Stirling PDF 2.0, a notable update to the open-source PDF alternative, has been released on November 27, 2024, bringing substantial improvements to rendering accuracy, CSS support, and overall performance.The update aims to provide a robust, free, and privacy-respecting alternative to proprietary PDF software like Adobe Acrobat.
This release addresses long-standing issues with PDF rendering, especially concerning complex layouts and embedded fonts. Developed as a modernized rewrite of the PDF specification in Rust, Stirling PDF is gaining traction among developers and users seeking a lightweight and customizable PDF solution. The update impacts anyone working with PDFs who desires greater control over their software or seeks to avoid subscription costs associated with commercial alternatives. Future progress will focus on expanding features and improving compatibility with a wider range of PDF documents.