A lightweight, client-side web application for manipulating PDFs directly in your browser without any server uploads. Pidief lets you merge, split, and reorganize PDF files with a clean, intuitive interface.
The core architecture leverages MuPDF compiled to WebAssembly, running in a Web Worker to keep the main thread responsive. The UI is built with native Web Components and TypeScript via Vite, providing a framework-free, performant experience.
Key technical decisions: Processing happens entirely client-side using WebAssembly, ensuring privacy and eliminating server overhead. The Web Worker architecture keeps the interface responsive even during complex PDF operations. Native Web Components provide encapsulation without the overhead of a heavy framework. The implementation also handles the nuances of PDF manipulation—managing page ordering, preserving document structure, and handling various PDF formats efficiently.