Pdftk-Server
Pdftk-Server is an code AI skill with a core value of Skill for using the command-line tool pdftk (PDFtk Server) for working with PDF files. It
helps developers solve real-world problems in the code domain, boosting
efficiency, automating repetitive tasks, and optimizing workflows.
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
Quick Facts
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.