Linearize PDF

The Linearize PDF API is a REST API tool that optimizes a PDF for fast online viewing, often referred to as "Fast Web View." This process restructures the PDF so that it can be loaded progressively in a web browser, allowing the first page to display immediately without waiting for the entire document to download.

PDF Fast Web View, also known as linearization, is a process that restructures a PDF document to enable progressive content streaming and faster viewing over the web. While Adobe Acrobat allows you to perform this task manually on a single file at a time, the pdfRest API automates this process and uses the same underlying technology that powers Acrobat. This allows you to apply linearization to a large number of documents at once through batch processing, which is perfect for high-volume workflows.

Linearizing a PDF significantly improves user experience by reducing wait times and enabling instant access to content. It also reduces bandwidth usage and server load by facilitating efficient, byte-serving delivery of PDF content.

Linearization works by moving key document elements, such as the cross-reference table, to the beginning of the file. This allows a web browser to read the essential data needed to display the first page and begin streaming content, while the rest of the document continues to download in the background. This process is also referred to as "byte-serving."

Linearization is a complex process, but the pdfRest API tool simplifies it by requiring minimal input. The tool restructures the PDF's content to enable progressive loading, ensuring a seamless viewing experience for users. The process is straightforward, with no optional parameters needed beyond the input file and a desired output name.

pdfRest offers the best solution for linearizing PDFs because it provides a simple and streamlined process that requires minimal input. It uses the same underlying technology as Adobe® Acrobat™ to ensure reliable and proper optimization. Furthermore, its REST API design makes it an easy-to-integrate solution for any web application.

Ensuring the security and privacy of your data is a top priority at pdfRest. Our platform is built for robust, enterprise-grade security and compliance, including GDPR and HIPAA. All your files are secured with encryption during both transit and at-rest, and they are permanently deleted after the stated file retention period (30 minutes for most plans). For complete details, please refer to our Data Processing Agreement (DPA).

To facilitate GDPR compliance for your linearization workflows, pdfRest processes your data within the European Union and adheres to other strict data protection requirements. You can ensure all processing occurs within the EU by sending your API calls to the dedicated EU endpoint https://eu-api.pdfrest.com/linearized-pdf. Please note that a GDPR usage fee may apply for some plans. For more information, please review our Data Processing Agreement.

Integrating the Linearize PDF API is straightforward. We offer comprehensive API documentation and code samples in many programming languages. The API Lab also allows you to test and generate code snippets directly from your browser, simplifying the setup and ensuring a smooth integration experience.

You can use API Lab for a no-code solution directly from your browser. The API Lab provides a simple, visual interface where you can upload your file, select any necessary options, and send API calls without writing a single line of code.

Yes, pdfRest offers two self-hosted options. The pdfRest API Toolkit on AWS allows you to deploy and manage your own backend processing infrastructure within your AWS environment with pay-as-you-go pricing through the AWS Marketplace. The pdfRest API Toolkit Container provides ultimate environmental control as a Docker Container, giving you the flexibility to run the API in on-premises data centers or public/private cloud environments with a flexible, custom licensing model.