PDF.co is a comprehensive document automation platform offering APIs, SDKs, and no-code integrations for working with PDFs and other documents. It enables businesses and developers to automatically generate, convert, edit, and extract data from PDFs, scanned images, invoices, and more.
PDF.co supports over 50 PDF-related functions and integrates easily with tools like Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), Airtable, Google Sheets, and Salesforce. Its REST API is ideal for embedding document workflows into web and mobile applications, while its no-code options are perfect for operations and marketing teams looking to streamline document-heavy tasks without needing a developer.
The platform is developed by ByteScout, a software company known for building document and barcode automation tools since 2006.
Key Features of PDF.co
1. PDF Generation
Create PDF files from scratch or generate them from HTML, DOC, spreadsheets, JSON, and even plain text. Supports dynamic content for invoices, reports, and certificates.
2. PDF Editing and Merging
Merge multiple PDF files, split documents, rotate pages, or add/remove content from existing files. You can also add text, images, watermarks, and digital signatures.
3. Data Extraction with OCR
Extract text, tables, and form fields from PDFs or scanned images using built-in optical character recognition (OCR). Works with complex layouts and supports multiple languages.
4. Barcode and QR Code Generation/Reading
Read and generate barcodes (1D and 2D), including QR codes, PDF417, and Code 128, directly from documents.
5. Document Conversion
Convert files between formats such as PDF to Excel, PDF to JSON, HTML to PDF, and PDF to CSV.
6. API and Webhooks
PDF.co provides a RESTful API for developers, with full documentation, Postman collections, and code samples in Python, JavaScript, PHP, and more.
7. Secure and Compliant
Data is encrypted during processing and automatically deleted after operations. PDF.co complies with HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2 requirements.
8. No-Code Integrations
Easily connect PDF.co to platforms like Zapier, Make, Airtable, Google Sheets, Slack, Salesforce, and more—ideal for automating business workflows.
9. Email and Form Automation
Automate PDF generation from submitted forms or email attachments, send back signed or completed files, and trigger workflows automatically.
10. AI-Powered Templates and Chat PDF (Beta)
Use AI to build intelligent document templates and interact with PDFs in a chat interface (beta feature), making it easier to query documents for specific data.
How PDF.co Works
Step 1: Choose a Method of Use
Select whether you want to use PDF.co through its API, cloud app, or no-code integrations like Zapier or Make.
Step 2: Input or Upload Document
Upload the document or provide an input source (URL, Base64, or cloud storage link). PDF.co supports a wide variety of input formats.
Step 3: Select an Operation
Choose the operation you want to perform: extract data, convert file, generate a document, add annotations, etc.
Step 4: Execute and Retrieve Output
The platform processes the file and provides a downloadable output URL, JSON data, or webhook callback, depending on your chosen method.
Step 5: Integrate into Workflow
Use the output in your app, CRM, or automation platform. For developers, integrate via API; for non-developers, use the provided tools in Zapier or Google Sheets.
Use Cases for PDF.co
Invoice Automation
Extract data from incoming invoices and populate accounting tools like QuickBooks or Google Sheets.
Contract Generation
Automatically generate contracts or agreements based on form submissions or CRM triggers.
PDF to Excel Reporting
Convert PDF reports into Excel spreadsheets for easier data analysis and sharing.
Barcode Inventory Systems
Read and generate barcodes in logistics documents, inventory sheets, or shipping labels.
Form Processing
Fill out PDF forms using submitted data, and route completed forms back to users or internal systems.
Compliance and Audit Trails
Apply digital signatures, generate tamper-proof documents, and retain processing logs for audit purposes.
Document Chatbots (Beta)
Query documents conversationally using AI and get specific answers from long contracts or PDFs.
PDF.co Pricing
PDF.co offers flexible pricing plans to accommodate both individual users and enterprise-level teams.
Free Plan
Limited access to PDF.co tools
Monthly usage limits
Watermarks on output
Great for testing and prototyping
Business Plans (Start at $19/month)
Increased API limits
No watermarks
Priority email support
Access to advanced features
Enterprise Plans
Custom SLAs
On-premise options
Dedicated infrastructure
Premium onboarding and training
Billing is based on credits, with each API call consuming a set number of credits depending on complexity. You can scale usage by purchasing additional credits as needed.
For detailed, up-to-date pricing and plan comparisons, visit the PDF.co pricing page.
Strengths of PDF.co
1. Developer-Friendly API
Rich documentation, SDKs, and Postman support make PDF.co easy to integrate into custom applications.
2. Powerful No-Code Automations
Integrates with Zapier, Make, and over 5,000 other platforms for seamless document workflows without writing code.
3. Scalable for Businesses of All Sizes
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or an enterprise team, PDF.co scales to meet your automation needs.
4. Wide Range of Document Functions
Covers everything from PDF generation to barcode scanning and OCR — all in one platform.
5. Privacy and Security First
Offers enterprise-grade security, HIPAA compliance, and auto-deletion of processed files for peace of mind.
Drawbacks of PDF.co
1. Credit-Based System Requires Monitoring
While flexible, the credit-based pricing model means you’ll need to monitor usage carefully to avoid overages.
2. User Interface Can Be Technical
The API dashboard and toolset may be intimidating for non-technical users unfamiliar with API workflows.
3. Free Plan Has Watermarks
The free version includes watermarks on output files, limiting its use for production documents.
4. AI Chat PDF Feature Still in Beta
The AI-powered PDF querying tool is still being developed and may not support complex documents yet.
Comparison with Similar Tools
PDF.co vs. Adobe Acrobat API
Adobe’s PDF services are robust but more expensive and less flexible for developers. PDF.co offers easier integration and more generous usage at lower price points.
PDF.co vs. Docparser
Docparser focuses exclusively on data extraction from documents. PDF.co offers broader functionality, including generation, conversion, and editing.
PDF.co vs. Smallpdf and PDF24
Those are consumer-focused PDF tools with limited automation. PDF.co targets businesses and developers with API and workflow capabilities.
PDF.co vs. Zapier’s Built-In Tools
Zapier’s built-in PDF actions are limited. PDF.co expands Zapier’s capabilities with OCR, barcode handling, and advanced document logic.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
PDF.co is trusted by thousands of developers, startups, and enterprise teams. Feedback from platforms like G2, Product Hunt, and Capterra is largely positive.
“PDF.co saved us countless hours by automating invoice data extraction into Google Sheets.” – Operations Manager, SaaS Startup
“As a developer, I loved how easy it was to integrate the PDF API into our internal portal.” – Lead Engineer, Healthcare Firm
“Using Zapier and PDF.co together, we automated 90% of our HR documentation process without writing a line of code.” – HR Specialist, SME
Users consistently highlight the platform’s reliability, documentation quality, and breadth of features.
Conclusion: Is PDF.co Worth It?
If you’re looking to automate document processing — whether it’s generating, converting, extracting, or editing PDFs — PDF.co is one of the most powerful and versatile platforms available. With support for both developers and non-technical users, it bridges the gap between manual PDF workflows and scalable automation.
From invoice processing and contract generation to barcode scanning and AI-powered form handling, PDF.co covers a wide range of use cases in a single platform. Its transparent pricing, security standards, and developer-friendly APIs make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to modernize and streamline document operations.
