Skip to main content
Glama
pdfdotco

PDF.co MCP Server

Official
by pdfdotco

pdf_make_unsearchable

Remove the text layer from a PDF to make it non-searchable, preventing copy and search of content from scanned or existing documents.

Instructions

Make existing PDF document non-searchable by removing the text layer from it.
Ref: https://developer.pdf.co/api/pdf-change-text-searchable/unsearchable.md

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
urlYesURL to the source file. Supports publicly accessible links including Google Drive, Dropbox, PDF.co Built-In Files Storage. Use 'upload_file' tool to upload local files.
nameNoFile name for the generated output. (Optional)
pagesNoComma-separated page indices (e.g., '0, 1, 2-' or '1, 3-7'). Use '!' for inverted page numbers (e.g., '!0' for last page). Processes all pages if None. (Optional)
api_keyNoPDF.co API key. If not provided, will use X_API_KEY environment variable. (Optional)
passwordNoPassword of the PDF file. (Optional)
httppasswordNoHTTP auth password if required to access source url. (Optional)
httpusernameNoHTTP auth user name if required to access source url. (Optional)
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description bears the full burden of disclosing behavior. It does state the core mechanism—removing the text layer—which is a crucial destructive action. However, it does not elaborate on side effects, reversibility, or any permission requirements. The reference link is a positive addition, but the inline description remains thin on operational impact.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single clear sentence followed by a reference link. It is front-loaded with the main action and method, with every word earning its place. There is no filler or repetition, making it highly efficient.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's moderate complexity (7 parameters) and lack of annotations or output schema, the description is too sparse. It does not explain what the output looks like, how to retrieve the resulting PDF, or what the tool returns. The reference link may contain this info, but it is not inline. As a result, the agent would have to infer or investigate expected behavior, making this incomplete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds no parameter-specific information beyond what is already in the schema. It does not clarify the meaning or format of any parameter, leaving the schema's descriptions to do the work. Thus, no added value is provided.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states a specific action ('Make existing PDF document non-searchable') with the method ('removing the text layer'). It distinguishes this from the sibling tool pdf_make_searchable by naming the opposite outcome. The reference link provides additional detail without cluttering the description.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies when to use this tool (when you need a PDF to be non-searchable) but provides no explicit guidance on alternatives or exclusions. It does not mention whether to prefer this over other PDF processing tools, nor does it note prerequisites beyond the schema. The sibling tool pdf_make_searchable exists as an obvious alternative, but the description does not directly contrast them.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/pdfdotco/pdfco-mcp'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server