iText Core
iText Core: A focused, self-hosted PDF library for teams that need code-level control. Ranked #4 of 45 in PDF Creation Software by our editors (8.9/10); pricing: Free plan · pricing on request; best for java and .NET PDF engineering teams.
At a glance
- Editor score8.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan · pricing on request
- Best forJava and .NET PDF engineering teams
- Free planYes
- Data mergeYes
- Founded2008 · Ghent, Belgium
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- High- and low-level APIs for programmatic PDF creation
- Supports PDF/A, PDF/UA, PDF 2.0, signatures, and security
- AGPL access with unlimited PDF generation
Where it doesn't
- AGPL requires disclosure of the application's full source code
- Commercial pricing is customized or based on PDF volume
- Focused on APIs and self-hosted development rather than broad integrations
Our verdict on iText Core
iText Core is a programmable PDF library for Java and .NET developers building document functionality into applications and workflows. It supports creating, manipulating, splitting, merging, filling, flattening, signing, encrypting, and validating PDF documents. Its API and self-hosted deployment model suit engineering teams that need PDF generation and processing inside their own applications rather than a standalone document tool.
The licensing structure is central to the product. The AGPL plan is open source, supports an unlimited number of PDFs, and requires disclosure of the application's full source code. A 30-day free trial is also available. The Subscription License Volume plan adds an annual subscription license, with pricing based on the quantity of PDF files processed, plus support and maintenance. The OEM Distribution License provides a commercial license with customized pricing based on the specific use case, along with professional support and maintenance.
For teams with demanding document requirements, iText Core combines high-level document APIs with low-level access to PDF objects and structures. It supports AcroForm filling and flattening, SVG, PDF/A, PDF/UA, PDF 2.0, digital signatures with PAdES, encryption, and document security. Java and .NET APIs provide a direct fit for those development environments. Choose iText Core when programmatic control, standards support, forms, signatures, or self-hosted deployment are priorities. It is less suitable for teams seeking broad integrations or a primarily no-code PDF workflow.
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iText Core pricing
All 2 iText Core plans and prices →
iText Core fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Data merge | Yes |
| Bulk PDF generation | Not verified |
| API access | Yes |
| Maximum pages | Not verified |
| Input sources | text, images, existing PDF documents |
| Fillable form creation | Yes |
| Deployment | Self_hosted |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Compliance & security | GDPR |
| Support | Docs, Community, Email |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan · pricing on request (source) |
| Website | itextpdf.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to iText Core
- Wondershare PDFelementA broad PDF toolkit covering editing, OCR, forms, conversion, signatures, and AI workflows.9.3
- Adobe PDF Services APIA broad PDF automation API for enterprise document workflows and integrations.9.2
- PDFCreatorA Windows-focused PDF converter for batch processing, automation, and controlled output.9.1
See all iText Core alternatives →
iText Core vs the competition
- iText Core vs Wondershare PDFelement
- iText Core vs Adobe PDF Services API
- iText Core vs PDFCreator
- iText Core vs PDF24 Creator
- iText Core vs Conga Composer
- iText Core vs Formstack Documents
Compare iText Core with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
iText Core is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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