rysasahrialMuPDF is a high‑performance, open‑source PDF source code framework developed by Artifex Software that enables developers to view, render, search, convert, and manipulate PDF, XPS, and e-book formats (such as EPUB). Crafted in C with optional bindings for C++, Python, C#, JavaScript, and .NET, this modular toolkit balances lightweight design and high-quality anti‑aliased rendering.
The MuPDF codebase includes a compact core (the “Fitz” engine) focused on speed and low-memory use, plus accompanying command-line tools—such as mutool draw for rendering, mutool show for structural inspection, mutool clean for rewriting files, and mutool run for JavaScript-based PDF scripting. Pre-built viewers and libraries are available for desktop (X11, Windows), mobile (Android and iOS), and the web via MuPDF.js, making it easy to integrate into a wide range of applications.
The repository includes over 11,800 commits, extensive support for document features like hyperlinks, annotations, form‑filling, transitions, and embedded JavaScript, and remains under active development (last updated June 2025). Licensed under GNU AGPL v3 with commercial licensing available, MuPDF offers developers flexibility to use the full PDF source code whether in open-source projects or proprietary systems .
For software engineers interested in PDF SDK integration, source code customization, or embedding PDF rendering engines, MuPDF delivers a minimal code footprint, multi-language source bindings, and cross-platform support. Resources include official documentation (via ReadTheDocs), build guides, and active community support on Discord, alongside a vibrant ecosystem including MuPDF.NET, MuPDF.js, Android viewers, and iOS viewers .
By focusing on fast, dependable rendering and full source code access, MuPDF empowers developers to build lightweight PDF applications for web, mobile, desktop, or embedded environments. Whether you’re looking to integrate advanced PDF rendering in your app or build custom PDF tools from the source code, MuPDF offers a compact, high-grade foundation backed by robust documentation and open-source collaboration.