Java SDK
Process documents at scale — entirely in Java
Convert Office files, emails, webpages, and images to PDF in seconds. Near‑instant cold starts and tiny footprints keep microservices lean. Work with clean, idiomatic builders. Ship faster and lower your costs.
what you get
Key capabilities
Automatic file type handling
Drop in any supported file — Word, Excel, HTML, images, and more — and the SDK quietly converts it to PDF so you can edit it immediately.
Proven core
Runs on the battle‑tested engine behind Nutrient’s Web and Document Engine SDKs, trusted by thousands of enterprises worldwide.
Always current
Standalone package that tracks the same updates as our Web SDK and Document Engine; just bump the version to stay up to date with the latest technology.
features
Conversion and editing toolkit built for modern Java
From one‑call file conversions to precise PDF edits, everything lives in one SDK — no extra servers, CLI tools, or runtimes.
Multiformat conversion
Convert Word, Excel, PowerPoint, HTML, Markdown, emails, images, and PDF — any format to any format, all in one API.
PDF to web and text
Reflow any PDF into responsive HTML or clean Markdown for fast publishing.
Edit and assemble PDFs
Merge, split, and reorder pages; insert text or images; and update metadata with safe, fluent builders.
Archive and make accessible
Generate PDF/A documents for long‑term archiving and auto‑tagged PDF/UA for WCAG‑ and ADA‑level compliance.
Use Case Comparison
Choosing the best solution
Our Document Engine and server-side SDKs run on the same battle‑tested stack — so you use the very tools we trust — but each is tuned for different jobs. Pick the right fit below.
SDKs for Java and .NET | Document Engine |
|---|---|
Ships as part of your application | Integrates with Nutrient Web, iOS, and Android SDKs |
Headless, API‑only operations | Provides optional document collaboration tools |
Doesn’t require a backend | Stores documents, document changes, and additional information |
Document processing happens on the client running your app | Requires a database and document‑storage backend |
Ideal for adding core Nutrient functionality to Java and .NET apps | Ideal for collaboration and manual document manipulation |
Deployment options
Choose the Document Engine that fits your stack
Self-host in your own infrastructure, let Nutrient run a dedicated instance, or tap into our shared APIs — whichever path you pick, you get fast renders, no-surprises scaling, and transparent pricing. That means quicker proofs of concept and a lower total cost of ownership.
Self-hosted DE | Managed DE | DWS Processor API | DWS Viewer API | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Who runs it | Your own infrastructure | Nutrient-run, single-tenant | Nutrient-run, multi-tenant | Nutrient-run, multi-tenant |
Interfaces | API and/or viewer | API + viewer | API only | Viewer only |
Storage | Optional, bring your own | Included | N/A | Included |
Best for | Compliance with full control over infrastructure and data | Maximum power with zero ops | Headless document processing | Frontend viewing with built-in storage |
integration
Easy code integration
Add Nutrient to your project in just a few lines. Then extend or customize every step with a clear Java API.
1package io.nutrient.Sample;
2
3import io.nutrient.sdk.Document;
4
5public class WordDocumentToPDF {
6 public static void main(String[] args){
7 try (Document document = Document.open("input.docx")){
8 document.exportAsPdf("output.pdf");
9 }
10 }
11}Trusted by industry leaders
documentation
Learn how to get Libraries for Java up and running today.
Frequently asked questions
How does Nutrient Java SDK compare to other SDKs in terms of features?
Compared to open source options like PDFium, Nutrient provides a more comprehensive, out-of-the-box solution with enterprise-grade features and support. Built-in caching and resource management ensure consistent performance, even under heavy loads — something that can be challenging to achieve with free PDF libraries that may not be optimized for production use. The Nutrient library also offers advanced features similar to those from closed-source solutions such as iText, but with support and increased ease of use.
How does Nutrient Java SDK ensure high-fidelity rendering?
The SDK uses a highly accurate and reliable rendering engine built on 22 years of in-house technology, also powering our other products like the .NET SDK (formerly GdPicture) and Document Engine.
Can I use Nutrient Java SDK to merge or convert PDF files?
Definitely. Our Java SDK provides robust tools to combine multiple PDFs into a single document, making it easier to manage large reports, legal documents, or multipart records. The merging functionality ensures page order is preserved and metadata remains intact, providing a smooth, structured output.
Beyond merging, our Java SDK also supports file format conversion, enabling users to convert Word documents, HTML files, images, and other formats into nearly any possible document format. This is particularly useful for automated document workflows, enabling businesses to generate documents (PDF or Word, for instance) from existing digital assets while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
For applications requiring bulk processing, the Nutrient SDK offers batch merging and conversion capabilities, optimizing performance for high-volume document operations. Whether you’re combining PDFs for archiving, generating reports, or transforming documents into standardized formats, our Java SDK provides the speed, reliability, and flexibility needed to handle these tasks efficiently.
Is Nutrient Java SDK suitable for enterprise-level applications?
Absolutely. The SDK is designed to be safe, reliable, and scalable, making it well-suited for enterprise applications that require robust document processing capabilities. It’s trusted by industry leaders, and it ensures compliance with various security and privacy standards. The SDK includes optimization features for memory usage and processing speed, making it suitable for server applications that need to process thousands of files.
Can Nutrient Java SDK parse PDF files?
Yes. The Nutrient Java PDF library is designed to parse PDF files, allowing developers to efficiently extract, analyze, and manipulate document content. Whether working with text, images, metadata, or structured elements like tables and forms, the library provides powerful parsing capabilities to ensure accurate data retrieval. For businesses handling invoices, contracts, or financial reports, the SDK also enables the parsing of form fields and structured elements, making it easy to extract user-submitted data for processing and integration into databases or third-party systems.
Java PDF libraries
What are the advantages?
Integrating PDF functionality into Java applications can significantly enhance document management capabilities. This section will explore the essentials of Java PDF libraries to guide you through this integration.
What is a Java PDF library?
A Java PDF library is a set of APIs that enables developers to create, manipulate, and manage PDF documents within Java applications. These libraries provide functionality such as generating PDFs from scratch, modifying existing documents, extracting content, and handling form data.
How to choose the right Java PDF library
Selecting the right Java PDF library is like choosing the right tool for a job — it should match your project’s needs. Consider the following factors:
- Feature set — Ensure the library supports essential functionalities like PDF creation, editing, annotation, encryption, and form handling.
- Performance — Look for a library optimized for efficient processing, especially if your application handles large documents or requires batch processing.
- Licensing and cost — Assess whether the library’s licensing model aligns with your project’s budget and distribution plans.
What are the benefits of using Nutrient’s Java PDF library?
Opting for Nutrient (formerly PSPDFKit) offers several advantages:
- Comprehensive feature set — Beyond basic PDF viewing and editing, Nutrient provides advanced functionality, such as redaction, watermarking, OCR, and table extraction.
- High performance — Designed to handle high-volume document processing tasks, ensuring reliability and efficiency for enterprise-level applications.
- Ease of integration — With well-documented guides and support, integrating Nutrient’s library into your Java application is straightforward.
- Reliable support — Access to dedicated customer support and comprehensive documentation aids in smooth development and issue resolution.
How does Nutrient’s Java PDF library compare to other solutions?
While other Java PDF libraries may offer basic functionalities, Nutrient’s Java PDF library stands out with its extensive feature set, high performance, and focus on security. Its design prioritizes ease of use and seamless integration, making it a robust choice for applications aiming to enhance document processing and management capabilities.
Integrating a Java PDF library into your application is a strategic move to boost functionality and user satisfaction. By carefully evaluating your needs and exploring available options, you can select a solution that not only meets your current requirements but also supports your application’s future growth and evolution.