- iTextSharp and Pdf Focus .Net are both popular libraries for editing PDFs in .NET applications. Here is a comparison between the two:
- Features: iTextSharp is a mature library that provides a wide range of features for creating, parsing, and manipulating PDF documents. It allows you to add text, images, tables, and other elements to a PDF, as well as extract content, merge and split documents, and encrypt and sign PDFs. Pdf Focus .Net, on the other hand, is a lightweight library specifically designed for converting PDF documents to other formats such as Word, Excel, HTML, and images. It provides fewer features compared to iTextSharp but focuses on high-quality document conversion.
- Flexibility: iTextSharp offers more flexibility and control over the PDF document structure and content. You can manipulate the document at a low-level, allowing you to make precise modifications to the document's objects and elements. Pdf Focus .Net, on the other hand, provides a simpler API with fewer options for deep-level manipulation. It is more suitable for quick and easy conversions rather than complex modifications.
- Documentation and Community: iTextSharp has extensive documentation, tutorials, and examples available on its official website, making it easy for developers to get started and learn how to use the library effectively. It also has an active and large community that can provide support and assistance. Pdf Focus .Net also has documentation and examples available, but it may not be as comprehensive as iTextSharp. It has a smaller community, which may result in limited support and resources.
- Licensing: iTextSharp is distributed under the Affero General Public License (AGPL), which means it is free to use for open-source projects. However, if you want to use it in a commercial project, you need to purchase a commercial license. Pdf Focus .Net offers different licensing options, including a free evaluation version and commercial licenses at different price points. The licensing model of Pdf Focus .Net may be more flexible and affordable for some projects.
Overall, iTextSharp is a more feature-rich and flexible library for PDF manipulation, whereas PDF Focus .Net is focused on high-quality document conversion. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements of your project and your budget.