PSPDFKit Alternative
PSPDFKit (now Nutrient) is a powerful SDK with 17+ annotation types, real-time collaboration, and native mobile SDKs. It's a strong choice for teams that need advanced document capabilities. The recent rebrand to Nutrient has split their documentation and package names, which can be confusing. For server-side features like BYOS, PSPDFKit requires Document Engine - a separate backend component you host and maintain. SimplePDF is a finished product: one iframe, transparent pricing, no server infrastructure.
What you get with SimplePDF
No Document Engine needed
PSPDFKit requires Document Engine for BYOS, collaboration, and server-side processing. SimplePDF does BYOS (S3 & Azure) with zero server components.
One iframe, ready to go
No npm install, no configuration files, no license keys. One iframe tag and your users have a full PDF editor.
Transparent pricing from $99/mo
PSPDFKit uses quote-based pricing. SimplePDF starts at $99/mo with no annual commitments. You see the price before you talk to sales.
Client-side by default
Documents are processed entirely in the browser. No server roundtrip, no data exposure, HIPAA-friendly by architecture.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PSPDFKit (Nutrient) | SimplePDF |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | npm + config + Document Engine | One iframe |
| Annotation types | 17+ types | Text, signatures, checkboxes, images |
| Form filling | Yes | Yes (with auto-detection) |
| Signatures | Yes (including digital certificates) | Yes (draw, type, upload) |
| Real-time collaboration | Yes (via Document Engine) | No |
| BYOS | Via Document Engine | Built-in (S3 & Azure) |
| Client-side processing | Partial (some features need server) | Yes (in-browser) |
| Native mobile SDKs | iOS, Android, Flutter, React Native | Web only (responsive) |
| White-label | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Quote-based | From $99/mo (transparent) |
| Digital certificates (eIDAS) | Yes | No |
Integration Comparison
npm install pspdfkit
PSPDFKit.load({
container: '#pspdfkit',
document: 'document.pdf',
licenseKey: 'YOUR_LICENSE_KEY',
baseUrl: 'https://your-document-engine/'
});
// + Document Engine setup
// + toolbar customisation
// + UI configuration
// + event handlers<iframe
src="https://yourcompany.simplepdf.com/editor"
width="100%"
height="800px"
/>Where PSPDFKit is the better fit
- You need 17+ annotation types (stamps, polylines, measurements, redaction, etc.)
- You need real-time collaboration on the same document
- You need digital certificate signatures (eIDAS, PAdES) for legal compliance
- You need native mobile SDKs (iOS, Android, Flutter, React Native)
- You need server-side PDF processing (merge, split, flatten, optimize) via Document Engine
Which SimplePDF product fits?
Embed
For developers who need PDF editing in their web app without managing an SDK or Document Engine. One iframe, full editing.
Learn about EmbedPortal
For teams that need to collect filled PDFs from users without any integration. Share a link, get completed documents back.
Learn about PortalPDF-to-Web-Forms
Convert PDFs into web forms automatically. No SDK, no Document Engine, no server infrastructure needed.
Learn about PDF-to-Web-FormsGot any questions?
Is PSPDFKit now called Nutrient?
Yes. PSPDFKit rebranded to Nutrient in 2024. The SDK packages, documentation, and website are being migrated to the Nutrient brand. Some resources still reference PSPDFKit, which can make it harder to find current documentation.
Do I need Document Engine for PSPDFKit BYOS?
Yes. PSPDFKit's Bring Your Own Storage requires Document Engine, which is a server-side component you deploy and maintain. SimplePDF supports BYOS (S3 and Azure Blob Storage) natively without any server-side infrastructure.
How much does PSPDFKit cost per year?
PSPDFKit uses quote-based pricing. Published reports suggest web-only licenses start around $10,000-$15,000/year, with additional costs for Document Engine and mobile platforms. SimplePDF's pricing is published: $99/mo (Basic), $349/mo (Pro), $899/mo (Premium), with no annual commitment required.
What is the simplest PSPDFKit alternative for web?
SimplePDF is designed for teams that need PDF editing without the overhead of an SDK. It embeds in one line of code (a single iframe), requires no npm packages or server components, and includes form filling, signatures, white-label, and BYOS out of the box.
Does PSPDFKit support AI agents?
Yes. Nutrient (PSPDFKit) ships a nutrient-dws-mcp-server for their Document Web Service. SimplePDF also supports AI-assisted workflows via agents.simplepdf.com, which lets AI agents generate editor links, retrieve form fields, and fill PDFs programmatically - with an optional human-in-the-loop review step via the visual editor.