Pdftk-Server
Pdftk-Server是一款code方向的AI技能，核心价值是Skill for using the command-line tool pdftk (PDFtk Server) for working with PDF files，可用于解决开发者在code领域的实际问题，帮助用户提升效率、自动化重复任务或优化工作流。
Skill for using the command-line tool pdftk (PDFtk Server) for working with PDF files. Use when asked to merge PDFs, split PDFs, rotate pages, encrypt or decrypt PDFs, fill PDF forms, apply watermarks
mkdir -p ./skills/pdftk-server && curl -sfL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/github/awesome-copilot/main/skills/pdftk-server/SKILL.md -o ./skills/pdftk-server/SKILL.mdRun in terminal / PowerShell. Requires curl (Unix) or PowerShell 5+ (Windows).
Skill Content
# PDFtk Server
PDFtk Server is a command-line tool for working with PDF documents. It can merge, split, rotate, encrypt, decrypt, watermark, stamp, fill forms, extract metadata, and manipulate PDFs in a variety of ways.
When to Use This Skill
- Merging or joining multiple PDF files into one
- Splitting or bursting a PDF into individual pages
- Rotating PDF pages
- Encrypting or decrypting PDF files
- Filling PDF form fields from FDF/XFDF data
- Applying background watermarks or foreground stamps
- Extracting PDF metadata, bookmarks, or form field information
- Repairing corrupted PDF files
- Attaching or extracting files embedded in PDFs
- Removing specific pages from a PDF
- Collating separately scanned even/odd pages
- Compressing or decompressing PDF page streams
Prerequisites
- PDFtk Server must be installed on the system
- **Windows**: `winget install --id PDFLabs.PDFtk.Server`
- **macOS**: `brew install pdftk-java`
- **Linux (Debian/Ubuntu)**: `sudo apt-get install pdftk`
- **Linux (Red Hat/Fedora)**: `sudo dnf install pdftk`
- Access to a terminal or command prompt
- Verify installation by running `pdftk --version`
Step-by-Step Workflows
Merge Multiple PDFs
pdftk file1.pdf file2.pdf cat output merged.pdfUsing handles for more control:
pdftk A=file1.pdf B=file2.pdf cat A B output merged.pdfSplit a PDF into Individual Pages
pdftk input.pdf burstExtract Specific Pages
Extract pages 1-5 and 10-15:
pdftk input.pdf cat 1-5 10-15 output extracted.pdfRemove Specific Pages
Remove page 13:
pdftk input.pdf cat 1-12 14-end output output.pdfRotate Pages
Rotate all pages 90 degrees clockwise:
pdftk input.pdf cat 1-endeast output rotated.pdfEncrypt a PDF
Set an owner password and a user password with 128-bit encryption (default):
pdftk input.pdf output secured.pdf owner_pw mypassword user_pw userpassDecrypt a PDF
Remove encryption using the known password:
pdftk secured.pdf input_pw mypassword output unsecured.pdfFill a PDF Form
Populate form fields from an FDF file and flatten to prevent further edits:
pdftk form.pdf fill_form data.fdf output filled.pdf flattenApply a Background Watermark
Place a single-page PDF behind every page of the input (input should have transparency):
pdftk input.pdf background watermark.pdf output watermarked.pdfStamp an Overlay
Place a single-page PDF on top of every page of the input:
pdftk input.pdf stamp overlay.pdf output stamped.pdfExtract Metadata
Export bookmarks, page metrics, and document information:
pdftk input.pdf dump_data output metadata.txtRepair a Corrupted PDF
Pass a broken PDF through pdftk to attempt automatic repair:
pdftk broken.pdf output fixed.pdfCollate Scanned Pages
Interleave separately scanned even and odd pages:
pdftk A=even.pdf B=odd.pdf shuffle A B output collated.pdfTroubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|-------|----------|
| `pdftk` command not found | Verify installation; check that pdftk is in your system PATH |
| Cannot decrypt PDF | Ensure you are providing the correct owner or user password via `input_pw` |
| Output file is empty or corrupt | Check input file integrity; try running `pdftk input.pdf output repaired.pdf` first |
| Form fields not visible after fill | Use the `flatten` flag to merge fields into the page content |
| Watermark not appearing | Ensure the input PDF has transparent regions; use `stamp` for opaque overlays |
| Permission denied errors | Check file permissions on input and output paths |
References
Bundled reference documents in the `references/` folder:
- [pdftk-man-page.md](references/pdftk-man-page.md) - Complete manual reference with all operations, options, and syntax
- [pdftk-cli-examples.md](references/pdftk-cli-examples.md) - Practical com
🎯 Best For
- Claude users
- GitHub Copilot users
- Software engineers
- Development teams
- Tech leads
💡 Use Cases
- Code quality improvement
- Best practice enforcement
📖 How to Use This Skill
- 1
Install the Skill
Copy the install command from the Terminal tab and run it. The SKILL.md file downloads to your local skills directory.
- 2
Load into Your AI Assistant
Open Claude or GitHub Copilot and reference the skill. Paste the SKILL.md content or use the system prompt tab.
- 3
Apply Pdftk-Server to Your Work
Open your project in the AI assistant and ask it to apply the skill. Start with a small module to verify the output quality.
- 4
Review and Refine
Review AI suggestions before committing. Run tests, check for regressions, and iterate on the skill output.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pdftk-Server compatible with Cursor and VS Code?
Yes — this skill works with any AI coding assistant including Cursor, VS Code with Copilot, and JetBrains IDEs.
Do I need specific dependencies for Pdftk-Server?
Check the install command and Works With section. Most code skills only require the AI assistant and your codebase.
How do I install Pdftk-Server?
Copy the install command from the Terminal tab and run it. The skill downloads to ./skills/pdftk-server/SKILL.md, ready to use.
Can I customize this skill for my team?
Absolutely. Edit the SKILL.md file to add team-specific instructions, examples, or workflows.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping validation
Always test AI-generated code changes, even for simple refactors.
Missing dependency updates
Check if the skill requires updated dependencies or new packages.