How to Delete Pages from PDF using PDF.co Web API

Features of PDF.co Web API

The PDF.co Web API makes it easy to analyze and edit PDF documents using your preferred programming language. It allows you to modify PDF files, including analyzing and deleting pages. The API operates on a highly secure system, transmitting data through an encrypted connection to ensure your files are protected. By automating the document editing process, the API helps save both time and money.

With its asynchronous mode, you can process documents without needing to wait for operations to finish immediately. This feature improves scalability and efficiency, especially when handling large batches of files.

Below, you’ll find complete details about how to use the PDF.co Web API to delete pages, along with a demo and sample code that showcase these features in action.

Endpoint Parameters

Below is a brief explanation of the endpoint parameters of the PDF.co Web API to help you understand their functionality:

• url: (Required) Specifies the URL of the source file. The platform supports publicly accessible URLs, including those from Dropbox, Google Drive, and PDF.co’s built-in file storage.
• httpusername: (Optional) Provides the username for authentication if the source URL requires it.
• httppassword: (Optional) Contains the password for authentication if the source URL requires it.
• pages: (Optional) Indicates which pages to delete from the PDF. You can specify:
  • A single page (e.g., 1)
  • A range of pages using a dash (e.g., 1-3)
  • Multiple pages or ranges separated by commas (e.g., 1,3,5-7).
  • If left empty, all pages in the PDF will be deleted. This parameter must be provided as a string.
• name: (Optional) Allows you to name the output file. This parameter must be a string.
• expiration: (Optional) Sets the expiration time for the output URL in PDF.co’s temporary file storage.
• profiles: (Optional) Configures custom settings. This parameter must be a string.
• async: (Optional) When set to true, the process runs asynchronously. The response will include a job ID and a status URL. You can use the status URL to check progress or configure webhooks for task completion notifications.

Example Using JavaScript

Below is the source code to demonstrate how you can delete specific pages from a sample PDF document using the PDF.co Web API. The example is written in JavaScript and shows how to efficiently edit a PDF document using some of the API parameters.

You can specify the URL of any document you wish to edit, ensuring efficient and secure alterations through this API. To complete this process, follow these steps:

1. Provide your API Key: The PDF.co platform generates an API key for you upon logging in. Include this key in your program.
2. Specify the URL of the PDF Document: Add the URL for the document you want to edit in the API request.
3. Resulting File: After executing the program, the PDF.co API generates a resulting file. You can either download this file or visit the provided URL to see the changes made to the PDF document.

The sample code below illustrates how to use these features effectively.

Sample Code Snippet

The following source code contains the program to delete pages from a PDF. You can view the full code here.

// Requiring modules
const express = require('express');
const axios = require('axios');


// Creating express object
const app = express();


const options = {
    method: 'POST',
    url: 'https://api.pdf.co/v1/pdf/edit/delete-pages',
    headers: {
        'x-api-key': '*******************************************************',
        'Content-Type': 'application/json',
    },
    data: {
        url: 'https://juventudedesporto.cplp.org/files/sample-pdf_9359.pdf',
        pages: '1-3',
        name: 'result.pdf',
        async: true // Enable asynchronous processing
    }
};


// Sending the request
axios(options)
    .then((response) => {
        console.log(response.data); 
        // In async mode, check for job ID and status URL in the response
    })
    .catch((error) => {
        console.error(error);
    });

Sample Code Walkthrough

Following is the step by step explanation of the sample source code:

Output

Sample PDF Document

Following is the beginning of the sample document for this example:

Output PDF Document

Below is the screenshot of the edited sample document after deleting pages 1, 2, and 3 for visualization: