How Can PHP Libraries Help Extract Text Layer Content and Coordinates from PDF Files?

Read and Extract Text Layers from PDF Files Using PHP

Finding a way to read a PDF file's text layers, extract their contents, and obtain their coordinates is a common task. In this article, we'll explore how to accomplish this using PHP.

For those handling large PDF floor maps with layers of office furniture and seat location text boxes, knowing the x/y coordinates of specific seat locations can be invaluable. One potential solution is to utilize PHP libraries that provide PDF manipulation and text extraction capabilities.

One library to consider is FPDF (in conjunction with FPDI). FPDF is a PHP library that allows you to create and modify PDF documents. FPDI extends this functionality, enabling you to open an existing PDF and add or modify its content. By using FPDF and FPDI, you can open the target PDF file, search for specific text layers based on keywords, and extract their contents and coordinates.

Another alternative is TCPDF, a PHP library specifically designed for generating PDF documents. Its comprehensive features include the ability to read and parse existing PDF files, making it a viable option for this task.

Finally, a more modern library worth exploring is PDF Parser. This PHP library offers advanced features for parsing and extracting data from PDF documents, including the ability to retrieve text layers, their contents, and coordinates.

Remember, when selecting a PHP library for this purpose, consider the specific features and functionalities they offer. FPDF and FPDI provide a balance of features for creating and modifying PDF files, while TCPDF and PDF Parser have more specialized capabilities for parsing and extracting data from existing PDF documents.

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