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Ghostscript vs MuPDF: catalog facts
GhostscriptMuPDF
Free

Free and open source under the AGPL. Commercial licensing is sold separately.

Free

Free and open source under the AGPL. Commercial licensing is sold separately.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Command line
  • Handles PostScript, PDF, PCL and XPS in one interpreter
  • The de facto engine for PDF conversion and compression in print workflows
  • Extremely fast and small, with accurate rendering
  • The bundled mutool covers most scripted PDF manipulation
  • Command line with a famously cryptic option set
  • Commercial redistribution requires a paid Artifex licence
  • The viewer interface is deliberately minimal and keyboard-driven
  • Commercial use of the library needs a paid licence from Artifex
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: AGPL-3.0 License: AGPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 22, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.