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PDF.co MCP Server

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by pdfdotco
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Python
Remote

pdf_to_json

Convert PDFs and scanned images into structured JSON while preserving text, fonts, images, vectors, and formatting; specify pages, regions, and OCR language as needed.

Instructions

Convert PDF and scanned images into JSON representation with text, fonts, images, vectors, and formatting preserved using the /pdf/convert/to/json2 endpoint.
Ref: https://developer.pdf.co/api/pdf-to-json/basic.md

Input 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.
langNoLanguage for OCR for scanned documents. Default is 'eng'. See PDF.co docs for supported languages. (Optional, Default: 'eng')eng
nameNoFile name for the generated output. (Optional)
rectNoDefines coordinates for extraction (e.g., '51.8,114.8,235.5,204.0'). (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)
unwrapNoUnwrap lines into a single line within table cells when lineGrouping is enabled. Must be true or false. (Optional)
api_keyNoPDF.co API key. If not provided, will use X_API_KEY environment variable. (Optional)
passwordNoPassword of the PDF file. (Optional)
profilesNoExtra engine options for this endpoint as a JSON object encoded in a string. The options differ per endpoint; see https://developer.pdf.co/api/profiles. (Optional)
expirationNoLifetime of the output link in minutes; the output file is deleted afterwards. API default is 60; the maximum depends on the plan. (Optional)
httppasswordNoHTTP auth password if required to access source url. (Optional)
httpusernameNoHTTP auth user name if required to access source url. (Optional)
line_groupingNoEnables line grouping within table cells when set to '1'. (Optional)0

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv0.0.11
    • addedInput schema / properties / expiration
      Added value: +{
+  "anyOf": [
+    {
+      "type": "integer"
+    },
+    {
+      "type": "null"
+    }
+  ],
+  "default": null,
+  "description": "Lifetime of the output link in minutes; the output file is deleted afterwards. API default is 60; the maximum depends on the plan. (Optional)",
+  "title": "Expiration"
+}
    • addedInput schema / properties / profiles
      Added value: +{
+  "default": "",
+  "description": "Extra engine options for this endpoint as a JSON object encoded in a string. The options differ per endpoint; see https://developer.pdf.co/api/profiles. (Optional)",
+  "title": "Profiles",
+  "type": "string"
+}
  2. First observed

TDQS

B3.1/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden, and it discloses almost nothing: it does not say whether the call is synchronous or returns a job to poll (relevant given get_job_check and wait_job_completion siblings), what the response contains (an output link? inline JSON?), or that the output link expires. The mention of scanned images implies OCR, but the lang parameter is the only clue.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

Two lines, front-loaded with the core action and output characteristics, plus a reference link. Efficient and free of filler, though the reference line contributes little for an agent that cannot fetch it.

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

Completeness4/5

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

No annotations and 13 parameters, but the schema is fully documented with defaults and formats, and a docs reference is given. What is missing is return-value and execution-model context (sync vs async job, output link lifetime), which matters given the visible job-polling siblings.

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 all 13 parameters are already documented with defaults and examples. The description adds no parameter meaning beyond pointing at the /pdf/convert/to/json2 endpoint and a docs URL, which is the expected baseline when the schema does the heavy lifting.

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

Purpose4/5

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

States a specific verb and resource ('Convert PDF and scanned images into JSON representation') and enumerates what is preserved (text, fonts, images, vectors, formatting), which distinguishes it from plain-text siblings like pdf_to_text. It does not name those siblings explicitly, so the differentiation is inferred rather than declared.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

There is no when-to-use guidance, no prerequisites, and no mention of alternatives such as pdf_to_text, pdf_to_xml, or pdf_to_html even though the sibling list is crowded with near-identical converters. The only routing hint ('use upload_file for local files') lives in the schema, not the description.

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

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