# pdf-tools

> Emacs extension that provides fast, in-buffer PDF viewing, annotation, and manipulation by running a server (epdfinfo) for on-demand rendering

**Wikidata**: [Q109924067](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q109924067)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pdf-tools

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **pdf-tools** based on the provided source material:

---

## Summary  
pdf-tools is an Emacs extension that enables fast, in-buffer PDF viewing, annotation, and manipulation by leveraging a server (epdfinfo) for on-demand rendering. It is distributed as free software and integrates seamlessly with Emacs workflows. The tool supports major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and BSD.

## Key Facts  
- **Type**: Free software (license: Q27016754), application, and NonGNU ELPA package.  
- **Primary Function**: File viewer for PDFs within Emacs, with annotation and manipulation capabilities.  
- **Latest Stable Version**: 1.3.0 (released on 2026-01-01).  
- **Operating Systems**: Compatible with Microsoft Windows, macOS, and BSD.  
- **Programming Language**: Written in Emacs Lisp.  
- **Maintainers**: Originally maintained by Andreas Politz (until 2020), now maintained by Vedang Manerikar (since 2021).  
- **Distribution**: Available via NonGNU ELPA (since 2021-12-03) and package managers like Nixpkgs, Debian, and Ubuntu.  
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub ([vedang/pdf-tools](https://github.com/vedang/pdf-tools)).  

## FAQs  
### Q: How does pdf-tools render PDFs in Emacs?  
A: It uses a server (epdfinfo) for on-demand rendering, enabling fast in-buffer display and interaction with PDFs.  

### Q: Is pdf-tools free to use?  
A: Yes, it is free software, allowing users to run, modify, and distribute it under its license terms.  

### Q: What operating systems are supported?  
A: pdf-tools runs on Windows, macOS, and BSD systems.  

## Why It Matters  
pdf-tools significantly enhances Emacs' functionality by providing native PDF viewing and editing capabilities, eliminating the need for external viewers. Its server-based rendering ensures performance and responsiveness, making it a preferred choice for researchers, developers, and writers who rely on Emacs for document workflows. By integrating annotation and manipulation features directly into Emacs, it streamlines workflows and maintains the editor's minimalist philosophy. Its adoption in package managers like Debian and Ubuntu underscores its reliability and community support.

## Notable For  
- **Server-Based Rendering**: Uses epdfinfo for efficient, on-demand PDF rendering within Emacs.  
- **Emacs Integration**: Provides seamless in-buffer viewing and annotation, unlike external PDF tools.  
- **Cross-Platform Support**: Works on Windows, macOS, and BSD, broadening its usability.  
- **Active Maintenance**: Transitioned to Vedang Manerikar in 2021, ensuring ongoing updates.  

## Body  
### Functionality  
- Enables in-buffer PDF viewing, annotation, and manipulation.  
- Uses epdfinfo server for rendering, ensuring performance.  

### Distribution  
- Part of NonGNU ELPA since December 2021.  
- Available as Debian (`elpa-pdf-tools`), Ubuntu (`elpa-pdf-tools-server`), and Nixpkgs (`emacsPackages.pdf-tools`) packages.  

### Development  
- Written in Emacs Lisp.  
- Source code hosted on GitHub and GNU Savannah.  

### Versions  
- Latest stable version: 1.3.0 (2026-01-01).  
- Previous versions include 1.2.1 (2025-12-31) and 1.0 (2021-12-03).  

### Maintainers  
- Originally developed by Andreas Politz (until 2020).  
- Currently maintained by Vedang Manerikar (since 2021).  

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "pdf-tools",
  "description": "Emacs extension for fast, in-buffer PDF viewing and annotation using a server for rendering.",
  "url": "https://github.com/vedang/pdf-tools",
  "applicationCategory": "File Viewer",
  "operatingSystem": ["Windows", "macOS", "BSD"],
  "programmingLanguage": "Emacs Lisp",
  "license": "https://spdx.org/licenses/GPL-3.0-or-later.html",
  "softwareVersion": "1.3.0"
}

## References

1. [Looking for a maintainer for pdf-tools. 2020](https://www.reddit.com/r/emacs/comments/ip17pu/looking_for_a_maintainer_for_pdftoolstablist/)
2. [How to find a new maintainer? #659](https://github.com/politza/pdf-tools/issues/659)
3. [Pdf-Tools version 1.0. 2021](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2021-12/msg00006.html)
4. [Release 0.91. 2021](https://github.com/vedang/pdf-tools/releases/tag/v0.91)
5. [Pdf-Tools version 1.0.0. 2022](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2022-11/msg00108.html)
6. [Pdf-Tools version 1.1.0. 2023](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2023-06/msg00022.html)
7. [[NonGNU ELPA] Pdf-Tools version 1.2.0. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-12/msg00065.html)
8. [[NonGNU ELPA] Pdf-Tools version 1.2.1. 2025](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2025-12/msg00070.html)
9. [[NonGNU ELPA] Pdf-Tools version 1.3.0. 2026](https://lists.gnu.org/archive/html/gnu-emacs-sources/2026-01/msg00000.html)
10. [Source](https://elpa.nongnu.org/nongnu/pdf-tools.html)
11. [Source](https://packages.debian.org/source/trixie/emacs-pdf-tools)