iText Core review
A focused, self-hosted PDF library for teams that need code-level control.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
iText Core pros and cons
- 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
iText Core fact sheet, pricing and score →
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