are different from external links, which are usually URLs pointing to websites. Whereas many external links are successfully parsed by FPDI and TCPDI, internal links will never be. This is a permanent limitation of those softwares, which makes it not only frustrating for our users, but frustrating we cannot do anything about it except recommend software upgrades.
FPDI’s and TCPDI’s Achilles Heel
FPDI (Free PDF Document Importer) and TCPDI (TCPDF’s PDF Document Importer) are popular libraries used in PHP for importing and manipulating PDF files. They allow developers to extract pages from existing PDFs, merge documents, and create new PDFs from scratch. However, one of the persistent issues with these libraries is their handling of internal links—those hyperlinks that direct users to specific sections within the same document.
When a PDF is parsed using FPDI or TCPDI, any internal links present in the original document are lost. This limitation can be frustrating for developers and users alike, especially when the integrity of the document is crucial. Internal links are essential for navigation, particularly in lengthy documents, and their absence can lead to a degraded, or even disjointed, user experience.
The Need for a Robust, PDF-Loyal Solution
Given the limitations of FPDI and TCPDI, many users are left searching for alternative solutions that can preserve the functionality of their PDFs. This is where using PDF Ink and SetaPDF-Stamper together come into play. PDF Ink is a powerful tool designed to enhance PDF files, and when paired with SetaPDF-Stamper, it offers a comprehensive solution for maintaining the integrity of PDFs.
SetaPDF-Stamper is a robust library maintained by our friends at SetaSign in Germany. SetaPDF-Stamper parses PDF files into memory as they are, rather than making guesses about syntax where it becomes unclear. This allows for advanced manipulation without compromising the original structure. This means that when you use PDF Ink in conjunction with SetaPDF-Stamper, you can add essential features like passwords and watermarks while ensuring that all internal links, layers, and forms remain intact.
The Benefits of Using PDF Ink with SetaPDF-Stamper
- Preservation of Internal Links: One of the standout features of using PDF Ink with SetaPDF Stamper is the preservation of internal links. Unlike FPDI and TCPDI, the libraries used in all other WordPress PDF watermarking plugins, this combination ensures that all hyperlinks within the document remain functional, providing a seamless navigation experience for users.
- Enhanced Performance: By parsing PDFs as they are into memory, SetaPDF-Stamper reduces CPU usage during processing. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for larger documents, where traditional parsing methods can lead to significant slowdowns.
- Versatile File Protection: PDF Ink + SetaPDF-Stamper allows users to add passwords and watermarks to any PDF, not just basic ones. This versatility means that users can implement file protections on complex documents (such as those with forms and layers and TOC) without losing any of their original features.
- Cost-Effective Solution: PDF Ink comes with a 20% off coupon toward SetaPDF-Stamper purchase. It is an affordable option for those looking to enhance their PDF files, and a great ROI for those looking to protect their PDF files. This discount makes it accessible for developers and businesses alike, ensuring that high-quality PDF manipulation is within reach.
Will this Work for You?
PDF Ink and SetaPDF-Stamper are both PHP libraries which will work with or without WordPress. If you are using WordPress, PDF Ink functions like a plugin, and the SetaPDF-Stamper library folder is simply added to a permanent folder in your WordPress directory. If you are not using WordPress, here is a guide on how to get started stamping and passwording PDF files using PHP.
Check out the PDF Ink server requirements.
Check out the SetaPDF-Stamper server requirements.
If you can meet all the server requirements, PDF Ink + SetaPDF-Stamper will work on your PDF. Start by buying PDF Ink, and purchase a copy of SetaPDF-Stamper using our coupon (delivered to you with PDF Ink, or on request by email). Then follow the instructions to install PDF Ink and SetaPDF-Stamper for use together on your server.
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Conclusion
The limitations of FPDI and TCPDI regarding internal links in PDF files are well-documented and can pose significant challenges for users. However, PDF Ink and SetaPDF-Stamper present a viable solution that not only addresses these issues but also enhances the overall functionality of PDF documents. By preserving internal links, forms, layers (and all other PDF features), and offering versatile file protection, this combination stands out as a powerful tool for anyone looking to work with PDFs effectively. Embracing these tools can lead to a more efficient workflow and a better user experience, making them essential for developers and businesses alike.