# PDFium

> PDF rendering library

**Wikidata**: [Q104044999](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104044999)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pdfium

## Summary
PDFium is a free software library specifically designed for rendering PDF documents. It is cross-platform software and functions as a component of the Chromium project. The library is copyrighted but distributed under open-source licenses, specifically the 3-clause BSD License and the Apache Software License 2.0.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** PDFium is a software library categorized as free software.
- **Function:** Its primary function is PDF rendering.
- **Component Of:** The library is a distinct part of the Chromium project.
- **Operating System:** It is cross-platform, capable of operating on multiple computing platforms.
- **Licensing:** The source code is available under a dual-license structure: the 3-clause BSD License and the Apache Software License 2.0.
- **Copyright Status:** Despite being free software, the library retains a copyrighted status.
- **Source Code:** The preferred source code repository is hosted at `https://pdfium.googlesource.com/pdfium`, with a mirror available on GitHub at `https://github.com/chromium/pdfium`.
- **Issue Tracking:** Bugs and issues are tracked at `https://bugs.chromium.org/p/pdfium/issues/list`.

## FAQs
### Q: Is PDFium free to use?
A: Yes, PDFium is classified as free software. It is distributed under terms that allow users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it and modified versions.

### Q: What software projects use PDFium?
A: According to the provided structured data, PDFium is a part of the Chromium project.

### Q: Under what licenses is PDFium released?
A: PDFium is released under the 3-clause BSD License and the Apache Software License 2.0.

## Why It Matters
PDFium plays a critical role in the modern web ecosystem as the integrated PDF rendering technology for the Chromium project. Given that Chromium serves as the foundation for numerous major web browsers, PDFium acts as a default engine for viewing PDF documents directly within the browser interface for a vast number of internet users.

Its significance is further underscored by its licensing model. By utilizing the 3-clause BSD License and the Apache Software License 2.0, it is classified as free software. This status permits developers to study, modify, and distribute the code, facilitating the integration of high-fidelity PDF rendering capabilities into other cross-platform applications beyond the browser itself. The library's ability to function across different operating systems ensures that PDF viewing remains consistent and reliable regardless of the user's computing environment.

## Notable For
- **Integration with Chromium:** Recognized as the dedicated PDF rendering library for the Chromium browser project.
- **Permissive Licensing:** Notable for being free software released under a combination of the 3-clause BSD and Apache 2.0 licenses, allowing broad modification and distribution.
- **Cross-Platform Capability:** Distinguished by its ability to operate on multiple computing platforms without restriction.
- **Open Development:** Maintains a transparent development process with public source repositories and an accessible issue tracker.

## Body

### Technical Classification
PDFium is defined structurally as a **software library**. It falls under the broader class of **free software**, characterized by the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software. The library is designed to be **cross-platform**, ensuring it can be implemented on various computing platforms without dependency on a single operating system.

### Licensing and Copyright
The project operates under a specific legal framework:
- **Copyright Status:** The software is **copyrighted**, meaning rights are reserved by the creators, though usage is permitted under specific licenses.
- **Licenses:** It is dual-licensed, allowing usage under either the **3-clause BSD License** or the **Apache Software License 2.0**.

### Development and Source Code
PDFium's development is centered around its integration with Chromium, though it maintains distinct repository locations.
- **Primary Repository:** The preferred source for the code is `https://pdfium.googlesource.com/pdfium`.
- **Mirror Repository:** A mirror of the source code is hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/chromium/pdfium`.
- **Issue Tracking:** Development issues and bug tracking are managed via the Chromium infrastructure at `https://bugs.chromium.org/p/pdfium/issues/list`.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/chromium/pdfium/blob/master/LICENSE)
2. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/chromium/pdfium)