pstoedit
Convert PostScript and PDF to vector formats
TLDR
Convert PDF page to PNG or JPEG
$ pstoedit -page [1] -f magick [file.pdf] [output.png]
Convert multiple pages to numbered images$ pstoedit -f magick [file.pdf] [page%d.png]
SYNOPSIS
pstoedit [-page num] [-f format] input output
DESCRIPTION
pstoedit translates PostScript and PDF files to various vector and bitmap formats. It uses format-specific drivers to produce output suitable for different applications.
The tool can convert to formats like SVG, DXF, and through ImageMagick to raster formats. It's useful for extracting graphics from PDF documents.
PARAMETERS
-page _num_
Page number to convert (1-based)-f _format_
Output format driver-dt
Draw text as polygons-adt
Approximate curves with lines-flat _value_
Flatness for curve approximation
CAVEATS
Quality depends on source PDF complexity. Text may be converted to outlines. Some formats require additional drivers. Complex gradients may not convert well.
HISTORY
pstoedit was created by Wolfgang Glunz to enable conversion of PostScript graphics to editable vector formats. It has been maintained since the 1990s and supports many output formats.