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A Guide to the Best Open Source PDF Converters

April 7, 2023 4.9K views

PDF files are almost ruling our lives considering how they have conquered nearly all the aspects. They are used for everything from job applications to sharing documents with friends and family. However, there are times when we need to convert these files to another format, such as Word or Excel. This is where PDF converter software comes into play. In this article, we will explore some of the best open source PDF converter software available.

1. Ghostscript

Ghostscript is a free and open-source PDF converter that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is a command-line tool that allows you to convert your PDF files to a variety of other formats, including PostScript, TIFF, and JPEG. Ghostscript is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the conversion process to your specific needs.

Features

  • It has a command-line interface for batch processing and automation of file converting activities.

  • It is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Pros

  • Offers high-quality output files with compression and image resolution choices that may be customized.

  • Large files can be converted rapidly and efficiently, especially when running on a capable computer.

Cons

  • Some people who are unfamiliar with using the command prompt may find the command-line interface daunting.

  • It might not be as user-friendly as other commercial converters, especially for people who only need to convert files on occasion.

Review

"A Life Saver"

What do you like best about Ghostscript?

We were having ALL kinds of issues with the text in a PDF flipbook for a client. We found GhostScript through a forum suggestion and it is not getting the recognition it deserves. It eliminates our text issue and adds another level of compatibility to all our PDF designs now.

2. WPS PDF

WPS PDF is one of the most popular online PDF converter software available in the market today that is available in offline mode as well. It offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use for both beginners and professionals. With WPS PDF, you can convert your PDF files to a wide range of formats, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and even images. It also provides an extensive range of features, including OCR technology, which allows you to convert scanned PDF files into editable documents.

Features

  • WPS PDF Converter allows you to convert many PDF files at once, saving you time and effort.

  • The software includes OCR technology that can convert scanned PDF documents into editable text.

Pros

  • WPS PDF Converter offers a basic and easy-to-use interface that makes it accessible to all users.

  • WPS PDF Converter is reasonably inexpensive when compared to other PDF converting software, making it a cost-effective solution for users.

Cons

  • WPS PDF Converter may lack some additional functionality that some users require, such as powerful PDF editing tools.

  • WPS PDF Converter only supports a limited number of file formats, such as Word, Excel, and image files, which may not meet the demands of all users.

3. Foxit PDF

Foxit PDF is a popular PDF converter software that offers a user-friendly interface and a range of features, including the ability to convert PDF files to Microsoft Office formats. It is available for Windows, Mac, and iPhone etc. and offers cloud storage integration, making it easy to access your files from anywhere.

Features

  • Batch Conversion: Foxit PDF Converter can convert numerous PDF files to different file formats at the same time.

Pros

  • Foxit PDF Converter generates high-quality output, ensuring that the converted file respects the original PDF file's formatting and layout.

Cons

  • Foxit PDF Converter's conversion speed can be slower than that of other PDF converters, especially when converting large or complex PDF files.

Review

"Foxit is very useful for work!"

What do you like best about Foxit PDF Editor?

Foxit helps us prepare and fill out forms we can send our customers. I appreciate the clean and intuitive interface. It also has many valuable features that allow us to edit PDF files better.

FAQs on Open Source PDF Converter

What is the best open source PDF converter?

Here is a list of top 5 best open source PDF Converters:

  • WPS PDF to Word Converter.

  • PDF Candy.

  • Wondershare PDFElement...

  • Nitro PDF to Word Converter

  • UniPDF.

Is there a free PDF converter?

Yes, WPS PDF Converter is a free PDF Converter which can be accessed by clicking here.

Why WPS PDF Stands Out

Open source PDF converter software provides a cost-effective and customizable solution for users who need to convert their PDF files. The four software recommendations we have explored in this article - LibreOffice, PDFsam Basic, Ghostscript, and Calibre - all provide a range of features to suit different needs. However, we recommend WPS PDF as the best PDF converter software available, due to its user-friendly interface, extensive feature set, and high-quality output.

Download WPS PDF now and experience its powerful conversion capabilities, as well as its other robust features for editing, annotation, and compression. Whether you're a business owner, student, or individual user, WPS PDF has got you covered for all your PDF conversion needs, so download now and enjoy free features.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.