Self-host Stirling-PDF
v3.3.0Open-source PDF editor and automation platform
- Stars
- 96 348
- RAM
- 2 GB (ultra-lite), 4 GB (latest), 6 GB (latest-fat)
- Port
- 8080 (HTTP web UI and API)
docker.stirlingpdf.com/stirlingtools/stirling-pdf
What is Stirling-PDF?
Stirling PDF is a self-hosted PDF platform for individuals and teams to modify, combine, split, sign, redact, convert, OCR, and compress PDFs without sending files elsewhere. It offers over 60 tools via a web UI, desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and a REST API for automation. Deploy with Docker, Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or as a standalone JAR. Includes a built-in database, supports OAuth/OIDC (Google, GitHub, Keycloak, Authentik) and SAML 2.0 (Enterprise) for single sign-on, and provides no-code pipeline automation for batch processing. The project is open-core: core features are MIT-licensed while some enterprise capabilities live in proprietary directories. A free tier gives 1,000 monthly automation credits; paid Team and Enterprise plans add SSO, SCIM, audit logs, air-gapped deployment, and SLAs.
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Should you self-host Stirling-PDF?
Stirling-PDF scores 87/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #1 of 47 in Document Management. It has 96 348 GitHub stars, +2 525 in the last 30 days.
It shipped 26 stable releases in the past year. The latest, v3.3.0, came out on 5 November 2026. New versions land roughly every 6 days.
Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. An official Docker image is available. It is MIT-licensed and written mostly in Typescript.
Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is Paperless-ngx (87/100, 48 040 stars). Stirling-PDF scores higher overall. See Stirling-PDF vs Paperless-ngx side by side.
Features
- AI-assisted PDF processingRequires latest-fat image and additional memory
- Audit Logging
- Automation pipelines
- Compression
- Desktop applications
- Digital Signatures
- Multi-language UI
- OCR
- PDF conversion
- PDF Editing
- PDF merge and split
- Redaction
- REST API
- Single sign-on (OIDC/OAuth)Available on all plans
- Single sign-on (SAML)Requires Enterprise licence
Stirling-PDF README
Stirling PDF is a powerful, open-source PDF editing platform. Run it as a personal desktop app, in the browser, or deploy it on your own servers with a private API. Edit, sign, redact, convert, and automate PDFs without sending documents to external services.
FAQ
How do I add a line break in a stamp or watermark?
Type \n where you want the break in the text of Add Stamp to PDF or Add Watermark.
Can I remove an existing watermark?
No. Stirling PDF has no tool to remove a watermark that's already in a PDF.
Where are my files processed?
Files stay in your browser (Cloud), on your computer (Desktop app Local Only mode), or on your self-hosted server. They are only stored on a server if you explicitly save them there.
Does Stirling PDF track me?
Usage analytics are opt-in, and Stirling PDF never tracks the content of your documents. You can decline non-essential cookies.
How do I check the logs?
Run docker logs stirling-pdf, or open the logs folder (the /logs volume in Docker). The first error usually names the cause.
Why does my server make requests to js.stripe.com?
Only when an admin opens the checkout to buy a plan. No documents are sent to Stripe.
Why does Stirling PDF use so much memory when idle?
The Docker image sizes the Java heap from the container's memory limit, or from the host's RAM if there is no limit. Set a limit with mem_limit or --memory.
Why does uploading a large file download an .htm file or fail?
Your reverse proxy (e.g., nginx) is rejecting the upload due to default body size limits. Raise its body size limit and timeouts.
How do I turn login on or off?
Login is on by default. To turn it off, set SECURITY_ENABLELOGIN=false and restart.
docker pull from docker.stirlingpdf.com fails. What now?
Pull the same image from Docker Hub (stirlingtools/stirling-pdf) or GitHub (ghcr.io/stirling-tools/stirling-pdf) instead.
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