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PDF4me

Comprehensive PDF and document processing: generate barcodes, convert files, extract data, manipulate images, and automate workflows with the PDF4ME API

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Overview

The node provides functionality to unlock password-protected PDF files. It supports multiple input methods for the PDF file: binary data from a previous node, a base64 encoded string, or a URL pointing to the PDF. The node removes the password protection using the provided password and outputs the unlocked PDF file.

This node is beneficial in workflows where automated processing of secured PDFs is required, such as extracting data from locked documents, merging unlocked PDFs, or converting them to other formats without manual intervention.

Practical examples:

  • Automatically unlocking client-submitted protected PDFs before extracting form data.
  • Unlocking PDFs downloaded from a URL to enable further editing or annotation.
  • Processing base64 encoded PDFs received via API calls by unlocking them for downstream tasks.

Properties

Name Meaning
Input Data Type Method to provide the PDF file to unlock. Options: Binary Data (from previous node), Base64 String, URL to PDF file.
Input Binary Field Name of the binary property containing the PDF file when using Binary Data input type (default "data").
Base64 PDF Content Base64 encoded content of the PDF document when using Base64 String input type.
PDF URL URL pointing to the PDF file to unlock when using URL input type.
Output File Name Desired filename for the output unlocked PDF file (default "unlocked_output.pdf").
Password Password used to unlock the protected PDF file.
Binary Data Output Name Custom name for the binary data field in the node's output (default "data").

Output

The node outputs the unlocked PDF file as binary data under the specified binary data output name (default "data"). The JSON output contains metadata about the operation and references the binary data. This allows subsequent nodes to access the unlocked PDF file for further processing or saving.

If the input was a protected PDF, the output will be the same PDF content but without password protection.

Dependencies

  • Requires an active connection to the PDF processing service that handles unlocking PDFs.
  • Needs appropriate API credentials configured in n8n to authenticate with the external PDF service.
  • Internet access may be required if the input PDF is provided via URL.

Troubleshooting

  • Incorrect password error: If the provided password is wrong, the node will fail to unlock the PDF. Verify the password is correct.
  • Invalid input data: Ensure the PDF content is correctly provided according to the selected input type (binary, base64, or URL).
  • Network issues: When using URL input, network connectivity problems or inaccessible URLs can cause failures.
  • Missing binary data: If using binary input, confirm the binary property name matches the actual property containing the PDF.
  • Output file naming: If the output file name is not set or invalid, the default name will be used.

To resolve errors, check the input parameters carefully, verify credentials, and ensure the PDF is accessible and properly formatted.

Links and References

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