How to convert PDF file into TIFF in batch mode?

Today PDF (Portable Document Format) is a widely spread file format used to store documents and manuals and publish them on the Internet. It is also used for preprint preparation of books, booklets, documents and presentations. Modern search engines (e.g. Google) support keyword search not only in text files but in PDF files as well.

The internal structure of PDF file is highly complicated due to large amount of encoding and compression methods used in this format. Here are some of compression types provided in PDF format specification: LZW, Deflate, DCT(JPEG), CCITT FAX 3, CCITT FAX 4, ASCII-85, RLE, JBIG2. PDF can present graphical data in various color spaces, e.g. RGB, CMYK, GRAY, CIE Lab. Color space may be specified in ICC-profile embedded into PDF file. Fonts for document text areas can also be embedded into PDF file.

PDF format is based on PostScript language. The first version of PDF format specification was issued in 1993. Since that time it suffered several cardinal changes. A document saved in PDF format will theoretically look the same on any computer and under any operating system. We say theoretically as the script that creates PDF file might fail to be rendered the same way under any OS and by any viewer. That's why, to guarantee that the document is completely OS and viewer independent, one should convert a PDF file intor a simple format - e.g. TIFF.

TIFF format is a common and reliable standard for storing images. TIFF contains raster image, that's why no script rendering is necessary to view it. Most viewers use 'libtiff' library to process TIFF files. This library is available in source codes. This fact guarantees that TIFF files will always look the same on any machine due to usage of the same code.

To convert PDF files to TIFF:

• Download and install ImageConverter Plus
• Press 'Start" button, then select 'Run...' and press it
  • To convert PDF files to black-and-white TIFF, enter the following command line:
  ICPCL.exe -convertto tiff compression:CCITT_Fax4 dither:no -source "C:\source\*.*" -dest "C:\out" -oper Resize size:130 130 units:percents keep_prop:no -save_opt convert_subfolders:yes restore_subfolders:yes
  • To convert PDF files to grayscale TIFF, enter:
  ICPCL.exe -convertto tiff -source "C:\source\*.*" -dest "C:\out" -save_opt convert_subfolders:yes restore_subfolders:yes -oper Effect effect:grayscale
  • To convert PDF files to color TIFF, enter:
  ICPCL.exe -convertto tiff -source "C:\PCX Images\*.pcx" -dest "C:\out" -save_opt convert_subfolders:yes restore_subfolders:yes
• Press 'OK' button
• A DOS mode window will open and the conversion process will start
• Converted files will be stored in 'C:\out' folder

If you do conversions often you may found it more convenient to make a conversion script as a BATCH-file.

Information for developers:
Image Open Save Dialog

We are happy to announce a new tool offered by our company as a part of "Complete Image Convesion Solution" project.

www.image-open-save-dialog.com

Working with the command line is best illustrated at www.online-image-converter.com

The conversion is carried out with the help of ImageConverter Plus Command Line. You can convert your images free of charge and without any limitations. Оnline-image-converter just illustrates the command line support and that's why it lacks some features available with command line when used offline.

Information for solution suppliers and system integrators

The company is happy to inform our customers about the fact that a new image conversion management tool, ImageConverter Plus Scheduler, is under private testing now.

www.command-line-imageconverterplus.com